45822, Celina, Ohio Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 45822, Celina, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

83.07 percent of residents in 45822 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ridgeview Hospital with a distance of 24.39 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Celina, Ohio (ZIP Code 45822)**

Navigating the complexities of healthcare, particularly when facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates understanding **healthcare access**, a crucial element often overlooked. This analysis, focusing on ZIP Code 45822 (Celina, Ohio), provides a “Prostate Cancer Score” considering **transportation** options, a critical factor in receiving timely and consistent care. This is especially relevant for those **moving to Celina**, seeking a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" assesses the ease with which a resident can access essential prostate cancer-related healthcare services, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options, reflecting the overall accessibility of care within and around Celina.

**Drive Times to Healthcare Facilities**

The primary healthcare provider in Celina is Mercer Health, which includes the Mercer County Community Hospital. For a prostate cancer patient, this hospital is the likely starting point for diagnosis and initial treatment. The drive time to Mercer County Community Hospital from most locations within Celina is generally under 10 minutes. This convenience is a significant advantage.

However, specialized care, such as radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, might necessitate travel to larger regional centers. The nearest major hospitals offering comprehensive cancer care are located in Lima, Ohio, approximately 40 miles away. This journey involves driving primarily on US Route 127 North, transitioning to Interstate 75 North. The drive time to Lima, under normal traffic conditions, is approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

Another option is to travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana, which is roughly 50 miles from Celina. This journey requires driving on US Route 33 West, and the drive time is about an hour.

These drive times are crucial. Frequent appointments for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or post-surgical follow-ups can place a considerable burden on patients and their families. The longer the commute, the greater the potential for fatigue, increased stress, and difficulty adhering to treatment schedules.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Unfortunately, public **transportation** options in Celina and Mercer County are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system offering regular routes. This poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects.

The lack of public transit highlights a critical gap in **healthcare access**. Individuals reliant on public transportation may face considerable difficulties in attending appointments, accessing medications, and receiving necessary support. This lack of options is a major negative factor in the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Celina.

While specific ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on public transit are not applicable, it is important to note that the lack of any public transit leaves those with mobility issues, a common symptom of prostate cancer treatment, with very few options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Celina, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for frequent medical appointments is not a reliable solution. The cost of these services can also accumulate rapidly, adding to the financial burden of cancer treatment.

Medical **transportation** services are another option. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transport, often utilizing wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, they typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services does offer some degree of **transportation** assistance, but their limitations and potential costs must be considered. The reliability of these services is a factor in the overall "Prostate Cancer Score."

**Medical Transportation Brands**

While specific medical transportation brands operating in Celina may vary, it is advisable to research local providers such as:

* **Mercer County Transit**: While not a traditional public transit system, they may offer limited services for medical appointments.
* **Private Ambulance Services**: Some ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation.

**Overall Assessment and "Prostate Cancer Score"**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Celina, Ohio (45822) reflects a mixed picture. The convenience of accessing Mercer County Community Hospital for initial care is a positive factor. However, the limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for longer drives to specialized care centers in Lima or Fort Wayne present significant challenges.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services provides some mitigation, but their limitations and potential costs must be considered.

For individuals **moving to Celina** and facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, the "Prostate Cancer Score" would be moderate. While initial care is readily accessible, the lack of robust public **transportation** and the potential for longer travel times to specialized facilities require careful consideration. Patients and their families should proactively investigate all **transportation** options, including medical **transportation** services, to ensure they can effectively manage their treatment and follow-up care. The score highlights the importance of planning and support networks in navigating the healthcare system in Celina. The score also underscores the importance of advocating for expanded **healthcare access** and **transportation** options within the community.