43948, Smithfield, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 43948, Smithfield, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.39 percent of residents in 43948 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Trinity Medical Ctr East &Trinity Medical Ctr West with a distance of 10.18 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 43948**

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like asthma, requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This assessment focuses on ZIP Code 43948 (Smithfield, Ohio), evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Asthma Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing essential medical care within this specific geographic area, offering valuable insights for residents and those considering relocating to Smithfield.

The Asthma Score considers the impact of transportation on healthcare access. Transportation barriers can significantly affect asthma management, from routine check-ups and medication refills to emergency room visits. The score will be informed by the availability and efficiency of various transportation modes, recognizing that each option presents unique advantages and disadvantages for individuals with asthma.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

Smithfield, Ohio, is a rural community, and personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The nearest major healthcare facilities are located in Steubenville, approximately 15 miles away. The primary route to Steubenville involves traveling on **Ohio State Route 7**, a two-lane highway that can experience heavy traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours. The drive typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic flow.

The condition of **Ohio State Route 7** is generally well-maintained, but winter weather can pose challenges. Snow and ice can significantly increase travel times and create hazardous driving conditions, potentially delaying or preventing access to healthcare. Residents must be prepared for such conditions, ensuring their vehicles are winterized and equipped with appropriate tires.

Alternative routes, such as **County Road 22A**, offer scenic drives but are less direct and may involve navigating winding roads, which could be problematic for drivers or passengers with motion sickness. These routes can also be affected by weather, and emergency response times may be longer in these areas.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Smithfield are limited. The **Jefferson County Transit Authority (JCTA)** provides bus services within the county, but service frequency and routes are restricted, especially to rural areas. Currently, there is no direct bus route from Smithfield to major healthcare facilities in Steubenville.

Individuals relying on public transit would likely need to arrange a combination of transportation methods, potentially involving a ride to a central location to catch a bus. This multi-step process can be time-consuming and inconvenient, particularly for those with asthma, who may experience increased exposure to environmental triggers while waiting for and riding public transit.

The JCTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service area and infrequent schedules pose significant challenges for residents with asthma seeking reliable transportation to healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Steubenville area, but their availability in Smithfield is less certain. Residents may experience longer wait times or higher fares due to the rural location. These services offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness should be carefully considered.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies like **CareRide** and **MedTrans** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for individuals with asthma who require specialized assistance or who cannot drive. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for short-notice appointments.

**Asthma Score Considerations:**

The Asthma Score for ZIP Code 43948 will consider the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest major healthcare facilities in Steubenville.
* **Road Conditions:** The condition of roads and the impact of weather on travel times.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, routes, and ADA accessibility of public transit options.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The availability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability and accessibility of medical transportation services.

Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its impact on healthcare access for individuals with asthma. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score reflects greater challenges.

**Scoring System:**

The Asthma Score will be a numerical value, ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 representing the least accessible and 10 representing the most accessible. The score will be based on the following criteria:

* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times will receive higher scores.
* **Road Conditions:** Well-maintained roads and minimal weather-related disruptions will receive higher scores.
* **Public Transit:** Frequent and direct public transit options will receive higher scores.
* **Ride-Share:** Reliable and affordable ride-sharing services will receive higher scores.
* **Medical Transportation:** Readily available and accessible medical transportation services will receive higher scores.

**Implications for Residents and Prospective Movers:**

The Asthma Score provides valuable information for residents of Smithfield and those considering moving to the area. Individuals with asthma should carefully assess the transportation options available and consider their individual needs and preferences. For example, those who rely on public transit should be aware of the limitations of the JCTA service. Those who cannot drive should investigate the availability of ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

The score also highlights the need for improvements in healthcare access in Smithfield. Increased public transit options, expanded ride-sharing services, and improved medical transportation availability would significantly enhance the quality of life for residents with asthma.

**Conclusion:**

Access to healthcare is a critical factor in managing asthma effectively. The Asthma Score for ZIP Code 43948 will provide a comprehensive assessment of transportation-related barriers and facilitate informed decision-making for residents and prospective movers. By considering drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transportation services, the score will offer a valuable tool for evaluating the ease or difficulty of accessing essential medical care in Smithfield, Ohio, and will highlight areas where improvements are needed to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents. The evaluation will provide a practical framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access in this rural community, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for individuals with asthma.