44217, Creston, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 44217, Creston, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.19 percent of residents in 44217 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lodi Community Hospital with a distance of 7.43 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Creston (44217)

For individuals grappling with asthma, the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount. This write-up, a crucial component of the "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 44217 (Creston, Ohio), delves into the complexities of transportation, a critical determinant of healthcare access. It examines the various modes of transport available, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities that await those moving to Creston and seeking consistent asthma care.

The central question is this: how readily can residents of 44217 reach healthcare providers, particularly specialists, in a timely and efficient manner, given the constraints of their asthma? This analysis will consider drive times, public transit options, and the availability of alternative transportation solutions. It will also address the presence of ADA-compliant features on public transport and the potential of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**The Road Ahead: Driving to Healthcare**

Creston, nestled in Wayne County, Ohio, presents a landscape where personal vehicles reign supreme. The primary arteries for transportation are State Route 226, which bisects the village, and US Route 250, offering connections to larger towns and cities. Navigating these roads, however, can present challenges, particularly during peak traffic hours or inclement weather.

For routine appointments with primary care physicians, located within Creston or nearby, the drive is generally manageable. However, accessing specialized asthma care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers in Wooster (approximately 15-20 minutes via US-250), Akron (around 45-60 minutes via US-250 and I-76), or Cleveland (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, primarily via I-71).

These drive times, while seemingly reasonable, can be significantly impacted by traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, potentially exacerbating asthma symptoms for patients already struggling with respiratory distress. Moreover, the financial burden of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees adds another layer of complexity, particularly for low-income individuals or families.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Creston is limited, posing a significant hurdle for individuals reliant on alternatives to personal vehicles. The Wayne County Transit (WCT) provides demand-response services, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service, while offering a lifeline for some, is not a readily available, on-demand solution.

The WCT operates within Wayne County, which means trips to healthcare providers in Akron or Cleveland are not directly accessible. The lack of a robust public transit system underscores the transportation challenges for those with asthma who may not be able to drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on WCT vehicles is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, including those experiencing severe asthma exacerbations. Ensuring that all public transit options adhere to ADA standards is vital to ensure healthcare access for all residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to traditional transportation. However, their availability in Creston can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for regular healthcare appointments, potentially impacting adherence to treatment plans.

Specialized medical transport services, such as CareRide or MedRide, provide non-emergency medical transportation. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offering a potentially more reliable and comfortable option than ride-sharing or public transit. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The presence and accessibility of these services are critical for individuals with asthma, especially those who cannot drive or lack access to reliable transportation. The ability to pre-book transportation, knowing that a safe and reliable ride is guaranteed, can alleviate some of the stress and anxiety associated with managing asthma.

**The Asthma Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Asthma Score" for 44217 must incorporate a comprehensive assessment of transportation options, considering the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average drive times to primary care physicians, pulmonologists, allergists, and emergency rooms.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The availability, frequency, and ADA-compliance of public transit services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Services:** The availability, cost, and responsiveness of specialized medical transport services.
* **Financial Burden:** The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport costs.
* **Weather Conditions:** The impact of inclement weather on transportation reliability.

**Moving to Creston: Considerations for Asthma Sufferers**

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Creston, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. While Creston offers a tranquil environment, the limitations in healthcare access, particularly concerning transportation, must be carefully weighed.

Prospective residents should assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the affordability of ride-sharing or medical transport services. They should also research the proximity of healthcare providers, including specialists, and the ease of scheduling appointments.

The "Asthma Score" will provide a valuable tool for making informed decisions, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of Creston's transportation infrastructure concerning healthcare access. This information will empower individuals with asthma to make informed choices about their healthcare and well-being, ensuring they can effectively manage their condition while residing in the community.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of Creston, regardless of their transportation circumstances, can access the healthcare they need, when they need it. This requires a multifaceted approach, including improving public transit options, promoting ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transport. The "Asthma Score" serves as a crucial step in identifying the gaps and advocating for improvements, creating a healthier and more accessible community for everyone.