44231, Garrettsville, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 44231, Garrettsville, Ohio is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.56 percent of residents in 44231 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 12.13 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commute to Healthcare in Garrettsville, Ohio (ZIP Code 44231)**

Garrettsville, Ohio, nestled in the heart of Portage County, presents a unique challenge for residents managing asthma. The quality of healthcare access, intricately woven with transportation options, directly impacts the ability to control this chronic respiratory condition. This analysis, the "Asthma Score," evaluates the ease and efficiency of reaching essential medical services from the 44231 ZIP code, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. For individuals contemplating moving to Garrettsville, this score offers critical insights into navigating the healthcare landscape.

The primary concern for asthma sufferers is timely access to care during acute episodes. Delays can exacerbate symptoms, leading to emergency room visits and potential hospitalization. Therefore, the Asthma Score prioritizes speed and reliability in transportation options.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape**

The most common mode of transportation in Garrettsville is the personal vehicle. The Asthma Score considers drive times to key healthcare providers, factoring in peak traffic hours and potential road closures. The primary artery connecting Garrettsville to the broader region is State Route 82, a two-lane road that can experience congestion during rush hour. Heading west on Route 82, residents can reach University Hospitals Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, approximately a 20-minute drive under ideal conditions.

Further afield, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, a comprehensive medical center, is accessible via State Route 82 to Interstate 76 West, then to Route 8, resulting in a drive time of roughly 45 minutes. This route is often subject to heavier traffic. The drive to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, a major tertiary care facility, involves navigating State Route 82 to Interstate 480 West, then to I-90 East, a journey that can take over an hour, depending on traffic.

The Asthma Score acknowledges that even short delays can be detrimental during an asthma attack. The availability of multiple routes, such as using State Route 303 as an alternate to Route 82, adds a layer of resilience to the transportation network.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Garrettsville are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) provides bus service within Portage County. However, its routes and schedules are not optimized for healthcare access from Garrettsville.

The PARTA Route 7, which runs through Garrettsville, offers some connectivity. However, the frequency of service is limited, and routes may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. The Asthma Score considers the travel time, including wait times, to be significantly longer than driving.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of PARTA buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, which can be common among severe asthma sufferers. The Asthma Score assesses the availability of wheelchair lifts and other accommodations on PARTA routes.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle. The Asthma Score evaluates the availability and cost of ride-sharing services in Garrettsville, considering potential surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are another critical consideration. These services often provide door-to-door transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. The Asthma Score investigates the availability of medical transport providers in the area, such as CareRide or MedRide, and assesses their service area, pricing, and ability to accommodate patients with respiratory conditions.

**Evaluating the Score: A Multifaceted Approach**

The Asthma Score is not a simple numerical rating but a comprehensive assessment of the transportation landscape. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Average travel times to key healthcare providers, including hospitals, urgent care clinics, and specialist offices, during peak and off-peak hours.
* **Public Transit Reliability:** Frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of PARTA bus services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Presence of Uber and Lyft services, pricing, and response times.
* **Medical Transport Options:** Availability of specialized medical transport services, their service areas, and pricing.
* **Accessibility Considerations:** Assessment of the ease of access for individuals with mobility limitations, including ADA accessibility on public transit and the availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Garrettsville**

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Garrettsville, the Asthma Score provides crucial insights. While the town offers a tranquil setting, healthcare access relies heavily on personal vehicles, and public transportation options are limited. The Asthma Score highlights the importance of considering the commute to healthcare facilities when choosing a residence.

The Asthma Score's final assessment will reflect the balance between the availability of healthcare providers, the efficiency of transportation options, and the potential challenges faced by individuals with asthma. The score will provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Garrettsville, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Transportation Terrain**

The Asthma Score for Garrettsville, Ohio, reveals a landscape where healthcare access is intertwined with transportation. While driving offers the most direct access, the limited public transit and the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport highlight the need for careful planning. Individuals with asthma considering moving to Garrettsville must weigh the advantages of the community against the challenges of navigating the transportation terrain to ensure timely access to essential medical care. The Asthma Score, therefore, serves as a vital tool for understanding and addressing the healthcare needs of the residents of 44231.