44313, Akron, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 44313, Akron, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.97 percent of residents in 44313 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Summa Western Reserve Hospital with a distance of 3.03 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Akron's 44313

The rust-belt city of Akron, Ohio, presents a unique landscape for those seeking quality healthcare, particularly for individuals managing asthma. This write-up, an "Asthma Score" assessment, delves into the nuances of **transportation** options available to residents of ZIP code 44313, focusing on **healthcare access** and the practical considerations for anyone **moving to Akron** with respiratory needs. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in navigating the city's infrastructure to reach vital medical appointments.

ZIP code 44313, encompassing a significant portion of Akron, offers a varied terrain of residential neighborhoods and commercial areas. The primary challenge, especially for those with asthma, lies in the potential for prolonged exposure to environmental irritants during the journey to and from healthcare facilities. This necessitates a careful evaluation of all available **transportation** options.

**Driving: A Double-Edged Sword**

Driving, the most common mode of **transportation**, presents both advantages and disadvantages. The primary arteries serving 44313 include Interstate 76 (I-76), Interstate 77 (I-77), and major thoroughfares like East Market Street, and Kenmore Boulevard. These routes offer relatively direct access to major hospitals and clinics, such as Akron General Medical Center (Cleveland Clinic Akron General) and Summa Health System's facilities. However, peak traffic times, particularly during rush hour, can significantly extend drive times, increasing exposure to vehicle exhaust and other pollutants.

Consider a hypothetical scenario: a resident of 44313 needs to reach Akron General on West Market Street. During off-peak hours, the drive via Kenmore Boulevard and West Market Street might take 15-20 minutes. However, during rush hour, this commute could easily stretch to 30-45 minutes, exacerbating asthma symptoms. The condition of the roadways, with potholes and construction zones, can also contribute to increased stress and potential triggers.

The availability of parking near healthcare facilities is another critical factor. While most hospitals offer parking garages, the cost and distance from the entrance can be burdensome. Furthermore, the act of walking through parking lots, especially during inclement weather or periods of high pollen counts, can pose challenges for asthma sufferers.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Akron Metro**

The Akron Metropolitan Regional Transit Authority (Metro) provides public **transportation** services within the city. Several bus routes traverse 44313, offering access to healthcare facilities. Route 1, for instance, serves East Market Street, connecting to downtown Akron and potentially to hospitals located there. Route 10 offers access to Akron General Medical Center. Route 12 serves Kenmore Boulevard and provides connections to various medical offices.

However, relying on public transit for asthma patients requires careful planning. Bus schedules, while generally reliable, can be subject to delays, increasing the time spent outdoors or in potentially crowded environments. The accessibility of bus stops is also a consideration. While Metro strives to provide ADA-compliant features, some stops may lack adequate shelters or seating, exposing passengers to the elements.

Furthermore, the air quality inside buses, particularly during peak hours, can be a concern. Crowded buses may have poor ventilation and increased exposure to allergens and other irritants. The transfer process, requiring walking between bus routes, can also pose challenges, especially for those with limited mobility or severe asthma symptoms.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Specialized Solutions**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to driving and public transit. These services provide door-to-door **transportation**, minimizing exposure to environmental triggers. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as CareRide and MedRide, specialize in providing non-emergency medical transport. These services typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers, catering to the specific needs of patients with mobility limitations or other health concerns. While these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing, they provide a higher level of comfort and support, potentially reducing stress and anxiety associated with **healthcare access**.

**Evaluating the Asthma Score: A Holistic Approach**

The "Asthma Score" for 44313 is not a simple numerical value but a holistic assessment of the **transportation** landscape. It involves weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each **transportation** option, considering individual needs and circumstances. Factors to consider include:

* **Severity of Asthma:** Individuals with severe asthma may require specialized medical **transportation** or ride-sharing services to minimize exposure to triggers.
* **Frequency of Appointments:** Frequent appointments necessitate a more cost-effective and reliable **transportation** solution, potentially favoring public transit or ride-sharing.
* **Mobility Limitations:** Individuals with mobility issues require accessible **transportation** options, such as ADA-compliant buses or medical **transportation** services.
* **Financial Constraints:** The cost of **transportation** is a significant factor, especially for those with limited incomes. Public transit may be the most affordable option, while ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services can be more expensive.
* **Environmental Sensitivities:** Individuals with allergies or sensitivities to environmental pollutants should prioritize **transportation** options that minimize exposure to these triggers.

**Recommendations for Asthma Sufferers in 44313**

For those **moving to Akron** and residing in 44313, a proactive approach to **healthcare access** is crucial. Prioritize the following:

1. **Research Healthcare Facilities:** Identify healthcare providers and facilities within a reasonable distance, considering travel times and **transportation** options.
2. **Explore Public Transit Routes:** Familiarize yourself with Metro bus routes and schedules, identifying routes that provide direct access to healthcare facilities.
3. **Assess Ride-Sharing Costs:** Calculate the estimated cost of ride-sharing services for frequent medical appointments.
4. **Investigate Medical Transport Options:** Research medical **transportation** services and their associated costs, particularly if mobility limitations or severe asthma symptoms are present.
5. **Plan for Peak Traffic:** Factor in potential delays due to traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.
6. **Prepare for Environmental Triggers:** Carry necessary medications, such as inhalers, and consider wearing a mask during peak pollen seasons or periods of poor air quality.
7. **Communicate with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss **transportation** challenges with your healthcare provider and explore potential solutions, such as telehealth appointments or home healthcare visits.

By carefully evaluating these factors and implementing proactive strategies, residents of 44313 can navigate the **transportation** landscape and ensure reliable **healthcare access**, ultimately improving their quality of life and managing their asthma effectively. The "Asthma Score" is not a static measure but a dynamic assessment, requiring ongoing evaluation and adaptation to meet individual needs and the evolving **transportation** infrastructure within Akron.