44906, Mansfield, Ohio Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 44906, Mansfield, Ohio is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.32 percent of residents in 44906 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Avita Ontario with a distance of 1.05 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 44906**

The journey to healthcare for residents of Mansfield, Ohio's 44906 ZIP code, particularly those managing asthma, is a complex equation. This area's transportation infrastructure, a critical determinant of healthcare access, directly impacts the quality of life for individuals with respiratory conditions. Understanding the available options, from driving to public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, is paramount. This analysis provides an "Asthma Score" perspective, weighing the accessibility and challenges of each mode, considering the specific needs of asthmatic patients.

The 44906 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Mansfield, presents a landscape where personal vehicle ownership is often the default transportation choice. Driving to healthcare appointments, however, is not always straightforward. The primary arteries, like **Interstate 71 (I-71)**, offer swift north-south travel, but traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times. Furthermore, the potential for delays due to accidents or construction poses a constant threat, increasing stress and potentially triggering asthma symptoms.

Navigating local roads, such as **Ohio Route 39** and **Ohio Route 309**, presents its own set of considerations. These routes, while offering access to local medical facilities, often traverse areas with higher levels of air pollution, a known asthma trigger. The condition of the roads, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can also contribute to a bumpy ride, potentially exacerbating respiratory distress. The drive-time to the major healthcare providers, including OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic Mansfield Hospital, can vary greatly depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within the ZIP code.

Public transit, a vital component of healthcare access for many, presents a mixed bag of opportunities and obstacles in 44906. The **Richland County Richland County Transit (RCT)** system provides bus services within the county. While RCT aims to serve the community, the frequency of routes and the geographical coverage may not always align perfectly with the needs of asthmatic patients. Limited service on evenings and weekends can restrict access to urgent care or specialist appointments outside of regular business hours.

The RCT system is committed to ADA compliance, offering accessible features like ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the extended travel times associated with bus routes, coupled with potential exposure to allergens and airborne irritants within the bus environment, can pose challenges for individuals with asthma. The need to transfer between routes to reach certain healthcare facilities further complicates the journey.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation alternative. These services can provide door-to-door transportation, eliminating the need for transfers and potentially reducing travel time. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for some individuals, particularly those with limited incomes. The availability of ride-sharing services may also fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients with medical needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like **Care Ride** and **MedTransport** provide non-emergency medical transportation, often with trained personnel and vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. These services can be particularly valuable for asthmatic patients, providing a safe and comfortable environment during transport. However, the availability of these services may be limited, and the cost can be higher than other transportation options.

The "Asthma Score" for 44906, therefore, reflects a nuanced assessment of the transportation landscape. Driving, while offering convenience, is subject to traffic delays and potential exposure to pollutants. Public transit provides an affordable alternative but faces limitations in frequency, coverage, and potential exposure to allergens. Ride-sharing offers flexibility but can be costly. Medical transportation provides specialized care but may have limited availability and higher costs.

**Moving to Mansfield** with asthma requires careful consideration of these factors. Prospective residents should research the proximity of healthcare facilities to their potential homes, assessing the accessibility of each mode of transportation. Understanding the RCT bus routes and schedules, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the coverage of medical transportation providers is crucial.

The "Asthma Score" for a specific location within 44906 would ideally incorporate a weighted average of these factors, considering the distance to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of each transportation mode, and the potential exposure to asthma triggers. This score would serve as a valuable tool for individuals with asthma, helping them make informed decisions about their healthcare access and overall quality of life.

The best scenario involves a combination of strategies. Utilizing personal vehicles when possible, supplementing with public transit or ride-sharing when needed, and having access to medical transportation services for specialized needs. The goal is to create a healthcare journey that minimizes stress, reduces exposure to triggers, and ensures timely access to medical care. This is the essence of a positive "Asthma Score" in the context of transportation and healthcare access within the 44906 ZIP code.