44048, Kingsville, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44048, Kingsville, Ohio is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.51 percent of residents in 44048 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ashtabula County Medical Center with a distance of 6.43 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kingsville, OH (ZIP Code 44048)

Imagine the weight of a breast cancer diagnosis. Now, picture adding the burden of navigating healthcare access, especially when transportation is a challenge. This is the reality for many, and in Kingsville, Ohio (ZIP code 44048), understanding this intricate interplay is crucial. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for individuals facing breast cancer, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical services. This score isn't a numerical value, but a narrative assessment, painting a picture of the journey to care.

Kingsville, a charming village nestled in Ashtabula County, presents a unique set of circumstances. Its rural nature, while offering tranquility, can complicate healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score for this area considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all interwoven to determine the overall accessibility of care. This assessment aims to illuminate the realities of navigating the healthcare system, ultimately informing those considering moving to Kingsville, or those already residing there, about the challenges and opportunities surrounding breast cancer care.

The primary artery connecting Kingsville to broader healthcare networks is **US Route 20**. This major east-west thoroughfare provides the most direct route to larger towns and cities like Ashtabula and Geneva, where essential medical facilities are located. Drive times to these locations are crucial. A trip to University Hospitals Geneva Medical Center, a facility offering comprehensive cancer care, takes approximately 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic. Ashtabula, with its broader range of specialists and the Ashtabula County Medical Center, is a slightly longer journey, typically taking 30-40 minutes via Route 20. These times, while manageable, can become significant when factoring in appointments, treatments, and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.

Alternative routes, such as **State Route 84** and various county roads, offer additional pathways, but these often involve slower speeds and potentially less direct routes. The condition of these roads, particularly during harsh Ohio winters, can further impact travel times and safety. The reliance on personal vehicles is a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score. Individuals without access to a car face considerable challenges.

Public transportation options in Kingsville are limited. The Ashtabula County Transportation System (ACTS) provides bus services, but their routes and schedules are designed primarily for local travel and may not directly serve the medical facilities outside of Ashtabula. ACTS operates on a demand-response basis, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This can be a significant barrier for those needing immediate or frequent medical appointments. While ACTS strives to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, the availability of these vehicles and the scheduling process can still present hurdles. The absence of readily available, frequent public transit significantly lowers the Breast Cancer Score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can fluctuate. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which may be lower in rural areas like Kingsville. The cost of these services, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments, can quickly become a financial burden. The Breast Cancer Score must reflect the potential financial strain and the uncertainty of ride-share availability.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and other regional providers operate in the area, offering non-emergency medical transport. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services come with a cost, and insurance coverage varies. The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges the availability of these services but also considers the potential financial and logistical complexities.

The emotional and physical toll of breast cancer treatment adds another layer of complexity to transportation needs. Fatigue, nausea, and other side effects can make driving difficult or impossible. The need for a supportive companion during appointments and treatments further complicates transportation arrangements. The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges the need for accessible and reliable transportation that caters to the specific needs of cancer patients.

Considering all these factors, the Breast Cancer Score for Kingsville, OH (44048) presents a mixed picture. While the proximity to healthcare facilities in Ashtabula and Geneva offers some advantages, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the fluctuating availability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. The cost and complexities of medical transportation services further impact the overall accessibility of care.

For individuals considering moving to Kingsville, or for those already residing there, careful planning is essential. Access to a reliable vehicle is paramount. Exploring options for ride-sharing or medical transport services in advance is crucial. Understanding the ACTS system and its limitations is also necessary.

The Breast Cancer Score for Kingsville underscores the importance of community support. Neighbors, friends, and family can play a vital role in providing transportation assistance. Local organizations and support groups can also help navigate the complexities of healthcare access. This score highlights the need for a holistic approach, combining individual planning with community resources to ensure that individuals facing breast cancer can access the care they need, when they need it. The journey to healthcare should not be an added burden to the already challenging fight against breast cancer.