44217, Creston, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer 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.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Creston, Ohio (ZIP Code 44217)

Considering a move to the charming village of Creston, Ohio (ZIP Code 44217)? Beyond the idyllic small-town atmosphere and friendly faces, it's crucial to understand the practicalities of accessing healthcare, particularly for a critical concern like breast cancer. This analysis offers a "Breast Cancer Score," a subjective assessment of transportation options to facilitate healthcare access within and around Creston, focusing on potential drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't a clinical diagnosis, but rather a pragmatic guide to understanding the complexities of getting to and from essential medical appointments. It acknowledges that timely and reliable transportation is paramount for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Factors like personal mobility, financial constraints, and the availability of support networks significantly influence the overall score.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Recovery**

Creston, nestled in Wayne County, presents a landscape where personal vehicles often reign supreme. The primary arteries for healthcare access are the strategically positioned highways and roadways. To the north, State Route 585 offers a direct route, while to the south, State Route 301 provides another avenue. Both lead to the larger towns and cities where comprehensive breast cancer services are available.

Driving to Wooster Community Hospital, approximately 15 miles northeast via State Route 585, typically takes around 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This hospital offers a range of services, including mammograms, diagnostic imaging, and surgical consultations. The drive is relatively straightforward, making it a convenient option for residents of Creston.

For more specialized care, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, situated roughly 40 miles east, is a major healthcare provider. The journey, primarily via US-224 East and I-76 East, could take approximately 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic. This hospital offers a comprehensive breast cancer program, including advanced treatments and clinical trials.

The drive to University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center in Cleveland, a further distance east, is a longer commitment. Taking I-71 North, the trip can stretch to 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. This center provides cutting-edge treatments and research opportunities.

The Breast Cancer Score is influenced by the potential for traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Accidents or construction on these major highways can significantly extend travel times, creating stress and potentially delaying crucial appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Creston and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the Wayne County Transit, which offers demand-response services. This means residents must schedule rides in advance, often requiring a day or two of notice. The routes and schedules are less frequent than in larger metropolitan areas.

While Wayne County Transit strives to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, the availability of these vehicles and the scheduling process can be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations. The lack of fixed-route bus services necessitates careful planning and coordination for medical appointments.

The Breast Cancer Score is negatively impacted by the scarcity of public transit. Reliance on this service requires significant pre-planning and may not always align with the urgency of medical needs, such as follow-up appointments or unexpected complications.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Creston, but their availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Booking a ride may require advanced planning, and the cost can be a significant factor for individuals on a fixed income.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans and FirstCall Medical Transportation, offer specialized services for patients who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or personal transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score is moderately influenced by the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport. While these options provide alternatives to personal vehicles, their cost and potential for limited availability can pose challenges.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Creston (ZIP Code 44217) reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the proximity to Wooster Community Hospital provides a convenient option for initial screenings, accessing more specialized care in Cleveland or Akron requires longer travel times and careful planning.

The limited public transportation options and the potential for fluctuating availability of ride-sharing services further complicate healthcare access. Individuals with mobility limitations or those lacking access to a personal vehicle face additional challenges.

The Breast Cancer Score emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, including establishing a reliable transportation network, understanding the availability of local resources, and exploring financial assistance programs if needed.

**Moving to Creston: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

For those considering a move to Creston, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is essential. Researching the specific healthcare needs, identifying preferred providers, and establishing a transportation plan before moving is crucial.

Engaging with local healthcare providers, exploring support networks, and understanding the nuances of transportation options will empower individuals to navigate the healthcare landscape effectively. The Breast Cancer Score is a reminder that while Creston offers a peaceful and welcoming environment, proactive planning is essential for ensuring access to timely and reliable healthcare services.