44251, Westfield Center, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44251, Westfield Center, Ohio is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.02 percent of residents in 44251 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.23 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lodi Community Hospital with a distance of 4.31 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Westfield Center (44251)

The journey to healthcare, especially for critical needs like breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. It’s not just about the quality of care, but also about the ease with which that care can be accessed. This analysis, a “Breast Cancer Score,” delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Westfield Center, Ohio (ZIP Code 44251), assessing the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, all crucial factors impacting a patient's experience and, potentially, their health outcomes. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Westfield Center, highlighting the practicalities of healthcare access within the community.

Westfield Center, a charming village nestled in Medina County, offers a blend of rural tranquility and suburban convenience. However, its location presents unique challenges when it comes to accessing specialized medical care. The Breast Cancer Score aims to illuminate these challenges, providing a clearer picture of the transportation landscape for those seeking breast cancer-related healthcare in and around the 44251 ZIP code.

The primary determinant of healthcare access for many residents is the automobile. Driving times to healthcare facilities, particularly those offering specialized breast cancer services, are a critical factor. From Westfield Center, the most direct route to Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital, a key healthcare provider, involves traveling east on **State Route 303** and then south on **Interstate 71**. This drive, without traffic, typically takes around 20 to 25 minutes.

For those seeking comprehensive cancer care, including breast cancer specialists and treatment centers, the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in downtown Cleveland becomes a significant destination. The journey involves a longer commute. The most common route involves taking **Interstate 71 North** from Westfield Center. Expect a drive time of approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours. This journey necessitates careful planning, especially for patients undergoing regular treatments or appointments.

Other options include the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, also in Cleveland, accessible via **Interstate 71 North**. The drive time is comparable to the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus, requiring similar considerations for traffic and scheduling. These drive times highlight the dependence on personal vehicles and the potential for significant travel time to access specialized care.

Public transportation options in Westfield Center and the surrounding areas are limited. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) provides bus service in the broader Cleveland area, but its reach into Medina County is restricted. There are no direct bus routes from Westfield Center to major healthcare facilities. Residents relying on public transit would likely need to utilize a combination of services, potentially including a ride to a GCRTA bus stop outside of the immediate area, adding significant time and complexity to their journey. ADA accessibility features on GCRTA buses are standard, but the lack of direct routes presents a major hurdle for those with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. Availability in Westfield Center is generally good, providing a convenient option for those without personal vehicles or unable to drive. However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate quickly, particularly for frequent appointments or longer distances to Cleveland-based healthcare facilities. The reliability of ride-sharing, especially during inclement weather or at off-peak hours, should also be considered.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and various local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can provide door-to-door assistance, alleviating the burden of travel for patients with mobility challenges or those requiring assistance. However, these services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing.

The Breast Cancer Score for Westfield Center, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Medina Hospital offers a convenient option for some services, accessing specialized breast cancer care in Cleveland necessitates longer commutes and reliance on personal vehicles or potentially costly alternatives. The limited public transportation options and the need for careful planning underscore the importance of considering transportation accessibility when evaluating healthcare access in this community.

For individuals considering moving to Westfield Center, this assessment offers a crucial perspective. While the village offers a desirable quality of life, the transportation challenges to specialized healthcare services should be carefully considered. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for proactive planning, including exploring transportation options, understanding potential costs, and considering the impact of travel time on treatment schedules and overall well-being.

The ideal scenario would involve expanded public transportation options, potentially including a dedicated shuttle service connecting Westfield Center to major healthcare facilities. Increased awareness of medical transportation services and their availability would also benefit residents. Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Westfield Center requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing both the physical infrastructure of transportation and the financial and logistical challenges faced by patients.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a definitive rating, but rather a snapshot of the current transportation landscape. It serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Westfield Center, empowering residents and prospective residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and transportation options. This awareness, coupled with proactive planning, can significantly improve the patient experience and contribute to better health outcomes for those navigating the journey to breast cancer care in the 44251 ZIP code.