44288, Windham, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44288, Windham, Ohio is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.93 percent of residents in 44288 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 10.78 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Windham, Ohio (ZIP Code 44288)

The prospect of moving to a new community, especially when considering healthcare access, demands meticulous investigation. For those considering Windham, Ohio (ZIP Code 44288), and concerned about breast cancer care, this analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. This score aims to illuminate the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape, factoring in drive times, public transit limitations, and alternative transportation solutions. The goal is to empower informed decision-making, particularly for individuals prioritizing timely and convenient access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Windham, a small village nestled in Portage County, offers a close-knit community atmosphere. However, its rural setting presents specific challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The "Breast Cancer Score" will consider these challenges, focusing on the crucial aspect of transportation. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably is paramount, especially when dealing with the complexities of breast cancer.

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

The primary factor influencing the "Breast Cancer Score" is drive time. The most direct route to major healthcare providers typically involves utilizing the Ohio State Route 82 (SR-82) and the Ohio State Route 44 (SR-44). These roads are essential arteries for accessing medical care outside of Windham.

The closest major hospital with comprehensive breast cancer services is University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center in Ravenna, approximately a 15-20 minute drive via SR-82. This relatively short drive is a positive factor, contributing favorably to the "Breast Cancer Score." However, this drive time is dependent on traffic conditions, which can fluctuate during peak hours.

For more specialized care, including access to oncologists, surgeons, and advanced imaging, patients often travel to hospitals in larger cities like Cleveland or Akron. This significantly increases drive times. To reach the Cleveland Clinic, a leading cancer center, the drive typically involves SR-82 to Interstate 480 (I-480) and then onto Interstate 77 (I-77). This journey can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Similarly, reaching Summa Health System in Akron involves SR-82 to SR-14, and then onto Interstate 76 (I-76), a drive of about 45 minutes to an hour. These longer drive times negatively impact the "Breast Cancer Score," highlighting the potential for increased stress and logistical challenges.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Windham are limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access. Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) offers some services within Portage County, but their routes and frequency are not ideally suited for regular medical appointments.

PARTA operates a "fixed-route" system, but service to Windham is infrequent, and the routes are not direct to major healthcare facilities. The primary route serving Windham might require transfers, significantly increasing travel time and complexity. This reliance on transfers makes it less practical for individuals undergoing treatment or experiencing mobility limitations.

Furthermore, PARTA buses may not always have the capacity to accommodate wheelchairs or other mobility devices, which can be a critical consideration for patients. The lack of readily available and convenient public transit significantly diminishes the "Breast Cancer Score."

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option. However, their availability in Windham may be limited. The response times for ride-sharing services can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also accumulate, making them a less sustainable option for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, provide a more specialized solution. Companies like MedRide or First Transit offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services can provide door-to-door service, assisting with mobility and ensuring patients arrive at their appointments safely. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, making them less flexible for urgent needs. The availability and cost of these services must be factored into the "Breast Cancer Score."

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Framework**

The "Breast Cancer Score" integrates these factors to provide a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access in Windham. The score is not a numerical value but a qualitative evaluation based on the following criteria:

* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times to nearby hospitals contribute positively, while longer drives to specialized centers decrease the score.
* **Public Transit:** Limited and infrequent public transit options negatively impact the score.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The reliability and cost of ride-sharing services are considered.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability, cost, and ease of booking medical transportation services are assessed.
* **Overall Accessibility:** The combination of these factors determines the overall "Breast Cancer Score," reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer care.

**Implications for Moving to Windham**

For individuals considering moving to Windham, especially those with a history of breast cancer or a heightened risk, this analysis underscores the importance of careful planning. While the village offers a tranquil environment, the limitations in transportation necessitate proactive strategies for healthcare access.

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Prioritize housing options that are closer to healthcare facilities, such as UH Portage Medical Center.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a reliable transportation plan, considering the limitations of public transit and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical transportation services.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure adequate insurance coverage that includes transportation benefits or reimbursement for medical transportation services.
* **Support Network:** Build a local support network that can provide assistance with transportation to appointments.
* **Proactive Healthcare:** Establish relationships with healthcare providers in advance, scheduling regular screenings and check-ups to minimize the need for urgent transportation.

**Conclusion: A Realistic Assessment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Windham, Ohio (ZIP Code 44288) reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to UH Portage Medical Center offers a positive element, the limitations in public transit and the potential reliance on longer drives to specialized centers present challenges. Individuals considering moving to Windham must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and develop a comprehensive healthcare access plan. This proactive approach will help ensure timely and convenient access to breast cancer care, contributing to improved health outcomes and peace of mind. The journey to healthcare in Windham requires careful consideration, and this analysis provides a framework for making informed decisions.