44418, Fowler, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44418, Fowler, Ohio is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.30 percent of residents in 44418 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 30.14 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Fowler, Ohio (ZIP Code 44418)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a critical aspect of life in Fowler, Ohio (ZIP Code 44418). This assessment examines the accessibility of diagnostic and treatment facilities, considering various **transportation** options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and their impact on **healthcare access**. The ultimate goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare landscape for individuals residing in this specific ZIP code. This information becomes particularly relevant for those considering **moving to Fowler**, factoring in the availability and convenience of essential medical services.

Fowler, a small community nestled in Trumbull County, Ohio, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The nearest major medical centers, offering comprehensive breast cancer care, are located in neighboring cities, necessitating travel. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing services. These factors are then weighed to provide a comprehensive picture of the ease with which residents can receive timely and appropriate care.

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Fowler residents is likely the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are significantly impacted by the local road network. Heading east, the journey to the Cleveland Clinic's locations, such as the main campus or the Hillcrest Hospital, requires navigating the I-80 East, a major artery. The drive can be lengthy, especially during peak traffic hours. The travel time can vary, but it can easily exceed an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

Alternatively, heading west, the journey to facilities in Youngstown, such as Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, involves navigating the OH-82 East and OH-193. This route offers a slightly shorter drive time, typically around 30-45 minutes. The OH-82 is a major thoroughfare, and traffic can also be a factor, particularly during morning and evening commutes. The condition of these roads, including potential for potholes and construction, can also influence travel times and add to the stress of a medical journey.

Public transit options are limited in Fowler. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service throughout Trumbull County, but the routes and schedules are infrequent, and do not directly serve the major medical centers. The nearest WRTA route, if available, may require transfers, adding significant time and complexity to the journey. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses, crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, is not guaranteed on all routes or during all times. This severely limits **healthcare access** for those reliant on public **transportation**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can quickly accumulate, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The financial burden of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals on fixed incomes or those without adequate insurance coverage.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer an alternative. Companies like CareRide or MedTrans provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with their transportation needs. However, these services often require advance booking and can be expensive, making them less accessible for urgent or unplanned medical appointments. The availability of these services in Fowler and their ability to accommodate specific medical needs, such as wheelchair accessibility or oxygen support, should be carefully considered.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Fowler, Ohio, must consider the limitations of the existing **transportation** infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, the infrequent public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a potentially challenging healthcare landscape. The distance to major medical centers, the traffic conditions, and the cost of **transportation** all impact the ease with which residents can access essential breast cancer care.

For those considering **moving to Fowler**, the "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a vital tool for evaluating the practicality of living in this community. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the **transportation** challenges and planning accordingly. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should carefully assess the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the available **transportation** options before making a move.

The score should incorporate factors such as drive times during peak and off-peak hours, the availability and frequency of public transit routes, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical transport options. It should also consider the presence of support services within the community, such as patient navigators or support groups, which can help patients navigate the healthcare system.

The "Breast Cancer Score" also needs to consider the potential for delays in accessing care. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can significantly impact patient outcomes. The score should, therefore, reflect the potential for delays due to **transportation** challenges, such as long drive times, traffic congestion, or limited public transit options.

The absence of direct public transit routes to major medical centers, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for high **transportation** costs all contribute to a lower "Breast Cancer Score" for Fowler. This score underscores the need for improved **healthcare access** in the community. The score is a dynamic measure, and it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the **transportation** infrastructure, the availability of healthcare services, and the needs of the community.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for informing residents, potential newcomers, and policymakers about the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access** in Fowler, Ohio. It highlights the importance of considering **transportation** when evaluating the suitability of a community for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis or at risk of developing the disease. The score should encourage the development of strategies to improve **healthcare access**, such as expanded public transit options, partnerships with ride-sharing services, and the provision of medical transport assistance.