The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44866, Polk, Ohio is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
66.75 percent of residents in 44866 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lodi Community Hospital with a distance of 14.99 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 44866, Polk, Ohio
Breast Cancer Score | 44 |
---|---|
People Score | 45 |
Provider Score | 30 |
Hospital Score | 65 |
Travel Score | 44 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 44866 | Polk | Ohio |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 1.37 | 1.37 | 3.02 |
1 Car | 6.84 | 6.84 | 19.26 |
2 Cars | 33.98 | 33.98 | 42.63 |
3 or More Cars | 57.81 | 57.81 | 35.08 |
Vehicular Access in 44866, Polk, Ohio
**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 44866 (Polk, Ohio)**
The journey to healthcare, especially for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands meticulous planning and unwavering support. For residents of Polk, Ohio (ZIP Code 44866), understanding the landscape of transportation options is crucial. This 'Breast Cancer Score' aims to illuminate the pathways to care, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all critical components of healthcare access. This information can be invaluable for anyone considering moving to Polk, ensuring informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
The primary hubs for breast cancer treatment in this region include hospitals and specialized centers in nearby cities. Ashland, Mansfield, and Wooster offer varying levels of care, each presenting unique transportation challenges and opportunities. The score will reflect the relative ease or difficulty of accessing these facilities, acknowledging the importance of timely and reliable transportation for appointments, treatments, and follow-up care.
**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**
For those who prefer the autonomy of a personal vehicle, the road network is the initial consideration. Accessing Ashland Regional Medical Center (ARMC), a common destination, necessitates navigating the local roads, primarily relying on Ohio State Route 302, which connects to State Route 250. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially around Ashland. The drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions.
Mansfield, home to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, is accessible via State Route 302 east, merging onto State Route 30, a major east-west artery. The journey, spanning approximately 25-30 minutes, offers a more direct route but can be subject to heavier traffic, particularly during rush hour. Consider that inclement weather, common in Ohio, can significantly extend these drive times.
Wooster, with its various medical facilities, including Wooster Community Hospital, is reachable via State Route 302 west, connecting to State Route 3. The drive, generally lasting around 20-25 minutes, offers a scenic route but can be affected by traffic, particularly during the morning and evening commutes. Each route's reliability is a key factor in the overall 'Breast Cancer Score.'
**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**
Public transportation options in the 44866 area are extremely limited. Ashland Area Transit (AAT) serves Ashland, but its routes are primarily focused on local travel within the city limits. The AAT service is not designed to provide direct transportation to healthcare facilities outside of Ashland.
The absence of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. The lack of regular bus routes and the absence of ADA-accessible features on any potential routes limit healthcare access for many residents. This deficiency significantly impacts the 'Breast Cancer Score,' particularly for those who may be unable to drive or lack access to a car.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, providing an alternative transportation option. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent appointments and treatments.
Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Call Medical Transportation and MedStar provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be booked in advance and offer door-to-door service, ensuring patients arrive at their appointments safely and comfortably. However, medical transport services often come with higher costs and require pre-planning.
**The 'Breast Cancer Score' Methodology**
The 'Breast Cancer Score' will integrate these factors, assigning weights based on their impact on healthcare access. Drive times, considering traffic and weather conditions, will be a primary factor. The availability and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services will also be crucial considerations. The score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer care from Polk, Ohio.
**Scoring the Pathways to Care**
The score will be presented on a scale, with higher scores indicating greater ease of access. The score will consider the following:
* **Drive Time:** Shorter drive times to major healthcare facilities will positively impact the score.
* **Public Transit:** The presence of reliable and accessible public transit options will significantly enhance the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The consistency and affordability of ride-sharing services will influence the score.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability and accessibility of medical transport services will be factored in.
**Moving to Polk: A Healthcare Perspective**
For individuals considering moving to Polk, Ohio, the 'Breast Cancer Score' provides valuable insights into the healthcare landscape. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the limited transportation options pose a challenge for accessing specialized medical care. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and consider the potential costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transport services.
The score is not intended to discourage moving to Polk but rather to provide a realistic assessment of the healthcare access challenges. Careful planning and consideration of these factors are essential for ensuring access to timely and effective breast cancer care. The information provided should be a part of a broader assessment, including proximity to family, employment opportunities, and the overall quality of life, when moving to Polk.
**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**
The 'Breast Cancer Score' for 44866 highlights the importance of transportation in accessing healthcare. While the area offers a tranquil setting, the limited public transit options necessitate reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Polk, Ohio, ensuring they can navigate the healthcare landscape effectively and receive the care they deserve. The score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is a multifaceted issue, requiring careful consideration of all available transportation options.
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