44889, Wakeman, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44889, Wakeman, Ohio is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.48 percent of residents in 44889 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mercy Allen Hospital with a distance of 9.57 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Wakeman, OH (ZIP Code 44889)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, is a complex equation. It’s not just about the availability of medical professionals; it’s about the accessibility of those professionals, factoring in the time, cost, and stress associated with reaching them. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 44889 (Wakeman, Ohio), aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," a comprehensive assessment of transportation and healthcare access, a crucial consideration for anyone moving to Wakeman or seeking care within the area.

Wakeman, a charming village nestled in the heart of Ohio, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare access. The rural landscape, while offering tranquility, often translates to longer travel distances and limited public transportation options. This score will delve into the practical realities of navigating the area, examining the available transportation options and the proximity of essential healthcare services.

The primary mode of transportation in and around Wakeman is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. The most direct route to larger medical centers involves navigating a network of highways and local roads. From Wakeman, residents typically utilize **US-20** east or west. Heading east on US-20, one can access the Cleveland Clinic's Avon Hospital, approximately a 45-minute to an hour-long drive, depending on traffic. Westward on US-20 leads to the Mercy Health – Lorain Hospital, a similar drive time. These are the major hospitals in the region.

Alternatively, **State Route 162** provides another route, intersecting with **US-250** which can be used to travel north towards Sandusky, where Firelands Regional Medical Center is located. This drive, though shorter in distance, can take around 30-40 minutes. These drive times assume typical traffic conditions. Rush hour, inclement weather, and road construction can significantly impact these travel times, adding to the stress and potentially delaying access to crucial care.

Public transportation options in Wakeman are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system is a significant factor in our Breast Cancer Score. There is no direct bus route serving Wakeman. The closest public transportation is the Lorain County Transit (LCT), with routes serving the larger cities of Lorain and Elyria. This does not include a route to Wakeman. For those needing ADA-compliant transportation, LCT offers paratransit services, which must be scheduled in advance. However, the distance and time involved in utilizing these services, plus the need for pre-planning, makes it a less-than-ideal option for routine healthcare appointments, especially for individuals undergoing treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies specializing in patient transport, are another option. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate medical equipment. However, they come with a higher price tag and require prior arrangements.

The distance to specialized breast cancer centers is a crucial aspect of our score. While the general hospitals mentioned earlier offer comprehensive care, including cancer treatment, patients may need to travel further for specialized services like advanced imaging, clinical trials, or consultations with specific specialists. The Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Institute, a nationally recognized cancer center, is approximately an hour’s drive from Wakeman. The proximity to such a center is a positive factor, but the travel time and associated costs must be considered.

The financial burden of transportation is another critical component. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, parking fees, and the potential for lost wages due to travel time all contribute to the overall expense of accessing healthcare. For individuals with limited incomes or those undergoing treatment, these costs can be a significant barrier. The Breast Cancer Score must reflect this reality.

Healthcare access also includes the availability of support services. Breast cancer patients often benefit from support groups, counseling, and other resources. The proximity to these services is a significant factor. The availability of these resources in Wakeman itself is limited. Patients may need to travel to larger cities like Lorain or Sandusky to access these vital support systems.

The Breast Cancer Score for Wakeman, Ohio, ZIP code 44889, is, therefore, a nuanced assessment. While the area benefits from its proximity to major hospitals and cancer centers, the limitations in transportation options, particularly public transit, create challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long travel times, and the associated costs all contribute to a lower score. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation offers some relief, but the cost and reliability of these options remain a concern.

For someone considering moving to Wakeman, or for a current resident facing a breast cancer diagnosis, understanding these transportation challenges is paramount. It’s crucial to factor in the travel time, cost, and potential stress associated with accessing healthcare. Planning ahead, exploring all available transportation options, and seeking support from family, friends, or social service agencies are essential steps.

The Breast Cancer Score is not simply a number; it’s a reflection of the real-world challenges faced by individuals seeking healthcare in a rural environment. It highlights the importance of advocating for improved public transportation, promoting ride-sharing programs, and supporting initiatives that reduce the financial burden of healthcare access. It’s a call to action, urging communities to prioritize healthcare access and ensure that all residents, regardless of their location, have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.