44905, Mansfield, Ohio Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 44905, Mansfield, Ohio is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.28 percent of residents in 44905 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ohiohealth Mansfield Hospital with a distance of 2.77 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 44905

The journey to breast cancer care in Mansfield, Ohio, ZIP code 44905, is a complex equation, far beyond the simple act of scheduling an appointment. It's a calculation involving time, resources, and the often-overlooked emotional toll of navigating transportation to receive potentially life-saving healthcare. Understanding this landscape is critical, particularly for those considering moving to Mansfield, or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access. This write-up endeavors to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering the various transportation options available, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately, offering a clearer picture of the accessibility challenges and opportunities within this specific community.

The cornerstone of this assessment is drive-time analysis. The primary medical facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services are located in and around Mansfield. Driving is the most common mode of transportation. However, the efficiency of this method hinges on several factors. From the heart of 44905, a drive to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, a key provider, typically involves navigating **Park Avenue West** and then merging onto **Interstate 71 (I-71)**. Expect a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak commuting hours. This is generally a straightforward route, but even a minor accident on I-71 can significantly extend travel times, adding stress and potential delays to already anxious patients.

For those seeking care at the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center at Mansfield Hospital, the route is similar, utilizing **Park Avenue West** to access **I-71**. However, the journey might be slightly longer, perhaps 15-20 minutes, depending on the specific location within 44905. The presence of these major highways offers a relatively direct route to healthcare, but it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent unpredictability of traffic flow.

Beyond these primary facilities, specialized services may necessitate travel to Columbus or Cleveland. These longer journeys require a more detailed consideration of transportation options. A trip to Columbus, for example, would involve traveling south on **I-71**, a drive that can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. This long commute significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, adding to the burden on patients, and potentially limiting access to specialized care.

Public transit, while available, presents a different set of challenges. The Richland County Richland County Transit (RCT) operates within Mansfield, offering a network of bus routes. However, the system's coverage is limited, and routes are not always optimized for direct access to medical facilities. For example, a resident of 44905 might need to take a bus to a central transfer point, then transfer to another bus to reach the hospital. This process can easily extend travel times to 45 minutes or even an hour, a significant barrier for patients undergoing treatment or experiencing fatigue.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of the RCT system is crucial. All RCT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. However, the availability of these features and the ease of navigating the system can vary depending on the specific route and time of day. This is a critical consideration for patients with mobility limitations. The RCT website and information lines should be consulted for specific route information.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution, particularly for those who do not drive or prefer not to. However, the availability of these services in Mansfield can be variable. While both Uber and Lyft operate in the area, surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these services expensive, potentially straining patients' financial resources. The reliability of ride-sharing is also a concern. Patients need a dependable ride to and from appointments, and unexpected cancellations or delays can disrupt treatment schedules and create unnecessary stress.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, are another option. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. They often provide door-to-door service, including assistance with mobility. However, these services are typically more expensive than public transit or ride-sharing, and may require advance booking. The cost can be a significant barrier for some patients.

The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, isn't a single number but a multifaceted assessment. It considers drive times, the availability and efficiency of public transit, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing, and the accessibility of medical transportation services. The score also factors in the emotional and physical toll of navigating these transportation options, recognizing that the journey to healthcare is often as challenging as the treatment itself.

For individuals considering moving to Mansfield, 44905, understanding this score is crucial. It highlights the importance of proximity to medical facilities, the potential benefits of having a reliable vehicle, and the need to explore all available transportation options. It also underscores the importance of community resources, such as support groups and patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the healthcare system and overcome transportation barriers.

The ideal scenario involves a combination of factors: a relatively short drive to a comprehensive medical facility, a reliable and affordable public transit system, and readily available ride-sharing or medical transportation services. However, the reality in 44905 is often more complex. While the presence of **I-71** and **Park Avenue West** provides relatively quick access to some facilities, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation services all contribute to a lower Breast Cancer Score.

Improving this score requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes advocating for expanded public transit routes, particularly those that directly serve medical facilities. It also involves promoting partnerships between medical providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted transportation options. Furthermore, it necessitates raising awareness of available community resources, such as patient navigators, who can help patients navigate the healthcare system and overcome transportation barriers.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score for 44905 reflects the community's commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, have equitable access to the care they need. It is a call to action, urging the community to continuously evaluate and improve the transportation infrastructure and support systems that are so critical to the well-being of breast cancer patients. The journey to healthcare should be as smooth and stress-free as possible, and the Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder of the work that remains to be done.