20758, Friendship, Maryland COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 20758, Friendship, Maryland is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.53 percent of residents in 20758 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Calverthealth Medical Center with a distance of 11.91 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 20758

Friendship, Maryland, nestled within the embrace of ZIP Code 20758, presents a unique tapestry of life. For those navigating the challenges of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the ease with which they can access healthcare becomes a paramount concern. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Friendship, evaluating its impact on healthcare access, and ultimately contributing to a "COPD Score" that reflects the practical realities of navigating this community with respiratory limitations.

The geography of Friendship, a blend of residential pockets and rural stretches, significantly shapes the available transportation options. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are the well-maintained **MD-4 (Patuxent River Freeway)** and **MD-2 (Solomons Island Road)**. These roadways serve as lifelines, connecting Friendship to larger healthcare hubs in Prince George's County and beyond. The drive times, however, are subject to the ebb and flow of traffic, particularly during peak hours.

For individuals with COPD, prolonged exposure to car exhaust and the physical exertion of driving can exacerbate symptoms. Therefore, understanding the typical drive times to healthcare facilities is crucial. A trip to the University of Maryland Capital Region Health in Largo, a major hospital, can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic congestion on **MD-4**. Similarly, reaching Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, a further distance, might require a 45- to 75-minute journey, primarily utilizing **MD-2** and **US-50**. These times, while seemingly manageable, can become formidable barriers for those experiencing acute respiratory distress.

Public transportation, a potential alternative, offers a mixed bag of accessibility. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) operates bus routes that serve the broader region, but their frequency and coverage within Friendship are limited. The **Route 210** bus, for instance, runs along **MD-4**, providing a connection to the Branch Avenue Metro Station. However, the bus stops are often spaced apart, and the overall travel time can be significantly longer than driving. The availability of elevators and ramps for ADA compliance varies across the bus fleet, necessitating careful planning and pre-trip inquiries for those with mobility limitations, common among COPD patients.

Furthermore, the **Route 210** route requires a transfer to the Metro rail to reach healthcare facilities in the Washington, D.C. area, adding complexity and time to the journey. This multi-leg journey, with potential delays and physical exertion, can be particularly challenging for individuals with COPD. The absence of a dedicated, readily accessible public transportation network within Friendship presents a significant hurdle to healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible, albeit often pricier, transportation option. While these services can provide door-to-door convenience, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand. For individuals on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources, the cost of ride-sharing can become a significant barrier to accessing regular medical appointments and treatments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with mobility or health limitations, provide another avenue for healthcare access. Companies like Senior Transportation Connection and MedRide offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist with transportation to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent or unscheduled healthcare needs. The cost of these services can also be substantial, adding to the financial burden of managing COPD.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Friendship itself is limited. While there are primary care physicians and some specialized clinics, the absence of a major hospital or a comprehensive pulmonary care center necessitates travel to larger healthcare hubs. This geographical constraint further underscores the importance of efficient and accessible transportation options.

Considering the various factors, the "COPD Score" for transportation and healthcare access in ZIP Code 20758 is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create challenges for individuals with COPD. While the presence of major roadways facilitates access to healthcare hubs, the drive times and traffic congestion can be significant barriers.

The absence of a robust public transportation network, coupled with the limited availability of healthcare facilities within Friendship, further compounds the challenges. The cost of transportation, whether it be gas, ride-sharing fees, or medical transport services, adds to the financial burden of managing COPD.

For individuals considering moving to Friendship, or for current residents managing COPD, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements is essential. Careful consideration of drive times, public transportation options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services is crucial. Planning for potential delays, traffic congestion, and the physical demands of travel is also paramount.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access for individuals with COPD in Friendship requires a multi-faceted approach. Enhancing public transportation options, increasing the availability of affordable ride-sharing services, and promoting the expansion of medical transportation services would significantly improve the quality of life for residents. Simultaneously, exploring the feasibility of establishing a pulmonary care center or expanding existing healthcare services within Friendship would reduce the reliance on long-distance travel and improve the overall "COPD Score" for this community.