21034, Darlington, Maryland Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 21034, Darlington, Maryland is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.00 percent of residents in 21034 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.12 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Darlington (ZIP Code 21034)

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. This write-up analyzes the landscape of healthcare access in Darlington, Maryland (ZIP code 21034), focusing on its impact on individuals managing hypertension. We will explore the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing, to assess the ease with which residents can reach vital medical services, particularly those crucial for managing hypertension. This analysis serves as a crucial component for understanding the overall "Hypertension Score" for the area, a metric reflecting the challenges and opportunities residents face in obtaining timely and effective care.

Understanding the transportation infrastructure is paramount. Darlington, a primarily rural community, relies heavily on personal vehicles. The primary arteries for travel include Interstate 95 (I-95), a major north-south corridor, and US Route 1 (Bel Air Road), offering a more local, though often congested, route. Smaller roads like MD-161 (Conowingo Road) and MD-543 (Riverside Parkway) provide access to neighboring towns and facilities.

For those with hypertension, consistent access to medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency care is critical. Delays or difficulties in transportation can significantly impact health outcomes. The "Hypertension Score" must, therefore, consider the realistic travel times to various healthcare facilities.

Drive times from Darlington to healthcare providers vary considerably. Reaching the closest urgent care facilities in Bel Air, roughly a 15-20 minute drive via US Route 1 or MD-24, is a reasonable expectation. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, may necessitate travel to larger hospitals like University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health in Bel Air, potentially a 20-30 minute drive, or even further afield to Baltimore hospitals, which could easily become an hour or more, especially during peak traffic hours on I-95.

Public transportation options in Darlington are limited. Harford County operates a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are significantly restricted, especially compared to urban areas. The primary bus routes serving the area are likely to be the Harford Transit (HT) routes, though the specific numbers and schedules need to be verified. These routes may offer limited service to Bel Air and other nearby towns, but their infrequent schedules and potential for long travel times could pose challenges for individuals with hypertension who require regular medical appointments.

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial factor. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates that public transportation systems provide accessible services. However, in rural areas, ensuring full ADA compliance, particularly for bus stops and route accessibility, can be challenging. The "Hypertension Score" must consider the availability of accessible transportation options for those with mobility limitations, a common concern for individuals managing hypertension.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a more flexible transportation alternative. However, their availability and cost can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas. For individuals on a fixed income or those with limited financial resources, ride-sharing can be an expensive option, potentially deterring them from seeking necessary medical care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. Researching the availability and cost of medical transportation providers in the Darlington area is crucial for a complete "Hypertension Score" assessment.

The availability of pharmacies is another critical consideration. Access to medication is essential for managing hypertension. Darlington has local pharmacies, and larger pharmacies in Bel Air are easily accessible. The "Hypertension Score" must factor in the proximity of pharmacies and the ease with which residents can obtain their prescribed medications.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Darlington (21034) is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the potential challenges associated with medical transportation all contribute to the complexity of healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Darlington, understanding these transportation and healthcare access challenges is paramount. Prospective residents, particularly those managing hypertension, should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services before making a decision.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. Addressing the transportation barriers to healthcare access, through increased public transportation options, promoting ride-sharing programs, and supporting medical transportation services, can significantly improve the "Hypertension Score" and enhance the quality of life for all residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.