14513, Newark, New York Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 14513, Newark, New York is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.33 percent of residents in 14513 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with a distance of 0.68 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in 14513

The prospect of moving to Newark, New York (ZIP Code 14513), brings with it a tapestry of considerations, chief among them the accessibility of healthcare. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access, specifically for individuals managing hypertension. We'll explore the commute to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, and ride-share availability, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical care.

The very fabric of healthcare access is woven with the threads of transportation. For residents of 14513, the journey to manage hypertension involves navigating the local road network, potentially utilizing public transit, or relying on ride-sharing services. This analysis focuses on the practicalities of these options, offering insights for prospective residents and current community members alike.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Newark are Route 88 and Route 14. Route 88 provides a crucial east-west link, while Route 14 runs north-south. These roadways are the lifelines for those seeking medical attention, connecting Newark to surrounding towns and healthcare providers. The drive-time, a critical factor for individuals with hypertension, is dependent on traffic conditions and the location of the healthcare facility.

For instance, a trip to the Newark Wayne Community Hospital, a central healthcare provider, typically involves a short drive within the town. However, for specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger hospitals in Rochester, New York. This journey, primarily via Route 14 and the NYS Thruway (I-90), can take approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be a significant stressor for individuals with hypertension, impacting their overall well-being and healthcare outcomes.

Public transportation in 14513, while present, is limited. The Wayne Area Transportation System (WATS) offers bus services, but routes and schedules may not always align with the urgent needs of healthcare appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, and this information should be readily available to prospective riders.

The WATS routes, while providing a valuable service, may not offer the most direct or time-efficient routes to healthcare facilities. The reliance on public transportation can therefore increase the time spent traveling to appointments, potentially leading to missed appointments or increased anxiety for individuals with hypertension. The lack of frequent service and the longer travel times can also be a deterrent for those seeking regular medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide an alternative transportation option. Their availability in Newark can vary depending on demand and driver availability. While ride-sharing offers a more flexible and convenient option than public transit, the cost can be a significant barrier, especially for those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are also available. These services are designed to transport individuals with medical needs, including those requiring assistance with mobility or those who are unable to drive themselves. However, these services are often reserved for specific medical needs and may not be readily available for routine appointments.

The assessment of healthcare access in 14513 must also consider the proximity of pharmacies and other healthcare-related services. The availability of pharmacies for medication refills and the accessibility of these pharmacies via various transportation modes are crucial factors in managing hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" for 14513 considers the following factors: drive times to healthcare facilities, the frequency and accessibility of public transportation, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, the presence of medical transportation options, and the proximity of pharmacies. A higher score indicates greater ease of access to healthcare, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

**Hypertension Score Components:**

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest healthcare facility (e.g., Newark Wayne Community Hospital) and to specialized care providers (e.g., Rochester hospitals).
* **Public Transit:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of WATS bus services.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability of Uber and Lyft services, including average wait times and cost.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability and cost of medical transportation services.
* **Pharmacy Access:** The proximity of pharmacies and their accessibility via various transportation modes.

**Scoring Methodology:**

Each component will be assigned a score from 1 to 5, with 1 representing the least accessible and 5 representing the most accessible. The overall Hypertension Score will be the average of these component scores.

**Example Scoring:**

* **Drive Time:** 3 (Moderate drive times to specialized care)
* **Public Transit:** 2 (Limited routes and frequency)
* **Ride-Sharing:** 3 (Availability varies, moderate cost)
* **Medical Transportation:** 3 (Available, but may be costly or limited)
* **Pharmacy Access:** 4 (Pharmacies within reasonable distance)

**Overall Hypertension Score: 3.0**

This score suggests that while healthcare access in 14513 is not severely limited, there are areas for improvement. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation, and the cost of ride-sharing services can create challenges for individuals managing hypertension.

**Recommendations:**

* **Improve Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and route coverage of WATS bus services, particularly to healthcare facilities. Ensure all buses are ADA-accessible.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for healthcare appointments.
* **Enhance Community Awareness:** Educate residents about available transportation options and resources for healthcare access.
* **Consider Proximity:** When moving to Newark, prioritize housing locations that offer easier access to healthcare facilities and pharmacies.

The journey to healthcare in 14513 is a complex one, shaped by the interplay of transportation, resources, and individual needs. The "Hypertension Score" provides a valuable framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access in this community. Prospective residents, especially those managing hypertension, should carefully consider these factors when making their moving decisions, ensuring they can readily access the care they need to maintain their health and well-being. The availability of reliable transportation is crucial to the success of any healthcare plan.