43746, Hopewell, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43746, Hopewell, Ohio is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.88 percent of residents in 43746 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Genesis Hospital with a distance of 8.44 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hopewell, Ohio (ZIP Code 43746)

Considering a move to Hopewell, Ohio (ZIP code 43746)? This analysis explores the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities for individuals managing hypertension. We’ll delve into the transportation landscape, calculating a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical services. This score will consider drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, offering a comprehensive view for those prioritizing their health.

Hopewell, nestled in the heart of southeastern Ohio, presents a unique transportation environment. The region's rural character necessitates careful planning for healthcare access. For individuals with hypertension, consistent medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are paramount. The ability to navigate the local transportation infrastructure directly impacts their health outcomes.

Our "Hypertension Score" will be a subjective metric, reflecting the perceived accessibility of healthcare services. It will consider factors like travel time, transportation options, and the availability of specialized medical care. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests greater challenges. This analysis will provide valuable insights for anyone considering moving to Hopewell, especially those managing hypertension.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries for transportation in and around Hopewell are Ohio Route 78 and Ohio Route 146. These roadways, while offering direct routes, can be subject to varying traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather. The nearest major city, Zanesville, approximately 25 miles away, is a critical destination for specialized medical care.

Driving to Zanesville via Route 78 typically takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Route 146 offers an alternative, though potentially longer, route. This drive time significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score." Longer travel times increase the stress associated with medical appointments and can hinder timely access to care.

For individuals without personal vehicles, relying on others for transportation or utilizing ride-share services becomes crucial. The availability of these options directly influences the "Hypertension Score." The rural nature of the area may limit the immediate availability of ride-sharing services.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in Hopewell and the surrounding areas is limited. The Muskingum County Transit (MCT) provides some services, but routes and schedules might not always align perfectly with healthcare needs. Information on specific routes, frequency, and ADA accessibility is crucial.

The MCT may offer routes that connect Hopewell to Zanesville. However, these routes might have limited schedules, potentially requiring significant waiting times. Individuals with hypertension need reliable and timely transportation to avoid missing appointments or medication refills. The lack of extensive public transit options negatively impacts the "Hypertension Score."

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration. For individuals with mobility limitations, accessible public transit is essential. The availability of wheelchair lifts, ramps, and other accommodations directly influences the "Hypertension Score" for this segment of the population.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may operate in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The reliability of these services is a significant factor in the "Hypertension Score."

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. Researching the availability of medical transport providers in Hopewell is crucial.

The presence of medical transport services positively impacts the "Hypertension Score," especially for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. These services offer a lifeline for maintaining consistent healthcare access.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access:**

The availability of local healthcare facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies, directly influences the "Hypertension Score." The closer these services are to Hopewell, the better the score.

Individuals with hypertension require regular check-ups, medication management, and potentially specialized care. The proximity of these services minimizes travel time and reduces the burden of healthcare access.

The presence of a local pharmacy for medication refills is particularly important. Easy access to medication ensures adherence to treatment plans, which is crucial for managing hypertension.

**Calculating the Hypertension Score:**

To calculate the "Hypertension Score," we'll assign points based on the following factors:

* **Drive Time to Zanesville (40-50 minutes):** 2 points (moderate)
* **Public Transit Availability (Limited):** 1 point (poor)
* **Ride-Share Availability (Potentially Limited):** 2 points (moderate)
* **Medical Transportation Availability (Unknown):** 1 point (poor, requires further research)
* **Proximity to Primary Care and Pharmacy (Variable):** 2 points (moderate, depends on location within Hopewell)

**Total Possible Score: 8 points**

Based on this preliminary assessment, the "Hypertension Score" for Hopewell, Ohio (ZIP code 43746) is tentatively estimated at **8 points**. This score indicates a moderate level of healthcare access. While drive times to Zanesville are manageable, the limited public transit and potential ride-share constraints present challenges.

**Recommendations for Individuals Moving to Hopewell:**

* **Prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities:** Research the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies within Hopewell.
* **Assess transportation options:** Determine the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers.
* **Explore public transit routes:** Investigate the Muskingum County Transit routes and schedules, focusing on ADA accessibility.
* **Plan for potential travel time:** Factor in travel time to Zanesville for specialized medical care.
* **Consider the impact of weather:** Be prepared for potential travel disruptions during inclement weather.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Hopewell, Ohio, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for individuals managing hypertension. While the area offers a peaceful environment, the transportation infrastructure requires careful consideration. By understanding the drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modalities, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare access. This "Hypertension Score" write-up provides a starting point for assessing healthcare accessibility and navigating the journey to a healthier life in Hopewell. Careful planning and proactive measures are essential for ensuring consistent and timely access to medical care, ultimately contributing to improved health outcomes.