43840, Stone Creek, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 43840, Stone Creek, Ohio is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.39 percent of residents in 43840 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Union Hospital with a distance of 10.73 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stone Creek, Ohio (ZIP Code 43840)

The allure of Stone Creek, Ohio (ZIP Code 43840), with its rolling hills and quiet charm, beckons many seeking a slower pace of life. However, for those managing hypertension, the ease of **healthcare access** becomes a critical consideration. This write-up analyzes the **transportation** landscape within and surrounding Stone Creek, offering a "Hypertension Score" based on commute times, public transit options, and available medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone **moving to Stone Creek**, particularly those with existing health conditions.

Stone Creek, nestled in Tuscarawas County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare. The town itself is small, and therefore, the availability of immediate medical services is limited. Residents often rely on surrounding communities for specialized care, making **transportation** a vital component of their well-being.

The "Hypertension Score" will be based on a scale, with higher scores indicating greater ease of access to healthcare. Factors considered include drive times to hospitals and clinics, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Driving Times: The Primary Arteries of Access**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Stone Creek residents is personal vehicles. The efficiency of this mode, however, depends heavily on the distances to healthcare facilities and the quality of the roads. The nearest hospitals and specialty clinics are primarily located in Dover, New Philadelphia, and Canton, Ohio.

Traveling to Dover, home to Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital, typically involves navigating State Route 256 and then merging onto U.S. Route 250. During off-peak hours, the drive is generally manageable, averaging around 20-25 minutes. However, traffic congestion, particularly during rush hour, can significantly extend this commute.

New Philadelphia, approximately 15-20 minutes away, offers access to Trinity Hospital Twin City and various outpatient clinics. The route involves State Route 256 and U.S. Route 250, and the journey is generally straightforward. Canton, further afield, requires a longer drive, approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The route involves U.S. Route 250 and Interstate 77. Canton offers a wider range of specialized medical services, including the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital.

The "Hypertension Score" will reflect these varying drive times. Shorter commutes will receive higher scores, while longer commutes, especially those susceptible to traffic delays, will receive lower scores.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public **transportation** options in Stone Creek are extremely limited. Tuscarawas County does offer a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are restricted, making it a less viable option for regular medical appointments, especially for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

The Tuscarawas County Public Transit system operates primarily on a demand-response basis, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. The system, while offering ADA-compliant vehicles, may not always be available on short notice, which can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. Furthermore, the travel times on public transit are considerably longer than driving, potentially adding to the stress and inconvenience for individuals with hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the limitations of public transit. Due to the infrequent and demand-response nature of the service, the score will be negatively impacted.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Stone Creek. Waiting times can be prolonged, and the cost can be a factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as First Response Ambulance and MedCare Ambulance, are available for non-emergency and emergency medical transport. These services offer a vital lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other **transportation** options. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior authorization may be required, adding another layer of complexity to **healthcare access**.

The "Hypertension Score" will consider the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The score will be adjusted based on the reliability and affordability of these options.

**The "Hypertension Score" for Stone Creek (ZIP Code 43840)**

Based on the analysis above, the "Hypertension Score" for Stone Creek, Ohio, is moderate. While the proximity to Dover and New Philadelphia provides relatively short drive times to essential medical facilities, the limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. The availability of medical transport services offers a crucial safety net, but the associated costs can be a burden.

Individuals **moving to Stone Creek** and managing hypertension should carefully consider the **transportation** implications of their healthcare needs. Planning for appointments, exploring the potential costs of medical transport, and familiarizing themselves with the local road network are essential steps in ensuring **healthcare access**.

**Recommendations for Residents**

For residents of Stone Creek with hypertension, the following recommendations are offered:

* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule medical appointments well in advance, considering potential traffic delays and the need for alternative **transportation**.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing:** Investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing services in the area.
* **Research Medical Transport:** Familiarize yourself with the medical transport options available and the associated costs.
* **Build a Support Network:** Establish a network of friends, family, or neighbors who can provide **transportation** assistance when needed.
* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Support efforts to improve public transit options in Tuscarawas County, which would enhance **healthcare access** for all residents.

**Conclusion**

Stone Creek, Ohio, offers a desirable lifestyle for many, but the challenges of **transportation** and **healthcare access** must be carefully considered, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. By understanding the limitations of the local **transportation** infrastructure and proactively planning for their healthcare needs, residents can mitigate these challenges and enjoy the tranquility of Stone Creek while maintaining their health and well-being. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the accessibility of healthcare resources, guiding informed decisions for those **moving to Stone Creek**.