44202, Aurora, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44202, Aurora, Ohio is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.09 percent of residents in 44202 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Summa Western Reserve Hospital with a distance of 15.21 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Aurora, Ohio (ZIP Code 44202)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Aurora, Ohio (ZIP code 44202), where the serene beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley meets the convenience of suburban living, understanding the challenges and opportunities surrounding **transportation** is crucial, particularly for those managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the complexities of **healthcare access** within this ZIP code, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment based on commute times, available transportation options, and the overall feasibility of reaching essential medical appointments. This information is especially pertinent for individuals **moving to Aurora**, seeking to understand the practicalities of maintaining their health in a new environment.

Our "Hypertension Score" considers several factors: drive times to key medical facilities, the availability and efficiency of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport options. These elements combine to paint a comprehensive picture of how easily residents can access the care they need to manage their hypertension effectively.

Aurora, Ohio, is a relatively car-dependent community. The primary arteries for vehicular **transportation** are the Ohio Turnpike (I-80), providing east-west access, and State Route 43, running north-south. Commuting to healthcare appointments often involves navigating these routes, and the time commitment can significantly impact a patient's ability to adhere to their treatment plan.

For residents of 44202, the closest major healthcare facilities are located in neighboring cities. University Hospitals (UH) Portage Medical Center in Ravenna is approximately a 20-25 minute drive, depending on traffic, primarily via State Route 43. The Cleveland Clinic Twinsburg Family Health & Surgery Center, a more specialized facility, is a similar distance, reachable via I-480 and I-271. The drive to University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center in Chardon, while offering specialized services, could take up to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

These drive times, while generally manageable, can be affected by rush hour congestion, inclement weather, or unforeseen road closures. This necessitates careful planning and consideration, particularly for individuals with hypertension who may experience health complications that make driving difficult or unsafe. The "Hypertension Score" reflects the potential for these commute times to become a barrier to timely and consistent medical care.

Public transit options within Aurora are limited. The Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA) offers bus service, but routes within Aurora itself are infrequent, and direct routes to major healthcare facilities outside of the city are not readily available. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to health conditions.

The existing PARTA routes, while providing some connectivity, do not offer the frequency or coverage required to ensure easy **healthcare access** for all residents. The limited ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of some routes and bus stops further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The "Hypertension Score" acknowledges the need for improvements in public transit to better serve the healthcare needs of the community.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Aurora. However, their reliability and cost can vary, particularly during peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative to driving or public transit, the expense can be a significant barrier for some individuals, particularly those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, such as CareRide and MedRide, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services are designed to transport patients to and from appointments, but they often require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of these services is a positive aspect of **healthcare access** in Aurora, but their affordability and ease of access are critical factors to consider.

The "Hypertension Score" incorporates the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, recognizing their potential to mitigate the challenges of **transportation**. However, the score also reflects the need for these services to be more affordable and readily accessible to ensure equitable access to care.

For individuals **moving to Aurora** with pre-existing conditions like hypertension, understanding the **transportation** landscape is paramount. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a guide, highlighting the importance of carefully considering factors such as proximity to healthcare facilities, the availability of reliable **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Aurora, Ohio (44202) reflects a moderate level of **healthcare access**. While the area offers a range of medical facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the car-dependent nature of the community create challenges for some residents.

Improving the "Hypertension Score" would require several key initiatives. Expanding and improving PARTA routes, particularly those connecting Aurora to major healthcare facilities, is crucial. Enhancing the ADA accessibility of public transit and bus stops would benefit individuals with mobility limitations. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide discounted fares for medical appointments could also improve **healthcare access**.

Furthermore, promoting community awareness about available medical transport services and exploring options for subsidized transportation programs would be beneficial. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more equitable and accessible **transportation** system that ensures all residents of Aurora, Ohio, can easily access the healthcare they need to manage their hypertension and maintain their overall well-being. The "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical assessment; it's a call to action, urging the community to prioritize **healthcare access** and create a healthier future for all.