44240, Kent, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44240, Kent, Ohio is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

71.09 percent of residents in 44240 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Hospitals Portage Medical Center with a distance of 5.87 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 44240

This write-up provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access for individuals residing in ZIP Code 44240, focusing on the crucial aspect of transportation. Understanding the ease of **transportation** to medical facilities is paramount for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, especially for those considering **moving to Kent**. This analysis, the “Hypertension Score,” considers drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport availability, painting a detailed picture of the challenges and opportunities in accessing vital **healthcare access**.

The foundation of this assessment is built on the premise that timely and reliable access to medical care significantly impacts health outcomes. For individuals with hypertension, regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care are essential. Difficulties in reaching these services can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious complications like stroke and heart attack. Therefore, the “Hypertension Score” aims to quantify the ease with which residents of 44240 can reach the necessary medical resources.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries of **transportation** in and around Kent, Ohio, are crucial for understanding drive times. Accessing healthcare often begins with navigating these roadways. The most direct route to the primary healthcare facilities, including University Hospitals Portage Medical Center (UH Portage), often involves using Interstate 76 (I-76) and State Route 43 (SR-43). The drive time to UH Portage from various locations within 44240 will vary based on the specific origin point and traffic conditions.

During peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, traffic congestion on I-76 and SR-43 can significantly extend travel times. The average drive time to UH Portage from the center of Kent, near the Kent State University campus, is approximately 10-15 minutes under normal conditions. However, this can easily double during rush hour. Residents living in the more remote areas of 44240, particularly those closer to the rural edges of the ZIP code, might experience drive times closer to 20-30 minutes, even without significant traffic delays.

Alternative routes, such as using local roads like Main Street (SR-261) and Ravenna Road, offer options for avoiding major highway congestion. However, these routes often involve more stop signs and traffic lights, potentially negating any time savings. Knowing the best routes, and being aware of traffic patterns, is a critical component of managing hypertension.

**Public Transportation: A Mixed Bag:**

The public **transportation** landscape in 44240 is primarily served by the Portage Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (PARTA). PARTA operates several bus routes that provide service within the city of Kent and connect to surrounding communities. The routes most relevant to **healthcare access** include the following:

* **Route 1:** Serves the main campus of Kent State University and connects to downtown Kent, where several medical offices are located.
* **Route 7:** Provides service to the eastern side of Kent, potentially offering access to some medical facilities.
* **Route 10:** Connects Kent to Ravenna, providing access to UH Portage and other medical services.

The availability of public transit offers a valuable option for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. However, the frequency of service, particularly on weekends and evenings, can be limited. This is a significant consideration for individuals who require frequent medical appointments or who need to access emergency care.

**ADA Accessibility:** PARTA is committed to providing accessible **transportation** services, with all buses equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. This is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations, ensuring that they can access medical appointments without undue difficulty. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the bus system can vary depending on the specific location within 44240.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Kent area and offer another **transportation** option for accessing healthcare. These services provide on-demand rides, offering greater flexibility compared to fixed-route public transit. The availability and cost of ride-sharing services can vary depending on the time of day and demand.

For individuals with specific medical needs, medical transport services offer specialized options. These services typically provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient care. Several medical transport providers operate in the Kent area, including:

* **Med-Ride:** A regional provider offering non-emergency medical transport.
* **CareRide:** Specializes in wheelchair-accessible **transportation**.

The cost of medical transport services can vary, and it is essential to check with insurance providers to determine coverage. These services can be a valuable resource for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who need specialized medical support during **transportation**.

**The “Hypertension Score” in Context:**

The "Hypertension Score" for 44240 is not a single number but rather a composite assessment based on the factors outlined above. It acknowledges that access to healthcare is multi-faceted. The drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport availability all play a role in determining the ease with which residents can access medical care.

The score would consider the following:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest major healthcare facility (UH Portage), considering peak and off-peak traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Frequency:** The frequency and reliability of public transit routes serving key medical facilities.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport Availability:** The presence and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The final score would be presented as a qualitative assessment, such as "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," along with a detailed explanation of the factors contributing to the rating. This provides a comprehensive picture of the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** for residents of 44240.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the **transportation** landscape in 44240 is a critical factor in managing hypertension and ensuring **healthcare access**. While the area offers a mix of options, including personal vehicles, public transit, and ride-sharing, the challenges of traffic congestion, limited public transit frequency, and the cost of ride-sharing services must be considered.

For individuals considering **moving to Kent**, a thorough understanding of these factors is essential. The "Hypertension Score" aims to provide a valuable resource for assessing the ease with which residents can access the medical care they need, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes. By carefully evaluating these **transportation** options, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure they can effectively manage their hypertension.