44417, Farmdale, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44417, Farmdale, Ohio is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.99 percent of residents in 44417 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 37.90 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Farmdale (ZIP Code 44417)

Farmdale, Ohio (ZIP code 44417), a rural community nestled in Trumbull County, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up assesses the accessibility of healthcare resources for hypertension management within the context of transportation options available to residents. We'll explore the drive times, public transit possibilities, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" to gauge the ease with which residents can obtain necessary medical care.

The primary concern for residents of Farmdale is geographic isolation. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in larger towns like Warren, approximately 15 miles away, and Youngstown, around 30 miles. These distances, while seemingly manageable, can pose significant obstacles for individuals with hypertension, who often require frequent check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care. The availability and reliability of transportation become paramount.

Driving is the most common mode of transportation in Farmdale. Residents typically rely on personal vehicles to reach medical appointments. The primary routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating the local road network. Heading east towards Warren, the journey typically begins on State Route 88, a two-lane road that can experience heavy traffic during peak hours. This route then connects with State Route 5, a major thoroughfare that offers a more direct path to the city. The drive time to Warren's healthcare facilities, including Trumbull Regional Medical Center, can range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Traveling south to Youngstown involves a longer journey. Residents would likely take State Route 88 to State Route 5, and then connect to the Ohio Turnpike (I-80) or State Route 11. The Ohio Turnpike, while offering a faster route, incurs tolls. State Route 11, a limited-access highway, provides a free alternative, but it can be subject to congestion during rush hour. The drive time to Youngstown's healthcare facilities, such as Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, could take between 45 minutes and an hour. These longer travel times can be particularly challenging for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises.

Public transportation options in Farmdale are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service in the Youngstown-Warren area, but its routes and frequency are not extensive in rural areas like Farmdale. While WRTA does offer some routes that extend into the surrounding townships, including potentially near Farmdale, the service is infrequent, with limited evening and weekend availability. The lack of readily available public transit presents a significant barrier for those who do not drive or have access to a vehicle. Furthermore, ADA-accessible buses are available, but the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules can make them impractical for regular healthcare appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Youngstown-Warren area. However, their availability in Farmdale can be inconsistent. Ride availability depends on driver presence in the area, which is often lower in rural locations. The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. The expense can add up quickly, making it a less sustainable option for individuals with limited incomes.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and ambulance services. These services can transport patients to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare needs. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior arrangements are usually required. The availability of these services can also be impacted by staffing levels and geographic constraints.

For individuals considering moving to Farmdale, understanding the limitations of transportation is crucial. Prospective residents with hypertension or other chronic health conditions should carefully evaluate their transportation options and access to healthcare. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services necessitate a strong reliance on personal vehicles or the availability of family or friends to provide transportation.

The "Hypertension Score" for Farmdale (44417) considers these factors. It assesses the ease with which residents can access healthcare services for hypertension management, factoring in drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport options.

**Hypertension Score Calculation:**

* **Drive Time to Nearest Healthcare Facility:** (Weight: 40%) This factor assesses the time required to reach the nearest hospital or clinic with comprehensive hypertension care. Longer drive times receive lower scores.
* **Public Transit Availability:** (Weight: 20%) This factor evaluates the frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of public transit options. Limited service receives lower scores.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** (Weight: 20%) This factor assesses the availability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services. Inconsistent availability and high costs receive lower scores.
* **Medical Transport Options:** (Weight: 20%) This factor evaluates the availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transport services. Limited options and high costs receive lower scores.

Based on this assessment, the Hypertension Score for Farmdale (44417) would likely be moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services suggest that healthcare access for hypertension management is not as convenient as in more urban areas. The availability of medical transport services offers a crucial, albeit expensive, option for those with mobility limitations.

**Recommendations:**

* **Advocate for expanded public transit:** Increased route coverage and frequency of WRTA services, particularly during evenings and weekends, would significantly improve healthcare access.
* **Promote ride-sharing partnerships:** Explore partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies to offer discounted transportation options for patients.
* **Support community health initiatives:** Encourage the establishment of local clinics or telehealth services to provide convenient access to hypertension management.
* **Educate residents:** Inform residents about available transportation options, including medical transport services and financial assistance programs.

In conclusion, while Farmdale offers a tranquil lifestyle, residents with hypertension must carefully consider the challenges of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create barriers to receiving timely and consistent medical care. By understanding these challenges and advocating for improved transportation options, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The journey to better healthcare begins with understanding the transportation landscape.