44418, Fowler, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44418, Fowler, Ohio is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.30 percent of residents in 44418 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 30.14 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fowler, Ohio (ZIP Code 44418)

The heart of Trumbull County, the village of Fowler, Ohio (ZIP Code 44418), presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up details the transportation options available to residents seeking medical care, offering a "Hypertension Score" based on the ease and efficiency of reaching essential healthcare providers. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for those living with hypertension and considering moving to Fowler.

The primary concern for hypertensive individuals is timely access to medical attention. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and swift responses to health crises are critical. The transportation infrastructure directly impacts this access, shaping the ability of residents to maintain their health and well-being. The "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify this impact, offering a practical guide for residents and prospective newcomers.

**Drive Times: The Arteries of Access**

For many Fowler residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The major roadways dictate the flow of healthcare access. Interstate 80 (I-80), the Ohio Turnpike, provides a swift east-west route, but its relevance for local healthcare is limited. State Route 193 is a crucial north-south artery, connecting Fowler to nearby communities.

Driving to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns is the norm. The drive to Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren, approximately 15 miles south via State Route 193, typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. This drive time can significantly increase during peak hours or inclement weather, potentially delaying critical care.

Heading north, the drive to Ashtabula County Medical Center in Ashtabula, a larger regional hospital, is approximately 40 miles and takes about 50-60 minutes via State Route 193 and then onto State Route 11. This extended travel time presents a considerable challenge for individuals with hypertension, especially in emergencies.

Local clinics and doctor's offices are scattered throughout the region. Accessing these facilities requires navigating local roads, such as Fowler-Liberty Road and King Graves Road, which can be subject to congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times. The "Hypertension Score" must account for these variable drive times, recognizing that the actual time spent traveling can fluctuate significantly.

**Public Transit: A Vein of Opportunity**

Public transportation options in Trumbull County are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus services, but its routes in the Fowler area are infrequent and lack direct access to major healthcare facilities. Route 72, for example, might offer limited service, but it is not designed to provide convenient access to healthcare appointments.

The absence of frequent and direct bus routes presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations. The WRTA does offer ADA-compliant buses, equipped with wheelchair lifts and other accessibility features. However, the infrequent service and the need for transfers to reach healthcare providers limit the effectiveness of public transit for many Fowler residents.

The "Hypertension Score" must reflect the inadequacy of public transit, recognizing that it is not a reliable option for many individuals managing hypertension. The lack of accessible and convenient public transportation can create a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or unable to drive.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: The Capillaries of Care**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fowler area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Surge pricing, which occurs during periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option.

Medical transport services, such as CareRide or MedTrans, are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist with mobility and other needs. While medical transport services can be a valuable resource for individuals with hypertension, they can also be costly and require advance booking.

The "Hypertension Score" considers the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. These options can bridge the gap in transportation access, but their limitations must be acknowledged. Reliance on these services can add an extra layer of complexity and expense to healthcare access.

**The "Hypertension Score" and Moving to Fowler**

The "Hypertension Score" for Fowler, Ohio (ZIP Code 44418), reflects the challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The score would be lower due to the limited public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles for reaching healthcare facilities. The drive times to hospitals and clinics, while manageable, are subject to traffic and weather conditions. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternative options, but their availability and affordability are factors.

For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Fowler, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. The proximity of healthcare providers, the availability of reliable transportation, and the ability to manage travel times are crucial considerations. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a tool to inform this decision, highlighting the need for careful planning and consideration of the available resources.

The score would recommend that prospective residents research the availability of local clinics, doctor's offices, and pharmacies. They should also assess the reliability of their transportation options, whether it's a personal vehicle, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. The "Hypertension Score" underscores the importance of proactive planning and a clear understanding of the transportation landscape to ensure consistent and timely access to healthcare.