44427, Kensington, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44427, Kensington, Ohio is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.31 percent of residents in 44427 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.43 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Kensington, OH (ZIP Code 44427)

The heart of Kensington, Ohio, nestled within ZIP code 44427, presents a unique challenge when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the complexities of transportation options, evaluating their impact on a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' – a measure of how easily and efficiently residents can reach essential medical appointments. We’ll consider the drive times, public transit limitations, and alternative transportation services available, offering a comprehensive view for those contemplating moving to Kensington or seeking improved healthcare access within the area.

The 'Hypertension Score' isn’t a formal medical metric, but a conceptual tool. It considers the accessibility of appointments, the stress associated with travel, and the potential for timely intervention. A higher score indicates better access, reducing the barriers to care that can significantly impact the management of hypertension.

Kensington’s rural setting dictates the primary mode of transportation: the personal vehicle. Driving is often the default, but the distances to healthcare facilities and the potential for unpredictable delays necessitate a careful evaluation. The primary arteries for travel are State Route 180 and State Route 164. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near the intersection of SR-164 and SR-180.

The nearest major healthcare hubs, including hospitals and specialist clinics, are located in Alliance (approximately 20-30 minutes away, depending on traffic) and Salem (roughly 30-45 minutes). Reaching these destinations requires navigating SR-180, which can be prone to slow-moving farm equipment, particularly during planting and harvest seasons. SR-164 offers an alternative route, but its winding nature and potential for reduced visibility during inclement weather add to the travel time and stress.

The drive to Canton, a larger city with more extensive medical resources, extends the commute to approximately 45-60 minutes, primarily utilizing US-62 and the Ohio Turnpike (I-76). This longer journey, coupled with potential tolls, significantly impacts the 'Hypertension Score', especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those who experience anxiety related to driving.

Public transportation options are limited in Kensington. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides some service to nearby towns, but its routes rarely extend directly into Kensington. The availability of SARTA routes is limited to specific times and locations. This severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who cannot drive.

SARTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, featuring ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the infrequency of routes and the need for pre-booking, often required for ADA-compliant services, further complicate healthcare access. The 'Hypertension Score' suffers significantly due to the lack of reliable public transit.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability can be inconsistent. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution, its limitations significantly impact the 'Hypertension Score'.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, offer a more structured approach to healthcare access. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to medical appointments.

However, NEMT services often require pre-booking and can be subject to availability. The cost of these services can be substantial, potentially impacting the financial well-being of individuals managing hypertension. The 'Hypertension Score' benefits from the availability of medical transport, but the cost and scheduling constraints still present challenges.

Considering the various transportation options, the 'Hypertension Score' for Kensington residents, particularly those managing hypertension, is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential for unreliable ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access. The longer drive times to larger medical centers, coupled with the stress of navigating traffic and weather conditions, can negatively impact the management of hypertension.

For individuals considering moving to Kensington, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. Those reliant on public transportation or who cannot drive may find it challenging to maintain regular medical appointments. The availability of medical transportation services should be investigated, and the associated costs factored into the decision-making process.

Improving the 'Hypertension Score' in Kensington requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased public transit options, including expanded SARTA routes and improved accessibility, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Partnerships between local healthcare providers and transportation services could offer subsidized or discounted transportation for patients.

Community initiatives promoting carpooling or volunteer driver programs could also alleviate transportation challenges. Telehealth services, allowing for remote consultations and monitoring, can reduce the need for frequent in-person appointments.

In conclusion, while Kensington offers a peaceful and scenic environment, healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, presents challenges. The 'Hypertension Score' reflects the need for careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely and convenient access to medical care. Understanding the limitations of transportation options and exploring available alternatives is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Kensington, ensuring they can effectively manage their health and well-being. The future of healthcare access in Kensington hinges on the community's ability to address these transportation challenges and create a more supportive environment for all residents.