44430, Leavittsburg, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44430, Leavittsburg, Ohio is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.32 percent of residents in 44430 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.38 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 23.74 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Leavittsburg, OH (ZIP Code 44430)

The quiet charm of Leavittsburg, Ohio, nestled within ZIP code 44430, offers a peaceful respite. However, for residents managing hypertension, the reality of healthcare access demands careful consideration. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access, ultimately informing a "Hypertension Score" – a measure of the ease with which residents can reach vital medical appointments. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, providing a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Leavittsburg or seeking to understand their healthcare journey.

Leavittsburg, a community in Trumbull County, is largely car-dependent. The primary artery for transportation is State Route 5, a vital east-west thoroughfare. Traveling east on Route 5, you'll encounter the city of Warren, a hub for specialized medical services and hospitals. Westward leads to the smaller communities of Newton Falls and Garrettsville, offering some primary care options. The ability to navigate these roads efficiently becomes paramount, especially for individuals with hypertension, where timely access to medication and regular check-ups is critical.

Drive times are a crucial factor. Reaching the nearest major hospital, Trumbull Regional Medical Center in Warren, typically takes around 15-20 minutes via State Route 5. This drive, while relatively short, can be affected by traffic, particularly during peak hours. For specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, the drive time could be a significant consideration. Further distances, like the drive to Cleveland Clinic locations, could easily exceed an hour, impacting the feasibility of regular appointments.

Public transportation presents a less robust option. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides limited bus service within Trumbull County. However, the routes serving Leavittsburg are infrequent, and direct access to medical facilities might be challenging. Route 70, for example, travels along Route 5, potentially offering access to Warren, but the schedules are limited, and the stops might not be conveniently located near medical offices. ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for those with mobility limitations, and the WRTA strives to provide accessible buses and services, but the overall limitations of the public transit network remain a significant hurdle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area. This offers a more flexible option than public transit, allowing for door-to-door service. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some, especially considering the frequency of medical appointments required for managing hypertension.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with mobility issues, are another option. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with transportation. However, these services typically require pre-booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. Their availability and coverage areas should be thoroughly investigated.

Considering the factors discussed, we can formulate a preliminary "Hypertension Score" for Leavittsburg (44430). This score, on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being the most accessible), reflects the ease with which residents can access healthcare related to hypertension.

**Drive Time:** The relatively short drive to Warren (15-20 minutes) earns a score of 7. However, the dependence on a personal vehicle and the potential for traffic during peak hours slightly reduce the score.

**Public Transit:** The limited WRTA service, infrequent routes, and potential for inconvenient stops result in a score of 3. While ADA accessibility is a positive, the overall limitations of the public transit system significantly impact the score.

**Ride-Sharing:** The availability of Uber and Lyft provides a more flexible option, earning a score of 6. However, the potential for fluctuating availability, cost considerations, and the need for a smartphone to book a ride slightly lower the score.

**Medical Transportation:** The availability of specialized medical transportation services, while offering enhanced accessibility, is offset by the need for pre-booking and potentially higher costs, resulting in a score of 5.

**Overall "Hypertension Score" for Leavittsburg (44430):** Based on these individual scores, the overall "Hypertension Score" for Leavittsburg would be approximately 5.25. This score suggests that while healthcare access is possible, it is not seamless. Residents must rely heavily on personal vehicles, and alternative transportation options present limitations in terms of frequency, accessibility, and cost.

For individuals considering moving to Leavittsburg, this score highlights the importance of carefully evaluating their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those with hypertension should prioritize proximity to medical facilities, consider the availability of reliable transportation options, and factor in the potential costs associated with accessing healthcare.

Furthermore, the score underscores the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access. This could include advocating for increased public transit service, promoting ride-sharing programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and supporting the expansion of medical transportation services.

In conclusion, while Leavittsburg offers a tranquil setting, residents managing hypertension must navigate a transportation landscape that presents challenges. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in the area, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The local authorities and community groups must work together to improve the score, making healthcare access easier for all residents.