44436, Lowellville, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44436, Lowellville, Ohio is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.89 percent of residents in 44436 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mh St Joseph Warren Hospital with a distance of 16.98 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lowellville (ZIP Code 44436)

The quaint village of Lowellville, Ohio, nestled in the Mahoning Valley, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access. For individuals managing hypertension, the ability to swiftly and reliably reach medical appointments is paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 44436, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment based on commute times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport availability. This information is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Lowellville, ensuring informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.

The Hypertension Score, in this context, is not a formal medical assessment. It's a measure of the ease and efficiency with which residents can access essential healthcare services, particularly those related to managing hypertension. A higher score indicates greater accessibility, while a lower score suggests potential transportation hurdles. This score considers the various transportation modes available and their impact on reaching primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and emergency services.

**Driving the Landscape:**

For many Lowellville residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The village's location, while charming, necessitates navigating the roadways to reach comprehensive healthcare. The primary artery for travel is State Route 289, which runs directly through Lowellville. Accessing larger medical facilities in Youngstown, approximately 10 miles away, requires utilizing State Route 289, which then connects to Interstate 680. This route, generally, offers a relatively straightforward commute, with drive times typically ranging from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Traveling south to Boardman, another significant healthcare hub, involves taking State Route 289 south and connecting to U.S. Route 224. This drive, also roughly 10 miles, can take a similar amount of time, though traffic congestion around the Southern Park Mall area could potentially extend the commute. During peak hours, particularly weekday mornings and evenings, these drive times can increase, adding stress and potentially impacting timely access to appointments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Lowellville are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service throughout the Mahoning Valley, but the routes and frequency within Lowellville are not extensive. The primary WRTA route serving the area is Route 10, which travels along Market Street, potentially offering access to some healthcare facilities in Boardman. However, the route frequency is limited, and the travel time can be significantly longer than driving, making it less ideal for individuals with hypertension who require punctual access to medical care.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features on WRTA buses are essential for individuals with mobility limitations. All WRTA buses are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited route options and potential for longer travel times present a challenge for those who rely on public transit for healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Patchwork of Solutions:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lowellville area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of drivers can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unpredictability can pose a challenge for scheduling appointments and ensuring timely arrival. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a factor, potentially adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can be a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. However, these services may require advance booking and can be subject to availability. Some medical transport providers operating in the area include, but are not limited to, MedStar Ambulance and American Medical Response (AMR).

**Pharmacy Access and Emergency Services:**

Pharmacy access is crucial for managing hypertension. In Lowellville, residents have access to local pharmacies and can also access pharmacies in neighboring towns. The drive to pharmacies is generally manageable, but the availability of prescription refills and the potential for delays should be considered.

Emergency services are readily available, with the Lowellville Fire Department and local emergency medical services (EMS) providers responding to emergencies. The proximity to St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, a major medical center, is a significant advantage. However, the time it takes for an ambulance to arrive and transport a patient to the hospital is a critical factor, particularly in emergency situations.

**The Hypertension Score for Lowellville (44436):**

Considering the factors discussed, the Hypertension Score for Lowellville, Ohio, is moderately favorable. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services contribute to a score that reflects both strengths and weaknesses.

**Strengths:**

* **Proximity to Healthcare Hubs:** Lowellville's location provides relatively easy access to healthcare facilities in Youngstown and Boardman.
* **Emergency Services:** The availability of local emergency services and proximity to a major hospital are significant advantages.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Local pharmacies and access to pharmacies in neighboring towns provide convenient access to medications.

**Weaknesses:**

* **Limited Public Transit:** The lack of extensive public transit options limits healthcare access for those who cannot drive.
* **Ride-Sharing Variability:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services can be unpredictable.
* **Traffic Congestion:** Peak-hour traffic can increase commute times, potentially impacting appointment adherence.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Advocate for Increased WRTA Service:** Residents could advocate for increased WRTA route frequency and coverage within Lowellville.
* **Explore Community Transportation Options:** Investigate the potential for community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver services.
* **Promote Telehealth:** Encourage the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.
* **Educate on Medical Transport:** Raise awareness of available medical transport services and their benefits.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals managing hypertension, moving to Lowellville requires careful consideration of transportation options and healthcare access. While the village offers certain advantages, such as proximity to healthcare facilities and readily available emergency services, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles present challenges. By understanding these factors and exploring available resources, residents can navigate the transportation landscape and ensure timely and reliable access to the healthcare they need. The Hypertension Score, while not a definitive metric, provides a valuable framework for evaluating healthcare access in Lowellville and making informed decisions regarding health and well-being. The future of healthcare access in Lowellville depends on community collaboration and the pursuit of innovative solutions that address the unique needs of its residents.