44441, Negley, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44441, Negley, Ohio is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.14 percent of residents in 44441 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.36 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Salem Regional Medical Center with a distance of 16.42 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Negley, Ohio (ZIP Code 44441)

The decision to relocate, especially to a rural area like Negley, Ohio (ZIP code 44441), involves a complex tapestry of considerations. For individuals managing hypertension, a critical factor is healthcare access, specifically the ease of transportation to medical appointments. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in and around Negley, evaluating its impact on healthcare accessibility and providing a "Hypertension Score" to help assess the suitability of this location for those with cardiovascular concerns.

Negley, nestled in Columbiana County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The area is predominantly rural, characterized by rolling hills, farmlands, and a sparse population. This geographic reality significantly influences the available transportation options, impacting the time and effort required to reach essential healthcare services. The following analysis will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, culminating in a comprehensive Hypertension Score.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation in Negley is personal vehicles. The most direct route to healthcare facilities involves navigating the local road network. Access to specialist care and hospitals in the region necessitates travel on several key roadways. Route 11, a major north-south artery, provides the most direct link to larger towns like East Liverpool and Lisbon, offering a faster connection to healthcare facilities.

Driving to East Liverpool, approximately 15 miles away, takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. This journey often involves using local roads like Sprucevale Road, which connects to Route 11. The East Liverpool City Hospital, a primary care provider, is a central destination for many residents.

Lisbon, the county seat, is closer, around 10 miles away, and typically requires a 15-20 minute drive via Route 154. Lisbon offers various medical practices, including primary care physicians and some specialist services. The drive time to both East Liverpool and Lisbon is generally manageable, provided road conditions are favorable.

Further afield, the city of Youngstown, approximately 35 miles away, offers a wider range of specialized medical services. Reaching Youngstown necessitates travel on Route 11, which then connects to the Interstate 680. The journey can take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This longer commute is a significant consideration for individuals with hypertension, requiring careful planning and potentially impacting medication adherence due to increased travel time.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Negley is severely limited. The Columbiana County Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) provides some services, but these are primarily demand-response, meaning they operate on a reservation basis and may not be readily available for immediate medical needs. The CCRTA operates a "dial-a-ride" service, which requires advance booking, often 24-48 hours in advance.

The CCRTA buses are equipped with ADA features, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency and the need for advance booking make this service less than ideal for those with urgent medical needs or frequent appointments. The availability of public transit is a significant constraint on healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Negley area, but their availability can be unpredictable. The rural nature of the area means that drivers may be scarce, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could prove unreliable, potentially leading to missed appointments and impacting healthcare outcomes.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance with transportation. Several companies provide medical transport services in the region, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for scheduled appointments.

These services often involve a higher cost than personal transportation or ride-sharing. However, they provide a valuable service for those who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. The availability of medical transport services is a critical factor in ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Negley.

**Hypertension Score: Assessing Healthcare Accessibility**

To assess the suitability of Negley for individuals with hypertension, a "Hypertension Score" is proposed, incorporating the factors discussed above. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 representing the least accessible and 5 representing the most accessible.

* **Drive Time to Primary Care (Weight: 30%):** This assesses the time required to reach a primary care physician. A score of 5 indicates a drive time of under 15 minutes; a score of 1 indicates a drive time of over 45 minutes. Negley scores a 3, given the 20-30 minute drive to East Liverpool or Lisbon.

* **Drive Time to Specialist Care (Weight: 25%):** This assesses the time required to reach specialist services. A score of 5 indicates a drive time of under 30 minutes; a score of 1 indicates a drive time of over 60 minutes. Negley scores a 2, considering the 45-60 minute drive to Youngstown for specialized care.

* **Public Transit Availability and Reliability (Weight: 20%):** This assesses the availability and reliability of public transit. A score of 5 indicates frequent, readily available service; a score of 1 indicates no public transit or unreliable service. Negley scores a 1, given the limited, demand-response nature of the CCRTA.

* **Ride-Sharing Availability and Reliability (Weight: 15%):** This assesses the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services. A score of 5 indicates readily available services; a score of 1 indicates unreliable or unavailable services. Negley scores a 2, given the potential for limited driver availability.

* **Medical Transport Availability and Affordability (Weight: 10%):** This assesses the availability and affordability of medical transport services. A score of 5 indicates readily available and affordable services; a score of 1 indicates unavailable or unaffordable services. Negley scores a 3, given the availability of medical transport, but the higher cost.

**Overall Hypertension Score for Negley (ZIP Code 44441):**

Based on the above factors and their weighted contributions, the overall Hypertension Score for Negley is approximately 2.4. This score suggests that while healthcare access is possible, it presents significant challenges for individuals with hypertension. The limited public transit, the dependence on personal vehicles, and the longer commute times to specialist care facilities require careful planning and consideration.

**Conclusion: Moving to Negley with Hypertension**

For individuals considering moving to Negley, Ohio, and managing hypertension, careful consideration of transportation and healthcare access is paramount. While the area offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical services and the limitations of public transit pose challenges.

The Hypertension Score of 2.4 highlights the need for proactive planning. Individuals with hypertension should assess their ability to drive, consider the reliability of ride-sharing services, and explore the availability and cost of medical transport options.

Before making a move, prospective residents should research the specific healthcare services available in the area, including the availability of primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists. They should also factor in the potential for increased travel time and the associated impact on medication adherence and overall health management.

Ultimately, the decision to relocate to Negley with hypertension requires a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and a proactive approach to healthcare management. By carefully evaluating the factors discussed in this write-up, individuals can make informed decisions and ensure their healthcare needs are met in their new community.