44454, Petersburg, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44454, Petersburg, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.14 percent of residents in 44454 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 15.09 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44454**

Navigating the complexities of healthcare access is a crucial consideration for anyone, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 44454 (Petersburg, Ohio), provides a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment. This score considers transportation options, drive times, and the availability of healthcare facilities, offering insights for residents and those contemplating moving to Petersburg. Understanding these factors empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The primary challenge in assessing healthcare access lies in the intricate interplay of transportation options and the locations of medical facilities. For residents of 44454, the reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The area's rural nature limits public transit options, making a car the most common mode of transportation for medical appointments. The 'Hypertension Score' evaluates the efficiency and convenience of these transportation methods, factoring in potential delays and accessibility limitations.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from 44454 are State Route 14 and State Route 164. These roads offer direct routes to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. Driving to Salem Regional Medical Center, a significant healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-25 minutes via State Route 14. This drive time is generally manageable, but traffic congestion during peak hours could extend it.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to Youngstown or Boardman. The journey to Youngstown, utilizing State Route 14 and connecting to major highways like the US-62, could take approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Boardman, offering a wider array of specialists, is accessible via State Route 164 and the US-62, with a similar drive time. These longer commutes necessitate careful planning, particularly for those with hypertension, who require regular check-ups and potentially urgent care.

**Public Transit Challenges**

Public transportation options in 44454 are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides some service in the broader Mahoning County area, but its routes are sparse in Petersburg. Residents would likely need to travel to a central location, like Salem or Columbiana, to access WRTA buses. The WRTA does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the infrequent schedules and the need for transfers significantly increase travel time.

The lack of robust public transit presents a considerable barrier for those without personal vehicles. This is especially problematic for individuals with hypertension who may experience mobility issues or find driving difficult. The 'Hypertension Score' must reflect this significant limitation, acknowledging that the lack of accessible public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. In rural areas like 44454, the availability of drivers might be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or emergencies could inflate costs. This presents a financial burden for individuals requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, provide another option. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, especially those with mobility limitations. However, these services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or personal vehicles and may require advance booking. The availability of these services and their coverage in the 44454 area is a crucial factor in the 'Hypertension Score'.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity and Availability**

The proximity of healthcare facilities is a key determinant of the 'Hypertension Score'. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers within a reasonable distance is essential for managing hypertension effectively. While Salem Regional Medical Center offers a range of services, residents may need to travel further for specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology.

The availability of appointments is another critical factor. Long wait times for appointments can delay necessary treatment and monitoring, potentially exacerbating the condition. The 'Hypertension Score' must consider the accessibility of appointments and the availability of healthcare providers in the surrounding areas.

**Assessing the 'Hypertension Score'**

The 'Hypertension Score' for 44454 will reflect the following:

* **Drive Time:** The relatively short drive times to Salem Regional Medical Center are a positive factor. However, longer commutes to Youngstown and Boardman for specialized care pose a challenge.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transit options significantly detract from the score. The lack of reliable and accessible public transportation creates a barrier for many residents.
* **Ride-Share/Medical Transportation:** The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation provides some options, but their cost and reliability may be problematic.
* **Healthcare Facility Proximity and Availability:** The presence of Salem Regional Medical Center is a positive factor, but the need to travel for specialized care and the potential for appointment delays must be considered.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

Based on this analysis, the 'Hypertension Score' for 44454 is moderately impacted. While the proximity to Salem Regional Medical Center provides a foundation for healthcare access, the limitations in public transportation and the need for longer commutes for specialized care pose challenges.

For residents of 44454 managing hypertension, careful planning of medical appointments is essential. Utilizing personal vehicles, exploring ride-sharing options, and investigating medical transportation services are crucial. Advocating for improved public transit options or exploring community-based transportation solutions could significantly improve healthcare access for residents.

For those considering moving to Petersburg, this analysis underscores the importance of assessing transportation options and healthcare access. Individuals with hypertension should prioritize proximity to healthcare facilities, consider the availability of reliable transportation, and factor in potential travel times when making their decision. The 'Hypertension Score' serves as a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of healthcare access and empowering informed decisions about health and well-being.