The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44502, Youngstown, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
85.13 percent of residents in 44502 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 2.01 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 44502, Youngstown, Ohio
Hypertension Score | 25 |
---|---|
People Score | 7 |
Provider Score | 67 |
Hospital Score | 24 |
Travel Score | 57 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 44502 | Youngstown | Ohio |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 7.16 | 3.30 | 3.02 |
1 Car | 36.05 | 22.92 | 19.26 |
2 Cars | 31.00 | 43.93 | 42.63 |
3 or More Cars | 25.79 | 29.84 | 35.08 |
Vehicular Access in 44502, Youngstown, Ohio
## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Youngstown's 44502
For individuals considering a move to Youngstown, Ohio, specifically the 44502 ZIP code, understanding the nuances of healthcare access is paramount. This write-up provides a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding transportation to healthcare facilities, a crucial factor in managing hypertension and other chronic conditions. This score will help prospective residents gauge the ease with which they can access vital medical services, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions.
The 44502 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Youngstown, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. While the city offers a blend of urban and suburban landscapes, navigating the healthcare landscape requires careful consideration of travel times and available options. The ability to consistently and reliably reach medical appointments is a cornerstone of effective hypertension management, and this score reflects that reality.
**Drive Times: The Paved Pathways to Care**
Driving remains a primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 44502. The time it takes to reach medical facilities is heavily influenced by traffic patterns, particularly during peak hours. The primary roadways serving the area are the major arteries of Interstate 680 (I-680), providing north-south access, and the East-West corridor of U.S. Route 422 (US-422), also known as the "Mahoning Avenue" corridor.
For residents in the southern reaches of 44502, accessing facilities like Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, located near downtown, typically involves a drive of 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic flow on I-680. The journey might involve navigating local roads like South Avenue and Market Street, which can experience congestion during rush hour.
Individuals residing in the northern sections of 44502 might find themselves closer to facilities like the Youngstown City Health District, potentially reducing drive times. However, the route may involve navigating the busy thoroughfare of Mahoning Avenue (US-422), which can be subject to traffic delays.
Further afield, specialized care facilities might necessitate longer drives. For example, reaching the Cleveland Clinic, a regional healthcare provider, would require a drive of approximately an hour and a half, primarily using I-80 West. This extended travel time underscores the importance of local healthcare options and the potential for long-distance travel for specialized care.
**Public Transit: The Wheels of Accessibility**
The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides public transportation services throughout Youngstown and the surrounding areas. The WRTA's bus routes serve as a critical lifeline for residents without personal vehicles, offering a cost-effective means of accessing healthcare. However, the efficiency of public transit can vary significantly.
Several WRTA routes traverse the 44502 ZIP code, providing access to various healthcare facilities. Route 1, for instance, is a crucial artery, providing connections to downtown and other areas with medical facilities. Route 4, another key route, offers access to the city’s west side, where medical offices and clinics are located. Route 7 also serves the area, providing access to healthcare facilities in the northern part of the city.
The WRTA strives to provide accessible transportation, offering ADA-compliant buses equipped with ramps and other features for individuals with disabilities. However, the frequency of service, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor. Longer wait times between buses can extend travel times and potentially impact the ability to adhere to scheduled medical appointments.
**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Alternative Routes to Care**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option for residents of 44502. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially offering a more convenient alternative to public transit, especially for those with mobility limitations or time constraints. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, and costs can be a significant factor.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a specialized solution. Companies such as MedStar and other local providers operate in the Youngstown area, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist patients. These services are particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility or those requiring assistance during transport. However, these services often require pre-booking and may involve additional costs.
**The Hypertension Score: A Holistic View**
The 'Hypertension Score' for 44502 is not a single number but a holistic assessment considering the interplay of all the above factors. It acknowledges that healthcare access is not just about proximity but also about reliability, affordability, and convenience.
For individuals with hypertension, consistent access to medical care is vital. This score considers the following elements:
* **Drive Time:** The average time to reach the nearest primary care physician, specialist, and hospital.
* **Public Transit Accessibility:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA compliance of WRTA services.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The presence and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability and cost of medical transportation services.
* **Neighborhood Considerations:** The walkability of the neighborhood, access to pharmacies, and grocery stores.
**Moving to Youngstown: A Thoughtful Decision**
For those considering moving to Youngstown and the 44502 ZIP code, this 'Hypertension Score' write-up serves as a crucial guide. It emphasizes the importance of considering transportation options when evaluating healthcare access. Prospective residents should research the proximity of healthcare facilities to their potential homes, assess the reliability of public transit, and explore the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.
Ultimately, choosing a location that facilitates easy access to healthcare is a crucial step in managing hypertension and maintaining overall well-being. By carefully considering the factors outlined in this write-up, individuals can make an informed decision and find a community that supports their healthcare needs.
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