44606, Apple Creek, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44606, Apple Creek, Ohio is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.30 percent of residents in 44606 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pomerene Hospital with a distance of 13.83 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Apple Creek (ZIP Code 44606)**

The tranquility of Apple Creek, Ohio, a charming village nestled in Wayne County, offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up analyzes the available transportation options for residents of ZIP code 44606, focusing on their impact on accessing necessary medical care. We will assess the drive times, public transit availability, and ride-share services to determine a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare providers. This score will inform those considering moving to Apple Creek, offering a realistic view of the transportation landscape.

The cornerstone of any healthcare assessment is understanding the geography. Apple Creek (44606) is centrally located, with surrounding towns like Wooster and Orrville serving as primary healthcare hubs. The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are State Route 250, which bisects the village, and State Route 226, providing access to the north and south. These roads, though well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially delaying access to critical medical appointments. County Road 77, also known as Apple Creek Road, offers a more direct route to Wooster, but it is a two-lane road that can be subject to seasonal weather conditions.

Driving times are a crucial element of the Hypertension Score. The drive to Wooster Community Hospital, the closest major medical facility, typically takes between 15 to 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions via State Route 250 and U.S. Route 30. The trip to Aultman Orrville Hospital, located in Orrville, is slightly longer, averaging 20 to 25 minutes via State Route 57. These times are generally manageable, but the variability due to traffic and weather must be factored in, particularly for individuals with time-sensitive healthcare needs. For residents needing specialized care at Cleveland Clinic or other major hospitals in the greater Cleveland area, the drive can extend to over an hour, adding significant time and stress to the equation.

Public transportation in Apple Creek is limited. The Wayne County Transit provides bus services, but the routes and schedules are not designed to cater to the specific needs of healthcare access. Services are infrequent, with limited evening and weekend options. This makes it difficult for individuals without personal vehicles to reach appointments, especially those requiring dialysis, chemotherapy, or regular check-ups for hypertension. The lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for seniors and those with mobility limitations. The absence of ADA-compliant features on all routes further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability are not guaranteed. Availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive for individuals on fixed incomes or those with frequent healthcare appointments. The inconsistent nature of ride-sharing further complicates the challenge of healthcare access, especially for those with hypertension who require consistent and reliable transportation.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by MedTrans or CareRide, offer a specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medication management. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking, which is not always feasible for urgent medical needs. While these services provide a valuable lifeline, their limitations in terms of cost and availability must be considered when evaluating the overall healthcare access landscape.

The Hypertension Score for Apple Creek (44606) is moderately impacted. The availability of personal vehicles and relatively short drive times to local hospitals provide a degree of healthcare access. However, the limited public transportation options, the inconsistent availability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transportation services negatively impact the score. Individuals with hypertension require consistent access to medical care, and the transportation challenges in Apple Creek could potentially hinder their ability to manage their condition effectively.

When considering moving to Apple Creek, prospective residents with hypertension must carefully evaluate their transportation needs and resources. While the village offers a peaceful lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access necessitate careful planning. Individuals without reliable access to a personal vehicle should consider the challenges of relying on public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transportation. Those with specific healthcare needs should also investigate the availability of specialized services and their associated costs.

The ease of accessing healthcare is a critical factor in the quality of life, particularly for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The transportation landscape in Apple Creek presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. While the village's location and road infrastructure provide a base level of access, the limitations in public transportation and the uncertainties of ride-sharing services warrant careful consideration. The Hypertension Score, therefore, reflects the need for careful planning and resourcefulness to ensure that residents of Apple Creek with hypertension can receive the timely and consistent medical care they need to maintain their health and well-being.