44634, Homeworth, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44634, Homeworth, Ohio is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.81 percent of residents in 44634 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alliance Community Hospital with a distance of 5.24 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44634**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. In ZIP code 44634, encompassing the village of Homeworth, Ohio, a comprehensive analysis of transportation options is crucial for understanding the challenges and opportunities in healthcare access, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This assessment will inform a "Hypertension Score," a metric reflecting the ease with which residents can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources.

The primary mode of transportation in Homeworth is the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on driving to access healthcare facilities, making drive times a critical factor. The village is situated in a rural area, with limited public transportation options. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are located in neighboring cities, creating a dependence on roadways for healthcare access.

The primary artery for moving to Homeworth and connecting to healthcare facilities is State Route 172. This road provides direct access to Alliance, Ohio, a city with a significant concentration of medical services. Drive times to Alliance Community Hospital, a major healthcare provider, typically range from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Further afield, access to Canton, Ohio, with its more extensive healthcare network, involves navigating State Route 172 to U.S. Route 62, and then to Interstate 77. This journey can take upwards of 45 minutes to an hour, potentially posing a significant barrier for those with mobility limitations or time constraints.

Secondary roads like Homeworth Road and Georgetown Road offer alternative routes, but they often involve longer travel times and may be less well-maintained, especially during inclement weather. This can impact the safety and reliability of transportation, particularly for individuals with hypertension who may be more vulnerable to stress and environmental factors.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Homeworth. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides bus service to some areas of Stark County, but its routes do not directly serve Homeworth. The nearest SARTA routes are located in Alliance, requiring residents to arrange for private transportation to reach the bus stops. Furthermore, the frequency of SARTA buses in the Alliance area may not align with the schedules of healthcare appointments, further complicating the transportation equation. The lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The absence of ADA-compliant features on buses or at bus stops in the immediate vicinity would further exacerbate these challenges.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for transportation, but their availability in Homeworth is not guaranteed. Ride-share services may be less readily available in rural areas, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could make them cost-prohibitive for some residents. The reliability of ride-sharing services, especially for scheduled medical appointments, is also a concern, as cancellations or delays can disrupt healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or non-emergency medical transportation providers, are another option. These services are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs or mobility limitations. The cost of medical transportation can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited, particularly for non-emergency appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" for Homeworth, therefore, will be heavily influenced by the drive times to healthcare facilities. The score will consider the distance to the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies; the availability of public transportation; the reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services; and the accessibility of medical transportation options.

The score will also factor in the availability of pharmacies within Homeworth or nearby communities. Access to medication is critical for managing hypertension, and the proximity of pharmacies will directly impact the ease with which residents can obtain their prescriptions.

Furthermore, the score will consider the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth offers a potential solution for improving healthcare access in rural areas by allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely. The availability of reliable internet access and the willingness of healthcare providers to offer telehealth services will be crucial factors in determining the impact of telehealth on the Hypertension Score.

The overall picture of healthcare access in Homeworth reveals a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create a situation where healthcare access is not always straightforward.

For individuals considering moving to Homeworth, the transportation landscape should be a key consideration. Those with hypertension or other chronic conditions should carefully evaluate their ability to access healthcare services, considering the drive times, the availability of transportation alternatives, and the potential costs involved.

The "Hypertension Score" will serve as a valuable tool for assessing the healthcare access landscape in Homeworth. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current transportation infrastructure and identify areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, advocate for improved transportation options, and ultimately, improve the health and well-being of the community.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all residents of Homeworth, including those with hypertension, have convenient and reliable access to the healthcare services they need. The "Hypertension Score" will be a vital step in achieving this goal, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.