44847, Monroeville, Ohio Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 44847, Monroeville, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.39 percent of residents in 44847 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fisher-Titus Hospital with a distance of 5.02 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Monroeville (ZIP Code 44847)

Monroeville, Ohio, nestled within the 44847 ZIP code, presents a unique landscape for individuals managing hypertension. This analysis explores the transportation infrastructure and healthcare access considerations impacting residents, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment to aid in understanding the challenges and opportunities for effective blood pressure management. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transportation services, all crucial factors for individuals seeking consistent healthcare. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Monroeville, allowing them to assess the practicality of maintaining their health regimen.

The foundation of healthcare access in Monroeville is the road network. The primary artery, US Route 20, provides east-west connectivity, linking Monroeville to larger towns and cities. Driving to Norwalk, approximately 10 miles west, typically takes 15-20 minutes, offering access to Fisher-Titus Medical Center, a primary healthcare provider. Further west, the drive to Sandusky, roughly 25 miles, averages 30-40 minutes, opening up additional specialist options. Accessing these facilities is vital for individuals with hypertension, requiring regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential specialist consultations.

North-south travel is facilitated by State Route 113 and State Route 18, though travel times are often extended, especially during peak hours. The proximity to major highways, such as the Ohio Turnpike (I-80/I-90), offers the potential for longer-distance travel to more specialized medical facilities, but the added cost of tolls and potential traffic congestion must be considered. These factors significantly influence the Hypertension Score, as they directly impact the ease and speed with which individuals can reach essential healthcare services.

Public transportation options within the 44847 ZIP code are limited. The Erie County Transit (ECT) provides some service, but routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not directly serve Monroeville. The ECT primarily focuses on providing transportation within Erie County, which includes Sandusky and Norwalk. This limited public transit accessibility poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not drive or have limited mobility, potentially hindering their ability to attend appointments and access necessary medications. The absence of comprehensive public transportation significantly lowers the Hypertension Score, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially those requiring frequent trips to healthcare facilities. While offering a potential alternative to driving, the uncertainty and expense of ride-sharing further complicate healthcare access, contributing to a lower Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services are available, catering specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with boarding and disembarking. However, these services typically require pre-booking and may have limited availability, particularly for urgent appointments. The reliance on these services can also add to the overall cost of healthcare, further impacting the Hypertension Score.

Considering the various transportation options, the Hypertension Score for Monroeville (44847) is moderately low. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare services, coupled with limited public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, creates significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The lack of convenient and affordable transportation options can lead to missed appointments, delayed medication refills, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

For individuals considering moving to Monroeville, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. While the area offers a relatively affordable cost of living and a close-knit community, the healthcare access challenges must be carefully considered, especially for those with chronic conditions like hypertension. Assessing the availability of reliable transportation, whether through personal vehicles, family assistance, or medical transport services, is essential for ensuring consistent healthcare access.

The impact of these factors on the Hypertension Score is significant. The score is reduced due to the limited public transit options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles. The score is further impacted by the potential for increased travel times and costs, particularly for individuals needing to access specialized care or emergency services.

Improvements to the Hypertension Score could be achieved through several strategies. Enhancing public transportation options, including expanding routes and increasing frequency, would significantly improve healthcare access for non-drivers. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Finally, promoting and expanding medical transportation services, ensuring adequate coverage and affordability, would be vital for individuals with mobility limitations.

In conclusion, while Monroeville offers a pleasant living environment, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Careful consideration of these factors, including drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, is crucial for ensuring effective healthcare access. Individuals considering moving to Monroeville should proactively assess their transportation needs and develop strategies to overcome these challenges, ensuring they can maintain their health regimen and thrive within the community. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for evaluating these factors, highlighting areas for improvement and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare and living arrangements.