02804, Ashaway, Rhode Island Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 02804, Ashaway, Rhode Island is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.73 percent of residents in 02804 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Newport Hospital with a distance of 25.46 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 02804

The quest for optimal health often hinges on a critical factor: access. In the charming, albeit geographically isolated, community of Ashaway, Rhode Island (ZIP Code 02804), the journey to healthcare, particularly for those managing hypertension, is a complex equation. This write-up explores the challenges and opportunities of **transportation** options impacting **healthcare access** for residents, offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment for those considering **moving to Ashaway**.

Ashaway’s location, nestled in the western reaches of Washington County, presents a unique set of hurdles. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are primarily situated in neighboring towns and cities. This necessitates reliance on various **transportation** methods, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, especially for individuals with hypertension who require regular check-ups and medication refills.

The primary mode of travel for many Ashaway residents is by car. The major arteries connecting Ashaway to healthcare hubs are Route 3 and Route 91. Route 3, a winding two-lane road, provides a direct route to Westerly, approximately a 20-minute drive under ideal conditions. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and summer weekends, can significantly extend this commute. Route 91, a more direct route, leads to nearby towns like Hopkinton and Richmond, offering access to smaller clinics and pharmacies. The condition of these roads, especially during winter months, can further complicate travel.

For those without personal vehicles, public **transportation** options are limited. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) provides bus service in the area, but the routes serving Ashaway are infrequent and may not align with healthcare appointment schedules. Route 60, a key bus line, connects Westerly with Providence, but the journey is lengthy, often exceeding an hour and a half, and involves multiple transfers. The lack of ADA-accessible features on some older buses poses a significant barrier for individuals with mobility limitations, a crucial consideration for those managing hypertension.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can be unpredictable. Surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather can make these options prohibitively expensive, especially for regular appointments. The availability of drivers in the rural Ashaway area is also less consistent than in more densely populated regions.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more specialized approach. Companies like Care Ride and First Transit provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, often equipped with wheelchair accessibility and trained drivers. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have limited availability, particularly for same-day appointments. The cost of these services can also be a significant factor, potentially adding to the financial burden of healthcare.

The "Hypertension Score" for Ashaway reflects these realities. It considers the following factors: average drive times to healthcare facilities, the frequency and accessibility of public **transportation**, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, the availability of medical **transportation** options, and the overall road conditions.

The score is calculated on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing extremely poor access and 10 representing excellent access. Based on the current landscape, Ashaway receives a moderate score. The reliance on personal vehicles for timely access to care, coupled with the limitations of public **transportation** and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**, contributes to this score.

For individuals with hypertension, the implications of this score are significant. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, medication adherence, and timely access to medical professionals are crucial for managing the condition. The extended commute times and potential **transportation** challenges in Ashaway can create barriers to these essential healthcare needs.

For those **moving to Ashaway**, a thorough assessment of their **transportation** needs is paramount. Consider the following: proximity to healthcare providers, the availability of reliable **transportation** options, and the potential costs associated with each mode.

The future of **healthcare access** in Ashaway may involve several improvements. Increased frequency and accessibility of RIPTA routes, particularly those connecting to healthcare facilities, would significantly enhance the score. Partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services could offer subsidized **transportation** options for patients. The expansion of medical **transportation** services in the area would also be a welcome development.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical assessment; it is a reflection of the lived experience of Ashaway residents. It highlights the importance of proactive planning and the need for continuous efforts to improve **healthcare access** for all, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The journey to healthcare should not be a burden; it should be a seamless and accessible path to well-being.