43721, Brownsville, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 43721, Brownsville, Ohio is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 43721 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Licking Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.74 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 43721

The specter of lung cancer casts a long shadow, demanding swift and effective access to specialized care. In the rural expanse of ZIP Code 43721, nestled in the heart of Guernsey County, Ohio, this access hinges dramatically on the intricate dance of transportation. This write-up delves into the "Lung Cancer Score" for this area, evaluating the accessibility of crucial healthcare resources, particularly for individuals facing a potential or confirmed diagnosis. We will examine the existing transportation infrastructure, from highways to public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for accessing potentially life-saving care. The goal is to illuminate the realities of healthcare access in 43721, empowering residents with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Brownsville, the primary community within this ZIP code.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a formal, standardized metric. Instead, it represents a qualitative assessment of the ease with which individuals in 43721 can reach essential healthcare facilities, specifically those equipped to diagnose and treat lung cancer. This score considers factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of medical transport services. The lower the score, the better the access. We will be looking at the infrastructure and its ability to provide access to the healthcare needed.

The primary challenge in 43721 is its rural nature. Brownsville, and the surrounding communities, are spread out, with limited public transportation options. This geographic reality significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those without personal vehicles.

**Roads and Drive Times: The Primary Arteries of Care**

The lifeblood of healthcare access in 43721 flows through the network of roads. The primary route for accessing specialized medical care is undoubtedly via **Interstate 77 (I-77)**, a major north-south artery. Traveling north on I-77 provides access to hospitals and cancer centers in Canton and Akron. The drive to Aultman Hospital in Canton, for instance, is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering roughly 80 miles. Akron, with its more comprehensive medical facilities, including the Cleveland Clinic Akron General, is roughly 2 hours away, a distance of about 110 miles.

Southbound on I-77, the journey leads to Marietta, Ohio, and further south to Charleston, West Virginia. Marietta Memorial Hospital, roughly 45 miles away, is a viable option for certain services, with a drive time of approximately 1 hour. Charleston, with its more specialized cancer centers, is a longer journey, around 2 hours and 30 minutes, covering roughly 140 miles.

Access to these major highways is primarily via **State Route 146** and **State Route 265**. These state routes, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours, and weather conditions. The secondary roads, such as county roads and township roads, are often less well-maintained and can present challenges during inclement weather.

These drive times, while manageable for some, can be a significant burden for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, requiring frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up care. The time spent traveling, coupled with the physical and emotional toll of the disease, can exacerbate the challenges of healthcare access.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in 43721 are severely limited. Guernsey County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. The **Guernsey County Transit System** does provide demand-response transportation services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. However, these services are primarily designed for local travel within the county, with limited capacity for long-distance trips to larger medical centers.

The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical consideration. For individuals with mobility impairments, the lack of accessible public transit can be a significant barrier to healthcare access. The Guernsey County Transit System does offer accessible vehicles, but availability is often limited, and advance booking is essential. The reliability of these services is also a factor. Delays or cancellations can disrupt treatment schedules and cause significant stress for patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in urban centers. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of 43721. Surge pricing, a common practice during periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option, particularly for frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as **MedExpress** and **CareRide**, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be costly, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**The Lung Cancer Score: A Summary**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 43721 reflects the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transportation, ride-sharing, and medical transport services create significant barriers for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis. The long drive times to specialized medical centers, coupled with the potential for delays and the financial burden of transportation, can exacerbate the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

For those considering moving to Brownsville or the surrounding areas, a thorough assessment of transportation options and healthcare access is crucial. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, or those at higher risk for lung cancer, should carefully evaluate the availability of transportation services and the proximity of specialized medical facilities.

Improving healthcare access in 43721 requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes expanding public transportation options, particularly those with ADA accessibility, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and enhancing the affordability of medical transport. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential to address the challenges of healthcare access in this rural community. This will ensure that residents have the opportunity to receive timely and effective care.