44404, Burghill, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44404, Burghill, Ohio is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.48 percent of residents in 44404 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

**Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Burghill, Ohio (ZIP Code 44404)**

The journey to healthcare, especially for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, becomes a crucial factor in treatment outcomes. In Burghill, Ohio (ZIP Code 44404), a rural community nestled in Trumbull County, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. This write-up delves into the complexities of accessing lung cancer care from this specific ZIP code, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" based on transportation accessibility. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

Burghill's location, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents challenges when it comes to healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are situated in larger cities, necessitating travel. The "Lung Cancer Score" for 44404 will reflect the relative ease or difficulty of reaching these centers, impacting the overall prognosis and quality of life for individuals battling this disease.

**Drive Time and Highway Navigation**

The primary mode of transportation for residents of Burghill is personal vehicles. Navigating to healthcare facilities involves understanding the road network. The most direct route to major medical centers typically involves Interstate 80 (I-80), a vital east-west artery. Accessing I-80 from Burghill requires navigating local roads, primarily State Route 88, a north-south connector. The drive to the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, a renowned cancer treatment facility, is approximately 70 miles, translating to a drive time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Another prominent healthcare option is the University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, also located in Cleveland. The drive time is similar, also around 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering approximately 75 miles. Accessing the Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, presents a longer journey, approximately 110 miles and a drive time of around 2 hours and 15 minutes, mainly via I-80 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. These drive times, while manageable for some, can be a significant burden for patients undergoing treatment, especially those experiencing fatigue or mobility issues.

The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can further complicate travel. Winter weather, common in Northeast Ohio, can significantly increase drive times and pose safety risks. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the impact of weather conditions on accessibility.

**Public Transit Options: Limited Availability**

Public transportation options in Burghill and the surrounding areas are limited. Trumbull County does offer a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are not designed for frequent trips to specialized cancer centers. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides some service in the Youngstown area, but its routes do not directly serve Burghill. Individuals needing to use public transit would likely need to arrange a ride to a WRTA stop and then navigate the system, potentially involving multiple transfers.

The WRTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the overall lack of frequent and direct routes to cancer centers significantly diminishes the viability of public transit as a primary mode of transportation for lung cancer patients. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects this limited availability and its impact on healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Burghill area, but their reliability and cost can be significant factors. While these services offer a degree of flexibility, their availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of frequent rides to cancer centers can quickly become a financial burden for patients.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services often offer door-to-door service, assisting patients with mobility issues. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may require advance booking.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and its Implications**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Burghill, Ohio (ZIP Code 44404) is moderately challenging. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the distance to major cancer centers, creates a transportation burden. The limited public transit options and the cost and availability constraints of ride-sharing and medical transport services further complicate healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Burghill, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the distance to specialized medical care necessitates careful planning. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer, or those with a high risk of developing the disease, should consider these transportation factors when evaluating their healthcare options and support systems.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access extends beyond the availability of medical facilities. Transportation accessibility plays a critical role in treatment outcomes, patient well-being, and the overall quality of life for individuals battling lung cancer. Further improvements in public transit, ride-sharing accessibility, and medical transport options could significantly improve the "Lung Cancer Score" for Burghill residents, enhancing their ability to receive timely and effective care.