44454, Petersburg, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44454, Petersburg, Ohio is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.14 percent of residents in 44454 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hmhp St Elizabeth Boardman Health Center with a distance of 8.68 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Petersburg, Ohio (ZIP Code 44454)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of possibility in Petersburg, Ohio, a community nestled in the heart of the Mahoning Valley. For those considering a move to this charming locale, the question of **healthcare access** takes on a particular weight, especially when considering the potential for serious illnesses like lung cancer. This write-up, focusing on ZIP code 44454, aims to provide a comprehensive "Lung Cancer Score," evaluating the ease of **transportation** to vital medical resources.

Our analysis considers the crucial factor of timely access to diagnosis and treatment. Lung cancer, demanding swift intervention, makes the proximity and efficiency of **transportation** routes paramount. This score assesses drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, painting a realistic picture of healthcare accessibility for potential residents.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Petersburg, like many rural areas, is the automobile. Driving is often the primary mode of **transportation**. For residents of 44454, the nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are in Youngstown, Ohio, a journey necessitating careful planning.

The most direct route to Youngstown from Petersburg involves utilizing State Route 14, a well-maintained two-lane highway. The drive, typically covering around 20 miles, usually takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. This route offers relatively consistent travel times, but potential delays can arise during peak hours or inclement weather.

Alternatively, residents might opt for a slightly longer route, traveling east on State Route 14 and then north on State Route 7. This option, while adding a few miles to the journey, could potentially offer a smoother ride, especially during periods of heavier traffic on Route 14. This route could extend the drive time to approximately 45-55 minutes.

For those seeking specialized cancer care, the journey to the Cleveland Clinic, a renowned medical center, presents a more significant challenge. The drive to the Cleveland Clinic main campus, located approximately 70 miles from Petersburg, typically takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, primarily via the Ohio Turnpike (I-80). The Turnpike, a toll road, provides a high-speed, relatively unobstructed route, but the cost of tolls must be factored into the overall **transportation** budget.

Public transit options in the area are limited. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus service within the Mahoning Valley, but its routes in and around Petersburg are infrequent and primarily designed for local travel. WRTA Route 10, for example, might offer limited service to nearby towns, but it does not directly connect Petersburg to major healthcare facilities in Youngstown.

Furthermore, the WRTA system, while striving for ADA compliance, may not be ideal for patients undergoing cancer treatment. The frequency of routes, the potential for long wait times, and the need for transfers could exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of the disease.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Youngstown area, providing another **transportation** option. However, the availability of these services in Petersburg itself can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to Youngstown or Cleveland, can quickly become a significant financial burden, adding to the stress of managing cancer care.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, offer another avenue for **healthcare access**. Companies like MedTrans and CareRide provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, offering door-to-door service. These services, while convenient, can be expensive, and availability should be confirmed in advance. They can be a valuable option for patients unable to drive or lacking access to other forms of **transportation**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Petersburg, Ohio (44454) reflects the realities of its healthcare landscape. While the drive to Youngstown for initial diagnosis and treatment is manageable, the lack of robust public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The longer travel times to specialized centers like the Cleveland Clinic further complicate **healthcare access**.

For individuals considering **moving to Petersburg**, Ohio, and concerned about lung cancer risk or treatment, careful consideration of these **transportation** factors is crucial. The proximity of major highways, such as State Route 14 and the Ohio Turnpike, offers some advantages, but the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative modes of **transportation** should be weighed against the potential need for frequent medical appointments.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not a definitive measure of healthcare quality, but rather a reflection of the practical challenges of accessing care. It underscores the importance of planning, resourcefulness, and potentially, the need to factor **transportation** costs into the overall financial considerations of **moving to Petersburg**.

This analysis suggests that residents of 44454 have moderate **healthcare access** with a reliance on personal vehicles. While adequate for some, individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring frequent appointments may face significant challenges. The availability of medical **transportation** services and ride-sharing provides options, but these come with associated costs and potential scheduling difficulties.