44485, Warren, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44485, Warren, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.95 percent of residents in 44485 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Trumbull Regional Medical Center with a distance of 2.33 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Warren, Ohio (ZIP Code 44485)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, is a critical factor in patient outcomes. This write-up analyzes the accessibility of lung cancer treatment facilities for residents of Warren, Ohio (ZIP code 44485), considering various transportation options and their potential impact on the "Lung Cancer Score." This score reflects the ease and efficiency with which individuals can access vital medical services, influencing their ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape, empowering informed decisions about healthcare access, especially for those considering moving to Warren.

Warren, nestled in Trumbull County, presents a unique transportation challenge. While the city offers a blend of urban and suburban environments, its reliance on personal vehicles is significant. Public transportation options are limited, potentially creating barriers to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or prefer alternative methods. Understanding these nuances is crucial for assessing the Lung Cancer Score and ensuring that residents have the best possible chance at successful treatment.

**Driving Directions: The Primary Route to Care**

For most Warren residents, driving remains the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The major arteries serving the area include State Route 46, connecting Warren to surrounding communities. State Route 5, also known as the Youngstown-Warren Road, provides another crucial east-west corridor. Interstate 80, a major east-west thoroughfare, offers access to more distant healthcare centers.

The drive times to lung cancer treatment centers vary depending on the specific location and traffic conditions. The closest options include local hospitals like Trumbull Regional Medical Center, which is generally accessible within a 10-15 minute drive from most parts of Warren. This proximity significantly boosts the Lung Cancer Score, as it minimizes travel time and reduces the stress associated with long commutes.

For more specialized care, such as advanced radiation therapy or complex surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in Youngstown or Cleveland. These trips, however, require significantly more travel time. A drive to the Cleveland Clinic, a nationally recognized cancer center, can take approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and forty-five minutes, depending on traffic on I-80. Similarly, driving to Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, a prominent regional facility, typically takes around 30-45 minutes via State Route 422.

The Lung Cancer Score is affected by these longer drive times. The increased travel distance can lead to delays in accessing care, higher transportation costs, and increased fatigue for patients. The reliance on personal vehicles can also be a challenge for individuals who are unable to drive due to their illness or other limitations.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Alternative**

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides public transportation within Trumbull County, but its service area and frequency are limited. While WRTA offers routes within Warren, the coverage may not extend directly to all healthcare facilities, and the frequency of buses can be an issue.

The WRTA's fixed-route buses are generally ADA-accessible, offering ramps or lifts for passengers with disabilities. However, the limited routes and schedules can make it difficult for patients to access timely appointments, especially for those requiring frequent treatment or follow-up care. This limitation negatively impacts the Lung Cancer Score, highlighting the need for more comprehensive public transportation options.

The availability of public transportation is a crucial factor in healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of robust public transit in Warren poses a challenge for those seeking lung cancer treatment, potentially leading to missed appointments or delayed care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those without personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand in the area. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, especially those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are available for patients who require assistance with transportation due to their medical condition. These services are often equipped to handle patients with mobility issues or those requiring medical assistance during transit. However, these services can be expensive and may require pre-booking, potentially creating delays in accessing care.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can significantly influence the Lung Cancer Score. These services can help bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to public transportation.

**The Impact on the Lung Cancer Score**

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 44485 is influenced by the interplay of transportation options, healthcare facility locations, and the individual patient's circumstances. The proximity of local hospitals, such as Trumbull Regional Medical Center, provides a positive impact, especially when considering the ease of driving. However, the need to travel to more specialized centers in Youngstown or Cleveland introduces challenges, increasing travel time and potentially delaying care.

The limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles highlight the need for improvements in the transportation infrastructure to support healthcare access. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services provides some relief, but the cost and availability of these services can still be a barrier for some patients.

**Moving to Warren: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Warren, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The Lung Cancer Score should be a factor in making informed decisions about where to live. Proximity to healthcare facilities, access to reliable transportation, and the availability of support services should all be considered.

Individuals with lung cancer or at high risk for the disease should prioritize locations with easy access to healthcare facilities, whether through driving, public transportation, or ride-sharing services. It is also important to consider the availability of support services, such as patient navigators and support groups, to help navigate the complexities of cancer care.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Warren, Ohio (ZIP code 44485) is moderate. While local healthcare options are accessible, the limited public transportation and the need to travel to larger medical centers for specialized care present challenges. Improving public transportation, expanding ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transportation options are essential to enhance the Lung Cancer Score and improve healthcare access for all residents. The goal is to create a healthcare environment that prioritizes timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive support for individuals battling lung cancer.