44506, Youngstown, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44506, Youngstown, Ohio is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

90.03 percent of residents in 44506 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 2.02 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Youngstown's 44506

The air hangs heavy with a legacy of industry in Youngstown, Ohio, a city striving to redefine itself. For residents of ZIP Code 44506, the reality of healthcare access, particularly concerning a serious diagnosis like lung cancer, is a complex interplay of geography, available **transportation**, and the evolving healthcare landscape. This analysis, the "Lung Cancer Score," explores these factors to provide a nuanced understanding of how easily residents can access vital lung cancer care.

The 44506 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Youngstown, including neighborhoods like Brier Hill and the city's downtown core. This geographic spread immediately impacts **healthcare access**. While the city boasts several medical facilities, the distance to specialized lung cancer treatment centers, such as those offering radiation oncology or advanced surgical procedures, can be a significant hurdle.

The primary artery for vehicular travel in 44506 is the **Interstate 680**, which slices through the heart of the area. Accessing the major healthcare hubs, including Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, often involves navigating this highway. Rush hour, however, can transform this crucial route into a congested crawl, potentially delaying critical appointments. The **U.S. Route 422** and **State Route 711** also serve as essential corridors, connecting residents to other parts of the city and surrounding areas. These roads, while offering alternative routes, can also experience heavy traffic, especially during peak commuting times.

Drive times to the most accessible hospitals vary. Under ideal conditions, a drive from the heart of 44506 to Mercy Health-St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, located just outside the ZIP code, could be a mere 10-15 minutes. However, factoring in traffic on I-680 or delays on other roads, this commute can easily stretch to 20-30 minutes, or even longer during inclement weather. The distance to more specialized facilities, such as those offering cutting-edge treatments, could extend the drive time to 30-45 minutes, depending on the location and traffic conditions. This underscores the importance of timely **transportation** for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.

Public **transportation** options in Youngstown are provided by the Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA). The WRTA operates a network of bus routes throughout the city, including routes that serve the 44506 area. While the WRTA provides a vital service, the frequency of buses and the routes' coverage can be limitations. For example, a resident of Brier Hill might need to transfer buses to reach a specific cancer center, increasing the overall travel time. The WRTA strives to provide accessible service, with ADA-compliant buses equipped with ramps and designated seating. However, the reliance on public transit for cancer treatment, especially for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, can be challenging due to the potential for fatigue, nausea, and the need for frequent appointments.

The WRTA also offers a paratransit service, known as "Easy Go," specifically for individuals with disabilities who cannot utilize the regular bus routes. This service, while providing a valuable lifeline, often requires advance booking and may have limited availability, adding another layer of complexity to accessing healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Youngstown. These services offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for those who cannot drive or who require a more direct route. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or in less densely populated areas, can also be a concern.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, are also available in Youngstown. Companies like MedTrans and others offer non-emergency medical **transportation**, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. These services can be a lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance. However, the availability of these services can vary, and the cost can be a barrier for some patients.

The decision to relocate to Youngstown, or any city, for healthcare access is a significant one. For individuals considering **moving to Youngstown** for lung cancer treatment, a thorough assessment of the **transportation** options is crucial. This includes evaluating the proximity of housing to treatment centers, the availability of public transit, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical **transportation**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 44506, therefore, is not a single number but a complex evaluation. It considers the drive times, the accessibility of public transit, the cost and availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**, and the overall impact of these factors on a patient's ability to access timely and effective lung cancer care. Residents of 44506, and those considering a move to the area, must carefully weigh these factors to ensure they can navigate the challenges of treatment and receive the best possible care. A proactive approach to **healthcare access**, focusing on understanding the available **transportation** options, is paramount in this fight.