44626, East Sparta, Ohio Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 44626, East Sparta, Ohio is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

77.81 percent of residents in 44626 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Union Hospital with a distance of 13.26 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in East Sparta, Ohio (ZIP Code 44626)

Considering a move to the quaint village of East Sparta, Ohio (ZIP Code 44626)? Beyond the charming small-town atmosphere and affordable housing, it’s crucial to assess your access to healthcare, particularly if you have a higher risk of lung cancer or require regular screenings. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding East Sparta, focusing on how easily residents can access potentially life-saving medical care. We'll explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately providing a “Lung Cancer Score” to help you understand the practicalities of healthcare access in this community.

The primary concern for lung cancer patients or those at risk is timely access to specialized care, including oncologists, pulmonologists, radiologists, and advanced diagnostic equipment. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can significantly impact outcomes. Therefore, the ease of **transportation** becomes a critical factor in your overall health and well-being.

East Sparta's location in Stark County presents a unique set of **transportation** challenges. While the village itself is small, the nearest comprehensive medical facilities are located in larger towns and cities. The primary roads connecting East Sparta to these healthcare hubs are State Route 212, State Route 93, and U.S. Route 30.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions:**

Traveling by car is the most common mode of **transportation** for residents of East Sparta. The drive to Aultman Hospital in Canton, a major medical center, is approximately 20-30 minutes via SR-212 and US-30. This route is generally well-maintained, but heavy traffic during peak hours can add to the travel time.

To Mercy Medical Center, also in Canton, the drive is similar, taking about 25-35 minutes, primarily using SR-212 and SR-93. Again, traffic can be a factor. The condition of these roads is generally good, but winter weather can present challenges, potentially delaying travel and impacting **healthcare access**.

For specialized cancer treatment centers, such as the Cleveland Clinic's Taussig Cancer Center, the drive is significantly longer, around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes via US-30 and I-77. This longer commute increases the risk of delays and can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing frequent treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in East Sparta are extremely limited. The Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA) provides bus service within Stark County, but routes serving East Sparta are infrequent and may not directly connect to major hospitals.

SARTA Route 81, which runs between Canton and Carrollton, does pass through East Sparta. However, the frequency of this route is limited, and it may not be a practical option for regular medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses on this route should be confirmed with SARTA.

The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive, are unable to afford a car, or have physical limitations. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to East Sparta**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Canton area, but their presence in East Sparta may be less reliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Availability should be verified in advance of any appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedRide and American Medical Response, offer specialized transport for patients needing assistance. These services can provide door-to-door service, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, potentially adding to the complexity of accessing **healthcare**.

**The Lung Cancer Score:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, we can assign a “Lung Cancer Score” to East Sparta (ZIP Code 44626). This score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to major hospitals (20-35 minutes) but longer commutes to specialized cancer centers (over an hour).
* **Public Transit:** Extremely limited public transit options, making it difficult for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Potentially unreliable ride-sharing availability, especially during off-peak hours.
* **Medical Transport:** Available medical transport services, but these are expensive and require advance booking.

Considering these factors, the Lung Cancer Score for East Sparta is **Moderate to Low**. This score suggests that while access to basic healthcare is reasonably accessible, accessing specialized cancer care and frequent treatments presents significant **transportation** challenges.

**Implications for Moving to East Sparta:**

For individuals considering **moving to East Sparta**, this analysis highlights the importance of carefully evaluating your **healthcare access** needs. If you are at high risk for lung cancer, have a history of the disease, or require frequent medical appointments, the limited **transportation** options may be a significant drawback.

Before making a move, it is crucial to:

* Confirm the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services in the area.
* Investigate the cost and availability of medical **transportation** services.
* Assess your ability to drive or arrange for regular **transportation** to medical appointments.
* Consider the impact of winter weather on travel times.

**Conclusion:**

East Sparta offers a charming lifestyle, but the **transportation** challenges to accessing **healthcare** must be carefully considered. While the drive to local hospitals is manageable, the lack of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create hurdles for those needing regular medical care. The “Lung Cancer Score” serves as a reminder to thoroughly evaluate your healthcare needs before making a move and to proactively plan for your **transportation** requirements. This is especially crucial for individuals at risk of or undergoing treatment for lung cancer, ensuring they can receive timely and effective care.