20758, Friendship, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 20758, Friendship, Maryland is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.53 percent of residents in 20758 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Calverthealth Medical Center with a distance of 11.91 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 20758

Friendship, Maryland, nestled within ZIP Code 20758, offers a unique blend of rural charm and proximity to the bustling Washington D.C. metropolitan area. However, a critical aspect of community well-being, healthcare access, demands careful consideration. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of the transportation landscape impacting residents' ability to reach vital medical services, focusing on drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. Understanding these factors is paramount for anyone contemplating moving to Friendship, ensuring their healthcare needs can be readily met.

The foundation of healthcare access in 20758 hinges on the efficiency of the transportation network. Residents rely heavily on personal vehicles for commuting, necessitating a thorough evaluation of drive times to various healthcare facilities. The primary arteries serving Friendship are the Capital Beltway (I-495/I-95), the Baltimore-Washington Parkway (MD-295), and the local thoroughfares like Crain Highway (MD-3), and Annapolis Road (MD-450). These roads, while providing access, are frequently subject to congestion, especially during peak hours.

Driving to the closest hospitals, like the University of Maryland Capital Region Health in Largo or the Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, can take anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The distance to specialists and urgent care facilities further complicates the equation, extending travel times and potentially impacting timely access to care. This variability in drive times, influenced by rush hour and unexpected delays, significantly affects the Overall Health Score, particularly for those requiring regular medical appointments or facing urgent health situations.

Public transportation offers an alternative, though its availability and efficiency in 20758 present challenges. The Washington MetroMetropolitan Area TransitWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), or Metro, provides bus service, with routes like the 83 and 86 offering connections to the New Carrollton Metro Station. From there, residents can access the broader Metro rail system, extending their reach to hospitals and medical centers in Washington D.C. and other parts of Maryland. However, the bus routes are infrequent, and travel times can be lengthy, often exceeding an hour to reach major medical facilities.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on both buses and Metro rail is crucial for individuals with disabilities. WMATA strives to provide accessible services, but the reliance on multiple transfers and the potential for delays can still pose significant challenges. The Overall Health Score must acknowledge the limitations of public transit, recognizing its impact on the accessibility of healthcare for a substantial portion of the population.

Beyond personal vehicles and public transit, ride-share services and medical transportation providers offer additional transportation options. Companies like Uber and Lyft operate in the area, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes or frequent medical needs.

Medical transportation providers, such as MedStar Mobile Healthcare and other private companies, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. While these options offer valuable support, their availability and coverage within 20758, and their associated costs, must be considered when assessing the Overall Health Score.

The availability of healthcare facilities within 20758 itself also influences the Overall Health Score. While Friendship is a relatively small community, the presence of local clinics and urgent care facilities can reduce the need for long-distance travel for routine medical needs. However, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or specialized surgery, often necessitates travel to larger hospitals and medical centers outside the immediate area. This dependence on external healthcare resources underscores the importance of efficient transportation options.

The Overall Health Score for 20758 is not solely determined by travel times and transportation options. The overall health of the community, including factors like socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and the prevalence of chronic diseases, also plays a crucial role. A community with higher rates of chronic diseases will likely require more frequent medical appointments, amplifying the importance of efficient transportation.

Considering all these factors, the Overall Health Score for access to healthcare in 20758 is moderate. While residents have access to a range of transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-share services, and medical transportation providers, significant challenges remain. Drive times to major healthcare facilities can be lengthy, particularly during peak hours. Public transit options are limited and may require lengthy travel times and multiple transfers. The cost of ride-share services and medical transportation can be a barrier for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Friendship, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation requirements is essential. Those who rely on frequent medical appointments or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities and the reliability of available transportation options. Understanding the limitations of the transportation network, including potential delays and costs, is crucial for ensuring timely access to healthcare.

The Overall Health Score can be improved through several strategies. Investing in improved public transportation infrastructure, including more frequent bus service and expanded routes, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Encouraging the development of local healthcare facilities, such as clinics and urgent care centers, would reduce the need for long-distance travel. Providing financial assistance for ride-share services and medical transportation could alleviate the cost burden for low-income residents.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score in 20758 reflects a complex interplay of transportation infrastructure, healthcare availability, and community demographics. While the community offers a desirable quality of life, prospective residents must carefully consider the challenges associated with healthcare access. By understanding these factors and advocating for improvements in transportation and healthcare services, the community can strive to improve its Overall Health Score and ensure that all residents have timely and equitable access to the care they need.