21034, Darlington, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21034, Darlington, Maryland is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.00 percent of residents in 21034 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21034 (Darlington, MD)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 21034, Darlington, Maryland, requires a comprehensive look at healthcare access. This includes evaluating the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities, considering factors like drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture for individuals considering moving to Darlington, providing insight into their potential healthcare journey.

Darlington, a charming rural community nestled in Harford County, presents a unique transportation landscape. While offering a peaceful lifestyle, its distance from major urban centers necessitates careful consideration of healthcare accessibility. The overall health score, therefore, hinges on the efficiency of navigating the transportation network to reach essential medical services.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary artery for accessing healthcare from Darlington is U.S. Route 1 (Bel Air Road). This north-south thoroughfare provides direct access to Bel Air, the county seat, and its concentration of medical facilities. The drive to University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System’s Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a crucial benchmark for residents seeking comprehensive medical care.

Alternatively, traveling east on Route 161 (Conowingo Road) offers a route to the Susquehanna Medical Group in Havre de Grace. This drive, usually spanning 20-25 minutes, provides another option for primary care and specialist appointments. However, the winding nature of Route 161 and potential for congestion can impact travel times.

For those needing specialized care, a trip south on I-95 offers access to Baltimore and its numerous hospitals and medical centers. This journey, however, requires a longer commute, potentially exceeding an hour, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. The I-95 corridor is known for its unpredictable traffic flow, making it a less-than-ideal option for urgent medical needs.

Further impacting drive times is the presence of local roads like Darlington Road and Pylesville Road. These roads, while scenic, can be narrow and winding, adding to travel time, particularly during inclement weather. Residents should factor in these variables when planning healthcare appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Darlington are limited. The Harford County Department of Transportation (Harford Transit) provides some bus services, but these are primarily focused on serving Bel Air and other population centers within the county. Currently, there are no direct bus routes that specifically serve Darlington with frequent stops at medical facilities.

This lack of robust public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly seniors and those with disabilities. Reliance on public transit for healthcare access in Darlington often necessitates multiple transfers and extended travel times, potentially creating barriers to timely medical care.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on Harford Transit buses is a crucial factor. While the county strives to provide accessible services, individuals with mobility limitations should confirm the specific features and availability of accessible routes before relying on public transit for healthcare appointments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Darlington. However, their availability and pricing can vary depending on demand and time of day. Residents should factor in potential surge pricing and wait times when planning to use ride-sharing for healthcare transportation.

Medical transport services offer specialized options for individuals requiring assistance with medical appointments. These services, often provided by private companies, provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment.

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including Firstat Nursing Services and American Medical Response (AMR). These services, while potentially costly, provide a valuable resource for those unable to drive or utilize public transit.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance is a critical factor. While Bel Air offers a concentration of medical services, including primary care physicians, specialists, and the Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, residents of Darlington may need to travel further for specialized care or certain procedures.

The presence of urgent care centers and walk-in clinics in Bel Air provides an alternative for non-emergency medical needs, offering a convenient option for immediate care. However, for complex medical conditions, access to specialized hospitals and physicians in Baltimore may be necessary.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 21034 is moderate, reflecting a mixed bag of transportation challenges and healthcare access opportunities. While the proximity to Bel Air and its medical facilities offers a degree of convenience, the limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles create barriers for some residents.

The drive times to healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, but traffic congestion on major roadways like I-95 and Route 1 can significantly impact travel times. The availability of ride-sharing services provides an alternative, but their cost and reliability may be a concern.

The lack of direct public transit routes to medical facilities is a significant drawback, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations. The availability of medical transport services provides a valuable alternative, but at an added cost.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To improve the overall health score for Darlington residents, several initiatives could be considered. Enhancing public transit options by establishing direct bus routes to medical facilities in Bel Air and Havre de Grace would significantly improve accessibility.

Collaborating with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted or subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Promoting awareness of medical transport services and their availability would empower residents to make informed choices.

Furthermore, encouraging the development of additional healthcare facilities within Darlington or neighboring communities would reduce travel times and improve convenience. This could include establishing satellite clinics or expanding the services offered by existing medical providers.

**Conclusion:**

For individuals considering moving to Darlington, a thorough understanding of healthcare access is essential. While the community offers a peaceful lifestyle, the transportation challenges must be carefully weighed. By understanding the drive times, public transit limitations, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, potential residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 21034 is currently moderate, but with strategic improvements to transportation infrastructure and healthcare services, Darlington can enhance its appeal as a healthy and accessible community.