21154, Street, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21154, Street, Maryland is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.04 percent of residents in 21154 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Umd Upper Chesapeake Medical Center with a distance of 8.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21154

The health and well-being of residents in ZIP Code 21154, encompassing the vibrant community of Street, Maryland, is intricately linked to their ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" by evaluating the ease and efficiency of transportation options to medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. This score serves as a critical indicator of healthcare access, a fundamental pillar of community health.

The primary challenge for residents of Street lies in its somewhat rural setting. While offering a peaceful atmosphere, this location presents complexities in navigating the transportation landscape. The availability of diverse options is crucial for residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care. The score considers factors like the proximity of medical facilities, the efficiency of travel methods, and the affordability of available choices.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

For many, personal vehicles remain the most common mode of transportation. The time it takes to reach healthcare facilities significantly impacts the overall health score. Key roadways in the area include Maryland Route 23 (Norrisville Road), Maryland Route 543 (Riverside Parkway), and Interstate 95. Travel times vary depending on the destination and the time of day.

The closest major medical center is University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health, located in Bel Air, approximately a 20-30 minute drive via MD-23 and US-1. This route is generally manageable, though traffic congestion during peak hours can extend travel times. Other facilities, such as MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore, necessitate a longer commute, typically around 45 minutes to an hour, involving travel on I-95. This longer distance adds to the stress and inconvenience for residents seeking medical attention.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in 21154 are considerably limited. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) does not provide direct bus routes to Street. Residents relying on public transit must often travel to nearby towns such as Bel Air or Jarrettsville to access bus routes.

The nearest bus routes, such as the MTA Route 3, offer service to Bel Air, potentially connecting to other routes. However, these routes have limited frequency and may not be easily accessible for those with mobility limitations. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and audio-visual announcements, are available on MTA buses, but the overall lack of service to Street significantly impacts the health score for those without personal vehicles. The absence of convenient public transit exacerbates healthcare access challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, providing an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer specialized support for individuals with specific needs. Companies such as American Medical Response (AMR) and FirstCall Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit and may require advance booking. The presence of these specialized services does improve the overall health score, but their limited availability and cost factors impact their overall impact.

**The Overall Health Score:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 21154 is moderately impacted. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of robust public transportation options and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create challenges.

The reliance on personal vehicles increases the vulnerability of residents who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. The cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation can also be a barrier for those with limited financial resources. This score highlights the need for improved transportation infrastructure and services to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Street.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several strategies can be implemented. Investing in expanded public transportation options, including bus routes connecting Street to major medical centers and neighboring towns, is crucial. This would improve healthcare access for those without personal vehicles and reduce reliance on private transportation.

Collaborating with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates or subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also improve affordability. Promoting and expanding the availability of medical transportation services, particularly for those with mobility limitations, is also essential.

Finally, community education programs about available transportation options and resources would empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare access. These programs should be readily accessible and easily understood by all residents.

**Moving to Street:**

For those considering moving to Street, Maryland, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and consider the availability of healthcare facilities in relation to their location.

The charm and tranquility of Street are undeniable, but it is important to acknowledge the transportation challenges. Potential residents should factor in drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transit and ride-sharing, and the potential need for medical transportation services.

By proactively addressing transportation challenges and advocating for improved healthcare access, the community of Street can enhance the "Overall Health Score" and ensure a healthier future for all its residents. The success of the community depends on the ability of its residents to access the healthcare they need.