21226, Curtis Bay, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21226, Curtis Bay, Maryland is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.35 percent of residents in 21226 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center with a distance of 4.72 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21226

Understanding the accessibility of healthcare services is paramount when assessing the overall health and well-being of a community. In the context of ZIP code 21226, encompassing the historic and evolving neighborhood of Curtis Bay, a comprehensive evaluation of transportation options to healthcare facilities is crucial. This analysis, culminating in an "Overall Health Score," considers the drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions, providing a nuanced perspective on healthcare access for residents.

The journey to healthcare in 21226 often begins with a car. The primary thoroughfare, **Interstate 895**, offers a direct route to several major hospitals and medical centers located outside the immediate vicinity. However, peak traffic times, especially during morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend travel durations. Residents heading north on I-895 may encounter congestion, potentially adding valuable minutes to their journey.

Alternatively, **Interstate 95** offers another route, albeit with its own set of challenges. While providing access to a wider range of healthcare providers, I-95 is notorious for its heavy traffic, accidents, and construction delays. The speed of travel, therefore, can be unpredictable, potentially impacting appointment adherence and exacerbating health concerns.

Local roads, like **Peninsula Expressway** and **Hawkins Point Road**, serve as vital connectors within the community and provide access to smaller clinics and urgent care facilities. These roads, while offering shorter distances, are often subject to traffic lights and congestion, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times. Navigating these roads requires patience and careful planning.

Public transit options in 21226 present a mixed bag. The **Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)** operates several bus routes that service the area. While these routes provide a crucial link for those without personal vehicles, the frequency of service, especially during off-peak hours, can be limited. Furthermore, the routes may require transfers, adding travel time and complexity, particularly for individuals with mobility challenges.

The accessibility of public transit is further complicated by the availability of **ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)** compliant features. While MTA strives to provide accessible buses and stations, ensuring the availability of these features on all routes and at all times can be challenging. This is a critical factor when assessing healthcare access for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. These services provide on-demand transportation, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with unpredictable schedules or limited mobility. However, the availability of ride-sharing services in 21226 can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, potentially leading to longer wait times, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather.

Medical transportation services, such as **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **MedStar Mobile Healthcare**, cater specifically to individuals requiring specialized medical assistance. These services provide non-emergency and emergency transportation, equipped with trained medical personnel and specialized equipment. The availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the individual's needs and insurance coverage.

Evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for 21226 necessitates considering the combined impact of all these transportation factors. The score should reflect the ease with which residents can access healthcare services, considering factors such as drive times, public transit reliability, the availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation, and the accessibility of these options for individuals with disabilities.

The lack of readily available and reliable transportation can act as a significant barrier to healthcare access, leading to delayed or missed appointments, reduced preventative care, and poorer health outcomes. The score should also reflect the impact of traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, on the ability of residents to reach healthcare facilities promptly.

The availability of public transit, while providing an essential service, should be assessed based on its frequency, coverage, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The score should also consider the affordability of transportation options, including the cost of ride-sharing services and medical transportation, which can be a significant financial burden for some residents.

Furthermore, the score should reflect the availability of healthcare facilities within the community. The presence of local clinics, urgent care centers, and pharmacies can reduce the need for long-distance travel, improving healthcare access. The proximity of these facilities to public transit stops and ride-sharing pick-up locations is also a crucial factor.

The "Overall Health Score" for 21226 should be a dynamic measure, subject to change as transportation infrastructure and healthcare services evolve. Regular updates and assessments are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the current state of healthcare access and to identify areas for improvement.

For individuals considering moving to Curtis Bay, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and preferences, considering the availability of personal vehicles, the reliability of public transit, and the cost and convenience of ride-sharing services.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the health and well-being of the community. By providing a comprehensive evaluation of transportation options to healthcare facilities, the score can inform policy decisions, promote community health initiatives, and empower residents to make informed choices about their healthcare. It should be a call to action, urging stakeholders to address the transportation barriers to healthcare access and to create a healthier, more equitable community for all.