21912, Warwick, Maryland Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 21912, Warwick, Maryland is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

10.98 percent of residents in 21912 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is University Of Md Harford Memorial Hospital with a distance of 17.20 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 21912 (Warwick, MD)

The overall health score for residents of Warwick, Maryland (ZIP Code 21912), hinges significantly on the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare. This write-up delves into the multifaceted aspects of transportation, assessing the availability and accessibility of various modes to reach medical facilities. Considering the geographic location and available infrastructure, the health score is influenced by the challenges and advantages of navigating to essential healthcare services.

Warwick, a small, rural community nestled in Cecil County, presents unique transportation challenges. The area’s reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the distances to specialized medical facilities contribute to a complex healthcare access landscape. The ability to reach doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies plays a pivotal role in the overall well-being of the community. This analysis considers all available options, from driving times to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents of 21912 is the personal vehicle. The major roadways serving Warwick are crucial for accessing healthcare. Route 213, a north-south thoroughfare, connects Warwick to the larger towns of Elkton and Chesapeake City. Driving times to these towns, where the majority of healthcare facilities are located, can vary significantly depending on traffic and time of day.

Traveling south on Route 213 to Elkton, the county seat, typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes. This drive provides access to Union Hospital, a comprehensive medical center offering a wide range of services. Further south, the drive to Newark, Delaware, offers additional healthcare options, but the commute can extend to 30-45 minutes, particularly during peak hours.

Heading north on Route 213 towards Chesapeake City, the drive is shorter, typically 10-15 minutes. Chesapeake City offers urgent care facilities and some specialized medical practices. While convenient, the range of services available is more limited than in Elkton or Newark. Secondary roads, such as Warwick Road and Augustine Herman Highway, provide alternative routes, though they are generally slower and less direct.

The condition of the roads, including potholes and potential for congestion, can impact drive times and contribute to stress, potentially affecting overall health. The rural nature of the area means that emergency services may also face longer response times, further underscoring the importance of efficient transportation.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options within and around 21912 are limited. Cecil Transit, the county’s public transportation system, provides some bus routes, but service frequency and coverage are not extensive. The availability of public transit to healthcare facilities is a significant concern, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Currently, there are no direct bus routes that specifically serve Warwick and provide direct access to the major healthcare facilities in Elkton. Residents may need to rely on a combination of routes, requiring transfers and potentially long wait times. This lack of direct routes adds to the travel time and can create significant barriers to healthcare access.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of Cecil Transit buses is a crucial consideration. All fixed-route buses are required to be ADA-compliant, featuring ramps or lifts and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent service can still present challenges for those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability can vary. While these services offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, the cost can be a barrier for some residents, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, can also be an issue.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a specialized option. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. However, these services often require prior booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including Firstat Nursing Services and MedStar Mobile Healthcare. These companies provide a range of services, from basic transportation to specialized medical transport with trained personnel. The availability and cost of these services are crucial factors in determining healthcare access for those who cannot drive or utilize public transit.

**Overall Health Score Implications:**

The overall health score for 21912 is negatively impacted by the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport create barriers to healthcare access. These barriers can lead to delayed or missed appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and poorer health outcomes.

The lack of readily available transportation can be particularly challenging for individuals with chronic illnesses, those requiring frequent medical appointments, and those with limited financial resources. The stress and inconvenience associated with navigating the transportation landscape can also contribute to overall stress levels, impacting mental and physical well-being.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Warwick:**

For individuals considering moving to Warwick, understanding the transportation challenges is crucial. Those without access to a personal vehicle should carefully assess their healthcare needs and the availability of alternative transportation options. Factors to consider include proximity to healthcare facilities, the frequency of medical appointments, and the ability to afford ride-sharing or medical transport services.

Residents and local authorities should advocate for improvements in public transportation, including expanded route coverage and increased service frequency. Collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations is essential to develop innovative solutions to improve healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and virtual consultations can help mitigate the transportation challenges by allowing patients to access healthcare remotely. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as sidewalks and bike lanes, can also encourage alternative modes of transportation and improve overall community health.

Ultimately, the health score for 21912 is intertwined with the effectiveness of its transportation system. Addressing the existing limitations and implementing strategies to improve healthcare access will be essential for fostering a healthier and more thriving community.