44136, Strongsville, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44136, Strongsville, Ohio is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.81 percent of residents in 44136 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southwest General Health Center with a distance of 3.62 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44136 (Strongsville, OH)

This analysis assesses the ease of accessing healthcare within and from ZIP code 44136, Strongsville, Ohio, considering various transportation options. We'll evaluate drive times, public transit accessibility, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' reflecting the practical realities of healthcare access for residents, a crucial factor for anyone **moving to Strongsville**.

The **transportation** landscape in Strongsville is heavily reliant on personal vehicles. The city's layout, coupled with the surrounding suburban environment, influences how residents navigate to medical appointments. The primary thoroughfares, including I-71, I-80 (the Ohio Turnpike), and major arteries like Pearl Road (Route 42), provide the skeletal structure for commutes.

Driving times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on location and time of day. Within Strongsville itself, access to primary care physicians and urgent care clinics is generally convenient. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to hospitals and medical centers located in neighboring cities, like Cleveland or Parma.

A typical drive to the Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, a major healthcare provider, from central Strongsville, could take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic on I-71. The journey to University Hospitals Parma Medical Center, a closer option, might take 15-20 minutes, primarily utilizing Pearl Road and State Road. Rush hour, of course, can dramatically increase these times, potentially doubling them.

Public **transportation** options, while present, are less robust in Strongsville compared to more urban areas. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) provides bus service, but routes are limited and primarily serve the city's core and connect to Cleveland.

The GCRTA's Route 83 (Pearl Road) is the most relevant route for residents in 44136. This route travels along Pearl Road, offering access to some medical facilities and connecting to other routes that provide access to Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals facilities. However, frequency can be a limiting factor, with buses running less frequently on weekends and evenings.

ADA accessibility is a crucial aspect of public **transportation** for individuals with disabilities. GCRTA strives to provide accessible buses with ramps and other features. However, the reliance on buses for healthcare access can still present challenges, especially for those with mobility limitations who may need to navigate longer distances between bus stops and medical facilities.

For individuals who cannot drive or prefer not to, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer an alternative. These services are readily available in Strongsville and provide on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with specific needs, also operate in the area. These services cater to individuals who require non-emergency medical transportation, such as those needing assistance with mobility or those who cannot drive.

Medicaid and Medicare recipients may have access to these services at a reduced cost or no cost. The availability of these services is a significant advantage for individuals with limited mobility or other health challenges.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 44136 is moderately positive. While Strongsville offers convenient access to primary care and urgent care, accessing specialized healthcare often requires travel to surrounding cities. The reliance on personal vehicles for most residents, coupled with the limitations of public transit, necessitates consideration of drive times and traffic conditions.

The availability of ride-sharing services provides a valuable alternative, but the cost factor must be considered. Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with specific needs.

The key to improving the 'Overall Health Score' lies in enhanced public **transportation** options, particularly routes with more frequent service and better connections to major healthcare facilities. This would significantly benefit residents who cannot drive or prefer not to. Increased awareness and utilization of medical transport services would also contribute to improved healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

For individuals **moving to Strongsville**, understanding the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** is crucial. Researching the proximity of medical facilities to potential residences, considering the availability of ride-sharing or medical transport options, and evaluating the feasibility of public **transportation** are essential steps in ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining optimal health.

The **transportation** infrastructure in Strongsville, with its reliance on highways and roadways, can be a double-edged sword. While providing relatively quick access to nearby cities, it also contributes to traffic congestion during peak hours. This is a factor that potential residents need to consider when evaluating the ease of getting to medical appointments.

The GCRTA's Route 83, running along Pearl Road, is a vital link for those relying on public **transportation**. However, the frequency of buses and the distance to some medical facilities from bus stops can be a concern. The city could benefit from exploring partnerships with the GCRTA to expand routes and improve service frequency, particularly during peak hours and on weekends.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a convenient alternative for those who cannot drive or prefer not to. However, the cost can accumulate, especially for frequent appointments. Exploring options for subsidized ride-sharing programs for low-income residents or those with chronic health conditions could significantly improve **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services play a critical role for individuals with mobility limitations or other health challenges. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, ensuring that patients can reach their appointments safely and comfortably. Increasing awareness of these services and ensuring that they are accessible to all who need them is paramount.

In conclusion, the 'Overall Health Score' for **healthcare access** in 44136 is decent, but there's room for improvement. By considering the **transportation** options, the drive times, the public transit routes, the ride-sharing options, and medical transport services, potential residents can make informed decisions about **moving to Strongsville** and ensuring they can readily access the healthcare they need. Further investment in public **transportation** and support for medical transport services would significantly elevate the score, making Strongsville an even more desirable place to live and thrive.