44313, Akron, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44313, Akron, Ohio is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.97 percent of residents in 44313 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Summa Western Reserve Hospital with a distance of 3.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Akron's 44313

The pursuit of optimal health often hinges on a fundamental element: access. In Akron's 44313 ZIP code, this translates to the intricate dance of commuting to healthcare, a journey that significantly impacts residents' overall well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the multifaceted aspects of transportation and healthcare accessibility, particularly relevant for those contemplating moving to Akron.

The 44313 ZIP code, encompassing a diverse residential landscape, presents a unique transportation challenge. Residents navigate a web of roadways to reach essential medical services. The primary arteries include Interstate 76 (I-76), Interstate 77 (I-77), and the bustling Route 8. These highways, while providing swift passage, are often subject to rush-hour congestion, potentially delaying critical healthcare appointments. Road conditions, weather, and accidents further complicate travel times, impacting healthcare access.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary widely depending on the destination and time of day. A trip to Akron General Hospital, a major healthcare provider, might take approximately 15-20 minutes during off-peak hours via I-76 or I-77. However, during peak commuting periods, this could easily stretch to 30 minutes or longer. Smaller clinics and specialized practices scattered throughout the area offer varying drive times, adding to the complexity of planning healthcare visits.

Public transportation, spearheaded by the Akron MetroMetropolitan Area Transit Authority (METRO), offers an alternative for those without personal vehicles. Several bus routes serve the 44313 area, including routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200. These routes, while offering a vital service, may involve multiple transfers and extended travel times, potentially deterring some from seeking timely medical attention. METRO strives to enhance accessibility by ensuring all buses are ADA-compliant, featuring ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option, especially for those unable to drive or lacking access to public transit. These services provide door-to-door convenience, but costs can accumulate, particularly for frequent healthcare visits. The availability and wait times for ride-sharing services can also fluctuate, depending on the time of day and demand, impacting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, like CareRide and other specialized providers, cater specifically to individuals with mobility challenges or those requiring medical assistance during transit. These services offer a valuable resource, particularly for those needing non-emergency medical transportation. However, availability may be limited, and scheduling in advance is often necessary.

The distance to the nearest healthcare facilities is a critical factor. The 44313 ZIP code is relatively well-served by healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. However, the proximity to specific specialists or specialized treatments may vary. Residents may need to travel further for certain medical needs, increasing transportation demands.

The affordability of transportation is another significant consideration. The cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle, including fuel, insurance, and repairs, can be a substantial financial burden. Public transportation fares, ride-sharing fees, and medical transportation costs also contribute to the overall expense of accessing healthcare. These costs can disproportionately affect low-income residents, potentially creating barriers to healthcare access.

The overall health score for commuting to healthcare in the 44313 ZIP code reflects a mixed picture. While the area benefits from a network of roadways and public transit options, challenges remain. Drive times can be unpredictable, public transit may involve lengthy journeys, and the cost of transportation can be a barrier for some.

For those considering moving to Akron, it is crucial to carefully assess the transportation options available and their potential impact on healthcare access. Researching the proximity of healthcare facilities, understanding the public transit routes, and evaluating the costs associated with different transportation modes are essential steps in making an informed decision.

The quality of healthcare facilities within the 44313 ZIP code is generally good, with a range of providers offering comprehensive medical services. However, the ability to access these services efficiently and affordably is paramount. The "Overall Health Score" is therefore not solely determined by the quality of healthcare providers but also by the ease with which residents can reach them.

The availability of healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care centers, is a crucial factor. The 44313 area boasts a variety of healthcare options, but the specific needs of each individual may require travel to facilities outside the immediate vicinity. This emphasizes the importance of considering the overall transportation landscape when evaluating healthcare access.

The impact of transportation on health outcomes is undeniable. Delays in accessing medical care can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening health conditions, and increased healthcare costs. Conversely, efficient and affordable transportation promotes timely access to care, leading to improved health outcomes and a higher quality of life.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in the 44313 ZIP code is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. While the area offers a variety of transportation options and healthcare providers, challenges remain regarding drive times, public transit efficiency, and transportation costs. Individuals contemplating moving to Akron should carefully evaluate these factors to ensure they can readily access the healthcare services they need, thereby contributing to their overall well-being. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively is a cornerstone of maintaining good health and a key consideration for those moving to Akron.