44505, Youngstown, Ohio Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 44505, Youngstown, Ohio is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.77 percent of residents in 44505 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 1.98 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 44505

Considering a move to Youngstown, Ohio, and specifically ZIP Code 44505? Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for 44505, focusing on transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. The score is not a numerical value, but a qualitative assessment, considering the diverse needs of residents.

The 44505 ZIP code, encompassing a significant portion of Youngstown, presents a mixed bag of healthcare accessibility challenges and opportunities. The overall score reflects a landscape where transportation limitations significantly impact the ability to reach essential medical services. This directly influences the health and well-being of residents, making transportation a crucial factor when considering healthcare access.

**Driving the Healthcare Narrative:**

For many, the primary mode of transportation remains the personal vehicle. Navigating the roads of Youngstown to reach healthcare facilities requires understanding the local infrastructure. Major arteries like the **Youngstown-Poland Road (State Route 170)**, **Mahoning Avenue (US Route 422)**, and **Market Street (US Route 62)** are critical for reaching hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. Drive times, however, are subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.

**Drive times** to major healthcare providers, such as Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital and the nearby specialized clinics, vary. A resident living in the northern part of 44505 might face a 15-20 minute drive to the hospital under normal traffic conditions. Someone in the southern part could experience a slightly shorter commute. However, unexpected delays due to accidents or road construction, especially on the heavily trafficked **Interstate 680** and **State Route 11**, can significantly extend these times. These delays can exacerbate health conditions, especially for those requiring urgent care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline:**

The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides public transportation within Youngstown and the surrounding areas. While a valuable service, its impact on healthcare access within 44505 is somewhat limited. Several bus routes, including **Route 1 (East Side)**, **Route 2 (West Side)**, and **Route 10 (South Avenue)**, serve portions of the ZIP code, offering connections to healthcare facilities.

However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a barrier. Longer wait times and the potential for multiple transfers can significantly increase travel time to medical appointments. Furthermore, the WRTA system is not fully accessible for all. While the WRTA strives to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), with features like wheelchair lifts and accessible routes, the availability of accessible stops and the terrain surrounding some stops can present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A More Expensive Option:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Youngstown, providing an alternative to driving or public transit. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive for many residents, particularly those with limited incomes. The expense of frequent trips to medical appointments can create a significant financial burden, potentially leading to delayed or missed healthcare.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by **MedTrans** and other private providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices. However, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and are often not covered by insurance, further limiting access for many.

**The Healthcare Landscape: A Geographic Perspective:**

The location of healthcare facilities relative to the residential areas within 44505 also plays a crucial role. Residents in the southern and western parts of the ZIP code may have slightly easier access to healthcare facilities located along **Market Street** and **Mahoning Avenue**. However, those in the northern and eastern sections may face longer travel times and greater reliance on transportation options.

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics within or near the 44505 ZIP code is also a factor. While the area offers a range of healthcare providers, the concentration of these services and their proximity to transportation routes directly impact accessibility. The need for specialized care often necessitates travel to facilities further away, increasing reliance on transportation.

**Impact on Health and Well-being:**

The limitations in transportation options within 44505 have a direct impact on the health and well-being of residents. Difficulty accessing healthcare can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and poorer health outcomes. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic health conditions.

The lack of reliable and affordable transportation can also contribute to health disparities. Individuals who cannot easily access healthcare may experience a lower quality of life and face increased health risks. Improving transportation infrastructure and expanding access to affordable transportation options are crucial steps toward improving healthcare access and promoting health equity in 44505.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 44505, considering transportation and healthcare access, is moderate. While the area offers a range of healthcare providers, the limitations in transportation options, particularly public transit, significantly impact accessibility. Drive times, traffic congestion, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services present challenges for many residents.

When considering moving to Youngstown and specifically 44505, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the proximity of healthcare facilities to their potential residence. Understanding the limitations of the transportation infrastructure is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access and overall well-being. The availability of personal vehicles, the potential for public transit reliance, and the financial implications of ride-sharing or medical transportation should all be considered when assessing the overall health score for this ZIP code.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for 44505, several initiatives could be implemented. These include:

* **Expanding and improving WRTA services:** Increasing route frequency, extending service hours, and improving ADA accessibility.
* **Investing in infrastructure:** Addressing road congestion, improving road safety, and enhancing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
* **Promoting affordable transportation options:** Subsidizing ride-sharing services for low-income residents and expanding access to medical transportation assistance programs.
* **Encouraging healthcare providers to locate in accessible areas:** Promoting the development of clinics and medical offices near public transit routes.

By addressing these challenges, the community can significantly improve healthcare access and promote a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents of 44505.