44440, Mineral Ridge, Ohio Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 44440, Mineral Ridge, Ohio is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

84.38 percent of residents in 44440 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 6.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with a distance of 5.99 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mineral Ridge, Ohio (ZIP Code 44440)

Considering a move to Mineral Ridge, Ohio (ZIP code 44440), and concerned about healthcare access, particularly for prostate cancer screening and treatment? This comprehensive analysis will illuminate the transportation landscape and its impact on your ability to receive timely and effective care. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a "Prostate Cancer Score" to help you assess the practicality of healthcare access in this community.

The Prostate Cancer Score is not a formal medical assessment. Instead, it reflects the ease of access to essential healthcare resources based on transportation factors. A higher score indicates better access.

**The Score:**

* **Excellent (9-10):** Easy access to multiple healthcare facilities with diverse transportation options.
* **Good (7-8):** Relatively easy access with some limitations in transportation choices.
* **Fair (5-6):** Moderate access; transportation may be a significant challenge.
* **Poor (3-4):** Limited access; transportation significantly restricts healthcare options.
* **Very Poor (1-2):** Severely limited access; healthcare access is a major concern.

**Drive Times and Highway Navigation**

Mineral Ridge, a small community nestled in Trumbull County, presents a unique transportation profile. Your ability to reach healthcare facilities hinges primarily on your ability to drive. The major arteries are key to understanding access.

The most direct route to major healthcare centers typically involves navigating the **Ohio Turnpike (I-80)**, which skirts the northern edge of the ZIP code. Accessing the Turnpike requires driving on local roads like **State Route 46** or **Warren-Liberty Road**. The Turnpike offers a fast, albeit toll-based, route to hospitals in Youngstown and beyond.

For example, the drive to Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, a major provider of urological services, is approximately 20-30 minutes via the Turnpike and **US Route 680**. This drive time can fluctuate considerably based on traffic, especially during peak hours.

Another crucial destination is the Cleveland Clinic, a nationally recognized institution. Reaching the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus from Mineral Ridge involves a longer drive, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, predominantly via the **Ohio Turnpike (I-80)** and **I-77**.

The drive time to smaller clinics and specialist offices within the Youngstown area, often accessible via **State Route 46** and **US Route 422**, may be shorter, typically ranging from 15-30 minutes, depending on the specific location.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Mineral Ridge and the surrounding area is limited, which poses a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA) provides bus services, but routes and frequency are not designed for optimal healthcare access.

WRTA Route 71, the most relevant, serves the general area. However, it may not directly serve specific medical facilities. The route may require transfers, adding significant travel time.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is available on WRTA buses, including ramps and designated seating. However, the limited route network and potential for long travel times can still present barriers.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area. However, their availability and affordability can vary. Demand and surge pricing during peak hours or for longer trips to hospitals can significantly increase costs.

Medical transportation services offer specialized support for patients needing assistance. Companies such as CareRide or MedRide may be available in the area. These services can provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, availability and cost should be thoroughly investigated.

**Healthcare Access and the Prostate Cancer Score**

Given the transportation landscape, the Prostate Cancer Score for Mineral Ridge, Ohio (ZIP code 44440) is a **Fair (5)**. While driving offers the most direct access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential variability of ride-sharing services create challenges.

**Considerations for Moving to Mineral Ridge**

If you are considering moving to Mineral Ridge and are concerned about prostate cancer screening and treatment, several factors require careful consideration:

* **Proximity to Healthcare Providers:** Evaluate the location of urologists, oncologists, and other specialists.
* **Transportation Costs:** Factor in the costs of driving, tolls, ride-sharing, or medical transportation.
* **Mobility:** Consider your physical mobility and ability to drive.
* **Support Network:** Assess the availability of family or friends who can provide transportation assistance.

**Recommendations**

* **Pre-Move Research:** Before moving, thoroughly research the location of healthcare providers and their accessibility from your prospective residence.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a detailed transportation plan that includes backup options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Confirm that your health insurance covers transportation costs.
* **Community Resources:** Explore community resources, such as senior centers or veterans' organizations, which may offer transportation assistance.

Moving to Mineral Ridge offers a unique lifestyle. However, assessing healthcare access is critical. By understanding the transportation challenges and planning accordingly, you can ensure timely access to the care you need. This proactive approach is crucial for successful healthcare navigation.