24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 24250, Fort Blackmore, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.27 percent of residents in 24250 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.48 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 12.73 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fort Blackmore (ZIP Code 24250)

Relocating to the serene landscapes of Fort Blackmore, Virginia (ZIP code 24250), promises a slower pace and connection with nature. However, before you pack your bags, consider the practicalities of healthcare access, particularly if asthma is a concern. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, crucial for managing asthma, and provides an “Asthma Score” assessment, helping you understand the challenges and opportunities of commuting to healthcare in this rural area.

The Asthma Score considers various factors influencing healthcare access, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transportation services. These elements directly impact an individual's ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care, all critical for effective asthma management.

**Drive Times: The Primary Mode**

In Fort Blackmore, personal vehicles reign supreme for transportation. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Kingsport, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia. Drive times are heavily influenced by the primary roadways: US-23, VA-70, and VA-80.

Traveling to Kingsport, home to Holston Valley Medical Center, typically involves a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Fort Blackmore. The journey primarily follows US-23 South, a major highway that, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours.

Accessing healthcare in Abingdon, including the Johnston Memorial Hospital, involves a longer drive, typically around 45-60 minutes. This route often utilizes VA-70 East and VA-80 North, roads that are generally less congested than US-23, but can be winding and subject to weather-related delays, particularly during winter months. These longer distances can be particularly challenging for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation, making timely access to medical care a significant concern.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in ZIP code 24250 are extremely limited. The area is primarily served by the Southwest Virginia Regional Transit (SVRT), offering bus services. However, the SVRT's routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve Fort Blackmore. The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a positive aspect, but the limited service frequency and potential for long wait times make public transit a less-than-ideal option for those with asthma, especially during an emergency.

The lack of readily available public transit emphasizes the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for accessing healthcare. This can create challenges for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive due to their condition or other limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may have limited presence in Fort Blackmore. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which tends to be lower in rural areas. While ride-sharing could provide a convenient option for non-emergency appointments, the potential for long wait times and surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather must be considered.

Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans and American Medical Response, are available in the region. These services specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments and can be invaluable for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. However, these services often require advance booking and may involve higher costs compared to other transportation options.

**Asthma Score Assessment**

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 24250 reflects the challenges and limitations of healthcare access for individuals with asthma. The score is based on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing optimal access and 1 representing severely limited access.

**Factors Considered:**

* **Drive Times:** Longer drive times to healthcare facilities contribute negatively to the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The absence of reliable public transit significantly lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Limited ride-sharing options impact the score.
* **Medical Transportation Availability:** The availability of medical transportation services provides a slight positive influence.
* **Emergency Response Times:** The potential for longer emergency response times due to distance negatively affects the score.

**Asthma Score for ZIP Code 24250: 4/10**

The score of 4/10 indicates a moderate level of healthcare access challenges for individuals with asthma in Fort Blackmore. While medical transportation services offer a lifeline, the reliance on personal vehicles, the long drive times, and the lack of public transit create significant hurdles.

**Recommendations for Individuals with Asthma Considering a Move:**

* **Prioritize Proximity:** Carefully consider the distance to healthcare facilities when choosing a residence within Fort Blackmore.
* **Vehicle Reliability:** Ensure access to a reliable vehicle and establish a plan for transportation during emergencies.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Develop a detailed asthma action plan and ensure it is readily accessible.
* **Medical Transportation:** Research and establish contact with medical transportation services in advance.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Identify local pharmacies and understand their operating hours.
* **Telehealth Options:** Explore telehealth options for routine appointments and consultations.
* **Community Support:** Connect with local community resources and support groups for asthma management.

**Conclusion**

Moving to Fort Blackmore offers a unique lifestyle. However, individuals with asthma must carefully evaluate the transportation landscape and healthcare access challenges. While the natural beauty and peaceful environment are appealing, the limited transportation options require careful planning and preparation. By understanding the limitations and proactively addressing the challenges, individuals with asthma can successfully navigate the healthcare system and enjoy the benefits of living in this rural community. The Asthma Score provides a valuable framework for assessing the realities of healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions and prioritize their health and well-being. The keywords transportation and healthcare access are critical when moving to Fort Blackmore.