25047, Clothier, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 25047, Clothier, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.85 percent of residents in 25047 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Boone Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.32 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clothier, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25047)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, is a critical component of treatment and survival. In the rural heart of West Virginia, in the community of Clothier, ZIP Code 25047, the challenges of **transportation** and **healthcare access** are amplified by the region's topography and limited resources. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for Clothier, assessing the ease and difficulty of accessing crucial breast cancer services, from screening to treatment, and considers the available **transportation** options. For those considering **moving to Clothier**, this score serves as a vital guide, illuminating the realities of healthcare access in this Appalachian community.

Clothier, nestled in Logan County, is a small, close-knit community. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in Logan, Charleston, and Huntington, each presenting unique **transportation** hurdles. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and medical transport services, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries connecting Clothier to the wider world are Route 10, a winding two-lane highway, and the more direct Route 119. These routes, while providing access to the larger cities, are often congested and subject to delays, especially during peak hours or inclement weather. The drive to Logan, the closest town with some medical facilities, is approximately 15-20 minutes via Route 10. However, access to specialized breast cancer services is limited in Logan, necessitating travel to Charleston or Huntington.

The drive to Charleston, the state capital, is roughly an hour and 15 minutes via Route 119 and the I-64, a major interstate. This route, though faster, can be impacted by traffic, particularly near Charleston. Huntington, home to the Marshall University Medical Center, is approximately an hour and 45 minutes via Route 10 and I-64. The drive times are estimates, and the mountainous terrain and winding roads can significantly extend travel times, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or during periods of inclement weather.

**Public Transit: A Limited Resource:**

Public **transportation** options in Clothier are severely limited. The Logan County Public Transit Authority (LCPTA) provides some bus service, but the routes and schedules are infrequent, primarily serving essential needs. The LCPTA's routes are not specifically designed to cater to medical appointments, and the service area may not extend directly to all necessary healthcare facilities. ADA-accessible buses are available, but the limited frequency and route coverage pose significant barriers to **healthcare access** for individuals with disabilities or those without personal vehicles.

The lack of robust public **transportation** is a major factor contributing to a lower "Breast Cancer Score." The reliance on personal vehicles or the need to arrange for rides from friends, family, or community organizations adds to the stress and logistical burden of managing breast cancer treatment. The absence of reliable public transit also disproportionately affects low-income individuals and those who cannot drive, creating significant disparities in **healthcare access**.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: A Patchwork of Solutions:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger cities of Charleston and Huntington, but their presence in Clothier and the surrounding areas is sporadic. Availability is often dependent on driver density and demand, making it unreliable for scheduled medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans or other regional providers, offer specialized transportation for medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, medical transport services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, particularly for appointments outside of regular business hours. The need to book these services in advance and the potential for delays can add to the stress of managing breast cancer treatment.

**Breast Cancer Score Components:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Clothier is derived from several key factors:

* **Drive Time to Specialized Care:** The longer the drive time to a facility offering comprehensive breast cancer services (mammography, biopsy, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation), the lower the score.
* **Public Transit Reliability:** The availability, frequency, and accessibility of public **transportation** directly impact the score. Limited service lowers the score.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The presence and reliability of ride-sharing services contribute to the score. Sporadic availability lowers the score.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and ease of booking medical transport services influence the score. Limited options lower the score.
* **Community Support:** The presence of local support groups, volunteer driver programs, and other community resources that assist with **transportation** and **healthcare access** can slightly improve the score.

**Challenges and Opportunities:**

The challenges to **healthcare access** in Clothier are significant. The rural location, limited **transportation** options, and reliance on personal vehicles create significant barriers for individuals with breast cancer. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential for high costs associated with ride-sharing or medical transport add to the burden.

However, there are opportunities for improvement. Increased investment in public **transportation**, including more frequent routes and expanded service areas, could significantly improve **healthcare access**. The development of partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations to provide transportation assistance could also alleviate some of the challenges. Telemedicine and virtual consultations can help reduce the need for frequent travel, especially for follow-up appointments.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Clothier, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25047), is low, reflecting the significant challenges to **healthcare access** posed by limited **transportation** options. For those considering **moving to Clothier**, this score underscores the need to carefully consider the implications for accessing breast cancer services. While the community offers a close-knit environment, the realities of travel times, limited public transit, and the potential costs of ride-sharing and medical transport must be factored into any decision. Improving **healthcare access** in Clothier requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in public **transportation**, community support programs, and the expansion of telehealth services.