Breast Cancer Score

26141, Creston, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 26141, Creston, West Virginia

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26141, Creston, West Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.39 percent of residents in 26141 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Minnie Hamilton Health System with a distance of 9.69 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 26141, Creston, West Virginia

Breast Cancer Score 12
People Score 41
Provider Score 17
Hospital Score 52
Travel Score 17

Closest Hospital - MINNIE HAMILTON HEALTH SYSTEM

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 26141 Creston West Virginia
No Cars 0.00 0.00 2.72
1 Car 60.00 60.00 20.26
2 Cars 15.61 15.61 41.64
3 or More Cars 24.39 24.39 35.38

Vehicular Access in 26141, Creston, West Virginia

Travel Score Review of 26141, Creston, West Virginia

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Creston, WV (ZIP Code 26141)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands meticulous planning and unwavering support. This analysis, tailored to ZIP Code 26141 (Creston, West Virginia), examines the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access**, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" to help residents understand the practical realities of their situation. This information is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Creston**, or for current residents seeking to navigate their healthcare options.

Creston, nestled in Wirt County, presents a unique set of challenges. The rural landscape, characterized by winding roads and limited public **transportation**, significantly impacts access to medical facilities. This assessment considers the critical elements of travel time, available resources, and potential obstacles, offering a comprehensive overview for individuals facing breast cancer.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Creston is the reliance on personal vehicles. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Parkersburg, approximately 45 miles away, and Charleston, about 140 miles distant. Driving to Parkersburg involves navigating a combination of local roads and state highways. The most direct route typically utilizes WV-14 North, a winding two-lane road that can be subject to traffic and weather delays. Travel time can vary significantly, averaging between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within Parkersburg.

The journey to Charleston, the state capital, is a more significant undertaking. This route primarily utilizes US-33 East, a major highway that provides a more direct path. However, the distance and potential for traffic, particularly near Charleston, can extend the travel time to 2.5 to 3 hours. These extended drive times necessitate careful planning, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The condition of the roadways, particularly during inclement weather, is a constant consideration. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can render WV-14 and other local roads treacherous, potentially delaying or canceling appointments. Regular maintenance and awareness of weather forecasts are critical for safe and timely **transportation**.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public **transportation** options in Creston are extremely limited. Wirt County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The availability of any form of public transit is virtually nonexistent, posing a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

This lack of public **transportation** underscores the importance of exploring alternative options, such as ride-sharing services and medical **transportation** providers.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in the Creston area. The presence of these services depends on driver availability and demand. Booking a ride may require advance planning, and the cost can be a significant factor. Calling a ride-share may be more reliable for trips to Parkersburg or Charleston.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline. These services often provide door-to-door **transportation**, assisting with mobility challenges and ensuring patients arrive safely. Several medical **transportation** providers operate in West Virginia, but their service areas and availability in Creston should be verified. These services may require pre-booking and can be costly, but they offer a vital solution for individuals unable to drive or lacking alternative **transportation** options. Researching and contacting these services, such as First Call Medical Transportation or MedStar Ambulance, is essential.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The lack of public **transportation** and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services raise concerns about accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Medical **transportation** providers often offer vehicles equipped with accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts. However, it is crucial to confirm the availability of these features when booking **transportation**.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

While Creston itself does not have a hospital or specialized cancer care center, residents have access to primary care physicians and local clinics. These facilities can provide initial screenings, referrals, and some basic medical services. However, for comprehensive cancer care, patients must travel to larger medical centers.

Parkersburg offers a range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, cancer centers, and specialized clinics. These facilities provide diagnostic services, treatment options, and supportive care. Charleston, with its larger medical infrastructure, offers a broader range of specialized services and access to advanced treatment options.

**Breast Cancer Score and Recommendations:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Creston, WV (26141) reflects the challenges associated with **transportation** and **healthcare access**. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Significant travel distances to cancer care centers (Parkersburg and Charleston).
* **Public Transit:** Absence of public **transportation** options.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Limited availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability and cost of medical **transportation** services.
* **Road Conditions:** Potential for delays due to weather and road conditions.

Based on these factors, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Creston is **moderate to challenging**. This score highlights the need for careful planning, resourcefulness, and proactive measures to ensure timely access to care.

**Recommendations:**

* **Develop a comprehensive **transportation** plan:** This should include identifying reliable **transportation** options, such as a personal vehicle, family or friends, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation**.
* **Explore medical **transportation** options:** Research and contact medical **transportation** providers to determine their service areas, availability, and costs.
* **Plan for weather-related delays:** Monitor weather forecasts and factor in potential delays when scheduling appointments.
* **Seek support from local resources:** Connect with local support groups, community organizations, and social services that can provide assistance with **transportation** and other needs.
* **Consider the location of treatment:** When possible, choose a treatment center that is closer and more accessible.
* **Advocate for improved **transportation** options:** Support initiatives that aim to improve public **transportation** and access to healthcare services in the region.
* **If considering **moving to Creston**, carefully evaluate your ability to manage the **transportation** requirements of cancer treatment.

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis in a rural area like Creston requires resilience, proactive planning, and a strong support system. By understanding the **transportation** challenges and exploring available resources, individuals can increase their chances of receiving timely and effective care. This "Breast Cancer Score" aims to provide a framework for informed decision-making and empower residents to advocate for their healthcare needs.

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Health Scores Near 26141, Creston, West Virginia

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Health Scores in 26141, Creston, West Virginia