26178, Smithville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26178, Smithville, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 26178 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Minnie Hamilton Health System with a distance of 9.96 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26178 (Smithville, WV)**

The insidious nature of breast cancer demands early detection and consistent care. For residents of Smithville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26178), the journey to healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment, is a critical factor influencing overall well-being. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach essential medical services. This is a significant consideration for anyone moving to Smithville, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.

The primary challenge for Smithville residents is its rural location. The nearest comprehensive medical facilities are situated outside the immediate community, necessitating travel. This underscores the importance of understanding the available transportation options. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, providing a holistic view of healthcare accessibility.

Driving is the predominant mode of transportation in Smithville. The main arteries facilitating travel are US Route 50, a vital east-west thoroughfare, and WV Route 14, which runs north-south. Traveling east on US Route 50, residents can reach Parkersburg, West Virginia, a city with more advanced medical facilities, including Camden Clark Medical Center. The drive to Parkersburg, depending on traffic and specific destination, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour.

Heading west on US Route 50 leads to a smaller, but still viable, healthcare destination in Belpre, Ohio. This journey is generally shorter, around 30-45 minutes. The quality of healthcare access in Belpre is a factor in determining the overall Breast Cancer Score.

WV Route 14 offers access to smaller towns and medical clinics to the north and south. However, these facilities may not provide the specialized services required for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, such as mammograms, biopsies, and oncology care. The availability of these services is a key factor in the Breast Cancer Score.

The condition of the roads is also a consideration. While US Route 50 is generally well-maintained, secondary roads can be subject to weather-related closures or delays, especially during winter months. This adds an element of uncertainty to healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Smithville are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system serving the area. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other limitations. This lack of access can be a major hurdle for anyone moving to Smithville.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Parkersburg area, but their presence in Smithville is inconsistent. Availability depends on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not always feasible due to potential delays, cost, and uncertainty. This further negatively impacts the Breast Cancer Score.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized assistance. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically require advance booking and may have limitations regarding coverage area and insurance acceptance. These services are a vital part of the Breast Cancer Score.

Specific medical transport brands serving the area include, but are not limited to, MedTrans Corporation and First Call Medical Transport. These companies can transport patients to and from medical appointments. The availability and reliability of these services are factored into the Breast Cancer Score.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the availability of cancer support services. The American Cancer Society and other organizations offer resources such as support groups, financial assistance, and educational materials. The ease of access to these resources, both in-person and online, is another contributing factor.

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 26178 is, therefore, significantly impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. The drive times to Parkersburg and Belpre, while manageable, require planning and are subject to potential delays. The absence of public transit and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

The Breast Cancer Score is further influenced by the availability and reliability of medical transport services. While these services provide a crucial lifeline, they often require advance booking and may have limitations. The score is also affected by the availability of support services.

Moving to Smithville necessitates a thorough assessment of these factors. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should carefully consider the transportation challenges and ensure they have a reliable plan for accessing healthcare. This includes identifying potential drivers, researching medical transport options, and understanding the availability of support services.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Smithville, WV (ZIP code 26178) reflects the challenges inherent in rural healthcare access. While the drive times to nearby medical facilities are generally reasonable, the lack of public transit and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services pose significant hurdles. The availability of medical transport services and support resources helps mitigate these challenges, but careful planning and consideration are essential for ensuring timely and consistent access to essential breast cancer screening and treatment. Anyone moving to Smithville should prioritize healthcare access in their decision-making process.