26534, Granville, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26534, Granville, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.54 percent of residents in 26534 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mon Health Medical Center with a distance of 2.56 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Granville, WV (ZIP Code 26534)

The insidious tendrils of breast cancer touch every community, demanding proactive vigilance and swift access to care. For residents of Granville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26534), the journey to healthcare, particularly for breast cancer screening and treatment, is a crucial factor in overall well-being. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a nuanced assessment of transportation options, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for accessing vital healthcare services within this community. This is especially relevant for those considering moving to Granville, seeking to understand the practicalities of healthcare access.

Granville, nestled in Monongalia County, presents a unique transportation landscape. Its proximity to Morgantown, a regional hub for healthcare, is a significant advantage. However, reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit necessitate a comprehensive understanding of the available options. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transportation availability, and ride-sharing services, aiming to provide a realistic picture of healthcare accessibility.

The primary artery connecting Granville to Morgantown is Interstate 79 (I-79). Driving to the major healthcare facilities in Morgantown, such as WVU Medicine’s J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, typically takes between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The drive along I-79 is generally smooth, but rush hour, particularly weekdays between 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, can significantly increase travel times. Utilizing the West Virginia 705 (WV-705) offers an alternative route, albeit with more stop-and-go traffic, adding approximately 5-10 minutes to the overall travel time.

Beyond personal vehicles, public transportation plays a role in healthcare access. The Monongalia County Transportation (MCT) provides bus service throughout the county, including routes that serve Granville and connect to Morgantown's healthcare facilities. The primary route serving Granville is Route 51, which runs frequently throughout the day, with stops at key locations like the WVU Medicine facilities. While MCT strives for accessibility, it is crucial to verify ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on specific routes, such as wheelchair lifts and accessible seating, especially for individuals with mobility limitations.

Navigating the MCT system requires careful planning. Bus schedules, available on the MCT website and through mobile apps, are essential for timely appointments. Transfers between routes may be necessary, potentially increasing travel time. The MCT also offers a demand-response service, known as "Mountain Line," for individuals with disabilities or those residing outside the regular bus routes. This service requires advance booking and may have limited availability.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. These services are readily available in Morgantown and Granville, providing on-demand transportation to healthcare appointments. However, ride-sharing costs can vary depending on demand and time of day. Individuals relying on ride-sharing should factor these costs into their healthcare budget.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients requiring assistance, are also available. These services, often offered by private companies, provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with significant mobility challenges, they often come with higher costs and require advance booking.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Granville reflects a mixed picture. The proximity to Morgantown and the availability of multiple transportation options, including personal vehicles, public transit, and ride-sharing, provide a degree of healthcare access. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for increased travel times during peak hours, and the limitations of public transit necessitate careful planning.

For individuals considering moving to Granville, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and abilities, considering factors such as access to a vehicle, reliance on public transit, and potential mobility limitations. A pre-move evaluation of healthcare access, including a trial run of potential routes to healthcare facilities, is highly recommended.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not merely a numerical value; it is a call to action. It encourages individuals to proactively assess their transportation options and to advocate for improved healthcare access within the community. This includes supporting initiatives to enhance public transit, promote ride-sharing programs, and ensure the availability of medical transportation services.

The accessibility of healthcare is paramount, especially when battling breast cancer. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a starting point for understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities in Granville. By embracing a proactive approach to healthcare access, residents can navigate the complexities of transportation and ensure timely access to vital screening and treatment services.

The community of Granville, with its close proximity to Morgantown, offers a unique blend of accessibility and challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" highlights the importance of informed decision-making, strategic planning, and community collaboration to ensure that all residents have the opportunity to access the healthcare they need, when they need it. This score is a dynamic measure, subject to change as transportation infrastructure and healthcare services evolve. Continuous evaluation and adaptation are essential to ensure that the residents of Granville are empowered to take charge of their health and well-being.