26575, Hundred, West Virginia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 26575, Hundred, West Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.75 percent of residents in 26575 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wetzel County Hospital with a distance of 21.85 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26575**

The quaint town of Hundred, West Virginia, nestled in the heart of Wetzel County, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, for residents facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the serenity is often disrupted by the stark reality of limited healthcare access. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within ZIP code 26575, evaluating the challenges and opportunities for accessing essential breast cancer care, ultimately contributing to a "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the community's healthcare accessibility.

The journey to healthcare in Hundred begins with understanding the geographical constraints. The town is predominantly rural, characterized by winding roads and limited public transportation options. The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in Morgantown, approximately 45 miles away, and Pittsburgh, roughly 90 miles distant. These distances translate into significant travel times, impacting the timeliness of appointments, treatments, and overall patient well-being.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

For most residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation. The drive to Morgantown typically involves navigating West Virginia Route 7, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, especially during peak hours. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, but the narrow roads and potential for delays necessitate careful planning. The journey to Pittsburgh necessitates utilizing I-79 North, a major interstate highway.

The drive to Morgantown, under ideal conditions, averages around one hour. However, factors such as traffic, inclement weather, and road construction can easily extend this time. The trip to Pittsburgh, a larger metropolitan area, requires approximately two hours of driving, excluding potential traffic delays, which can significantly increase the commute time. These extended travel times can be particularly challenging for patients undergoing treatment, experiencing fatigue, or facing mobility limitations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options within ZIP code 26575 are extremely limited. Wetzel County does offer a public transit system, but its services are primarily focused on providing transportation within the county, with limited routes extending to Morgantown. Information about these routes, including their schedules and ADA accessibility, is difficult to find. The frequency of these services is also limited, making them a less-than-ideal option for patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

The lack of robust public transportation creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. This limitation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income residents, and individuals with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Morgantown and Pittsburgh, but their presence in Hundred is inconsistent. Securing a ride-share in the area can be challenging, and the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments can be substantial. Medical transport services, such as those offered by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation, provide a more reliable option.

These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often with trained personnel and specialized vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Hundred and their associated costs can be significant. Researching and securing these services requires proactive planning, adding another layer of complexity to the healthcare journey.

**The Breast Cancer Score: Evaluating Healthcare Access**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 26575 reflects the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. This score incorporates factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and the availability of medical transport services.

The score also considers the proximity of cancer care facilities, the availability of support services, and the overall healthcare infrastructure within the region. A low score indicates significant barriers to healthcare access, while a high score reflects a more accessible and supportive environment for breast cancer patients.

The limited transportation options, the extended drive times to cancer care facilities, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower Breast Cancer Score for Hundred. The lack of robust public transportation further exacerbates these challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations.

**Moving to Hundred: A Consideration for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering a move to Hundred, West Virginia, the availability of healthcare access should be a critical consideration, especially for those with a history of breast cancer or other health concerns. The transportation limitations and the distance to specialized care facilities pose significant challenges.

Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs, explore available options, and plan for potential travel expenses. Researching local support services, such as patient advocacy groups and community health centers, can also provide valuable resources and assistance.

**Improving Healthcare Access: Potential Solutions**

Addressing the healthcare access challenges in Hundred requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, including expanding routes and increasing service frequency, could significantly improve access for residents. Collaborating with ride-sharing companies to ensure consistent service availability in the area would also be beneficial.

Promoting medical transport services and providing financial assistance to patients for transportation costs can alleviate the burden of travel expenses. Telehealth initiatives, enabling remote consultations and monitoring, can reduce the need for frequent travel to medical facilities.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 26575 highlights the critical need for improved healthcare access in Hundred, West Virginia. The community faces significant transportation challenges, impacting the timeliness of care and the overall well-being of breast cancer patients. Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort, involving local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents.

By investing in transportation infrastructure, expanding support services, and promoting innovative healthcare solutions, Hundred can create a more accessible and supportive environment for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis. This commitment to improving healthcare access will not only enhance the lives of current residents but also attract new families and individuals seeking a safe, healthy, and vibrant community. The journey to healthcare should not be a burden; it should be a path paved with compassion, accessibility, and unwavering support. The future of healthcare access in Hundred depends on the community's willingness to embrace change and prioritize the health and well-being of all its residents.