24236, Damascus, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24236, Damascus, Virginia is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.73 percent of residents in 24236 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Johnston Memorial Hospital with a distance of 10.96 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Damascus, VA (ZIP Code 24236)

Damascus, Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for its residents, especially concerning healthcare access. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within ZIP code 24236, focusing on its impact on individuals managing hypertension. We will explore the commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods to understand the ease or difficulty of reaching vital medical appointments.

The ability to regularly attend appointments is critical for effectively managing hypertension. Consistent monitoring of blood pressure, medication adherence, and lifestyle adjustments are essential components of a successful treatment plan. The availability and accessibility of transportation directly influence a patient's ability to adhere to these critical elements, ultimately impacting their health outcomes.

Damascus, a small town, is characterized by its rural setting and limited public transportation infrastructure. This reality underscores the importance of understanding the available options and their potential limitations. We must consider how these factors contribute to a resident's overall "Hypertension Score," a hypothetical metric reflecting the ease with which they can access necessary healthcare services.

**Driving Times and Road Networks**

For many residents of Damascus, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation. The town is primarily served by **US Route 58**, a vital east-west artery, and **Virginia Route 91**, which provides north-south access. Travel times to healthcare facilities are significantly influenced by these roadways.

The closest primary care physicians and specialists are typically located in Abingdon, approximately 20 miles east via US Route 58. A drive to Abingdon can take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This journey involves navigating a two-lane highway, which, during peak hours or inclement weather, can become congested, extending travel times and potentially increasing stress levels, a factor that can directly impact blood pressure.

For more specialized care, such as cardiology or nephrology, patients often need to travel further, potentially to Johnson City, Tennessee, or Bristol, Virginia. Johnson City is roughly 40 miles west via US Route 58, translating to a drive time of approximately one hour. Bristol, located about 30 miles east on US Route 58, requires a 45-minute to one-hour drive. These longer commutes place a greater burden on individuals, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who experience fatigue as a side effect of their medications.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within ZIP code 24236 are extremely limited. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the **BRISTOL, TN/VA TRANSIT**, which may offer limited routes that extend into the surrounding areas. However, these routes are not specifically designed to serve the Damascus area, and direct access to healthcare facilities may not be available.

The lack of frequent and accessible public transportation significantly impacts the Hypertension Score for residents who do not own vehicles or are unable to drive. Individuals relying on public transit may face significant challenges in attending appointments, potentially leading to missed appointments and compromised healthcare outcomes. The absence of ADA-accessible features on available routes further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in the broader region, but their presence in Damascus is not guaranteed. Availability can fluctuate based on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments can be unreliable and expensive, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

Specialized medical transportation services are available in the area. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs. The availability and cost of medical transportation services can significantly impact an individual's ability to manage their hypertension effectively.

**Medical Transportation Brands:**

* **Med-Trans Corporation:** This provider offers air and ground medical transportation services.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** AMR provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Care Transport:** This service focuses on non-emergency medical transportation.

**Ride-Share Brands:**

* **Uber:** Availability may vary.
* **Lyft:** Availability may vary.

**The Impact on the Hypertension Score**

The transportation landscape in Damascus, VA, presents significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long commute times contribute to a lower Hypertension Score.

Individuals without access to a personal vehicle may struggle to attend appointments regularly, leading to potential gaps in their care. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options can result in missed appointments, delayed medication refills, and a decreased ability to adhere to prescribed lifestyle modifications.

**Moving to Damascus: Considerations for Hypertension Management**

For individuals considering moving to Damascus, VA, and managing hypertension, a thorough assessment of the transportation infrastructure is crucial. Prospective residents should consider the following:

* **Proximity to healthcare facilities:** Evaluate the distance to primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies.
* **Transportation options:** Assess the availability and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers.
* **Personal mobility:** Consider any physical limitations that may impact the ability to drive or access transportation.
* **Financial resources:** Factor in the potential costs associated with transportation, including vehicle maintenance, fuel, ride-sharing fees, and medical transportation services.

Moving to Damascus requires careful consideration of how healthcare access will be managed. Planning for transportation needs is essential to ensure that individuals can effectively manage their hypertension and maintain their health.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Terrain**

The transportation challenges in Damascus, VA, underscore the importance of proactive healthcare planning for individuals managing hypertension. While the rural setting offers a unique lifestyle, it also presents obstacles to accessing necessary medical care. A comprehensive understanding of the available transportation options, their limitations, and their associated costs is essential for residents to maintain optimal health and effectively manage their condition. The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 24236 is influenced by the availability of transportation, the distance to healthcare providers, and the ability of residents to navigate the terrain, both literally and figuratively, to access the care they need.