24325, Dugspur, Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24325, Dugspur, Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.32 percent of residents in 24325 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.00 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lewisgale Hospital Pulaski with a distance of 20.95 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Dugspur, Virginia (ZIP Code 24325)

Dugspur, Virginia, nestled in the heart of Carroll County, presents a unique landscape for residents seeking healthcare. Its rural character, while offering tranquility, also shapes the realities of accessing medical services. This write-up explores the challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access for individuals with hypertension, specifically focusing on the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 24325. This analysis will inform the development of a "Hypertension Score," a metric designed to assess the ease with which individuals can reach necessary medical care, particularly considering the time sensitivity and potential complications associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure. If you're **moving to Dugspur**, understanding these transportation dynamics is critical for maintaining your health.

The cornerstone of navigating healthcare in Dugspur is the reliance on personal vehicles. The primary roadways serving the area are Virginia State Route 100, a major north-south artery, and Virginia State Route 94, which provides east-west connectivity. These routes, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to seasonal weather conditions, especially during winter months. Drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are crucial considerations for individuals managing hypertension.

The nearest hospital, Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg, is approximately a 45-60 minute drive via Route 100. This drive time can fluctuate significantly depending on traffic and weather. Similarly, the Pulaski Community Hospital, located in Pulaski, is roughly a 30-45 minute drive, also accessible via Route 100. The proximity of these facilities is a positive factor, but the travel time necessitates careful planning for routine appointments and, crucially, for emergency situations.

Specialist care, such as cardiology appointments, often requires travel to larger medical centers. The Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, approximately a 1.5-2 hour drive via Route 100 and Interstate 81, offers a wider range of specialized services. This longer travel time underscores the importance of proactive health management and regular check-ups to prevent the need for urgent care in distant locations. The **transportation** burden is significant.

Public **transportation** options in Dugspur are limited. The New River Valley TransitValley Transit (NRVTA) provides bus services within the region, but routes are infrequent and primarily focused on connecting larger towns and cities. There are no direct routes serving Dugspur. The lack of robust public **transportation** creates a significant barrier for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. This situation directly impacts **healthcare access**.

The NRVTA buses, while not directly serving Dugspur, do offer some ADA-accessible features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the necessity of multiple transfers and the extended travel times make this option impractical for most medical appointments. The absence of convenient public **transportation** necessitates reliance on alternative modes of **transportation**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader New River Valley region, but their availability in Dugspur itself is inconsistent. The rural nature of the area and the lower population density can result in longer wait times and higher fares. This unreliability poses a challenge for those with hypertension, who may require immediate access to medical care. Securing a ride-share, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, is not guaranteed.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), play a vital role in supporting **healthcare access** for those with limited mobility or medical needs. The availability of these services in Dugspur is crucial, but response times can be affected by the distance to the nearest medical facilities and the availability of resources. Knowing the local providers and their service areas is essential for individuals with hypertension.

Ambulance services are typically dispatched through the county's emergency services, and response times are prioritized based on the severity of the medical condition. NEMT services, which provide **transportation** for non-emergency medical appointments, are often contracted through insurance providers or can be arranged privately. Understanding the process for accessing these services and the associated costs is essential for planning medical appointments.

The "Hypertension Score" for Dugspur, therefore, must incorporate several factors. It should consider the drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics, the availability and reliability of public **transportation**, the accessibility of ride-sharing services, and the responsiveness of medical **transportation** providers. The score should also account for the potential impact of weather conditions and the presence of any physical limitations that might affect an individual's ability to travel.

The score will likely be negatively impacted by the limited public **transportation** options and the reliance on personal vehicles. The longer drive times to specialized care will also contribute to a lower score. Conversely, the presence of emergency medical services and the availability of NEMT options will positively influence the score.

For individuals with hypertension, the **transportation** landscape in Dugspur necessitates proactive health management. Regular appointments, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are essential for controlling blood pressure and minimizing the risk of complications. Planning for **transportation** to medical appointments is also crucial.

Before **moving to Dugspur**, prospective residents should carefully assess their **transportation** needs and consider the potential challenges of accessing healthcare. Researching local medical providers, understanding the availability of **transportation** services, and developing a plan for managing their health are all essential steps. The "Hypertension Score" will provide a valuable tool for evaluating the ease of accessing healthcare and making informed decisions about where to live and how to manage their health in this beautiful, yet rural, community. The score will provide an important perspective on **healthcare access**.