24815, Berwind, West Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 24815, Berwind, West Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.45 percent of residents in 24815 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Welch Community Hospital with a distance of 13.50 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in 24815

The Appalachian mountains cradle the town of Berwind, nestled within ZIP Code 24815. This remote location presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering the critical role of transportation in accessing vital medical services. Understanding the barriers and opportunities inherent in this area is crucial for anyone considering moving to Berwind or for current residents seeking to improve their health outcomes.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer, demanding regular monitoring and treatment. For residents of 24815, the journey to healthcare is often a significant undertaking, intertwined with the availability and reliability of transportation. The "Hypertension Score" will evaluate the ease of access to necessary medical care, including primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and emergency services, considering the limitations imposed by geography and available transportation options.

The primary mode of transportation for most residents is personal vehicles. Navigating the winding mountain roads presents its own set of challenges. The main thoroughfare is **US Route 52**, a two-lane highway that snakes through the region. Drive times to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns, such as Welch or Bluefield, can vary significantly depending on traffic and weather conditions. A trip to Welch, the county seat, might take 20-30 minutes on a clear day, while a trip to Bluefield, offering a wider array of medical services, could extend to 45 minutes to an hour.

Secondary roads, like **West Virginia Route 16** and various county roads, offer alternative routes, but they are often narrower, steeper, and prone to hazards like landslides and potholes. These roads can add considerable time to travel, especially during inclement weather. The "Hypertension Score" must account for these unpredictable delays, recognizing that a hypertensive crisis demands immediate medical attention.

Public transportation options in 24815 are limited. The **McDowell County Public Transportation Authority** provides bus services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, often operating only during weekdays. Information regarding specific route numbers and ADA accessibility features is difficult to obtain. These limitations make it challenging for individuals without personal vehicles to attend regular appointments or access specialized care. This lack of reliable public transit significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score," particularly for elderly residents or those unable to drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in the Berwind area. This further exacerbates the transportation challenges. The absence of these services means residents are reliant on friends, family, or medical transportation providers.

Medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. Several companies operate in the region, including **MedStar Ambulance Service** and **Mountain State Ambulance**. However, these services are primarily for emergency situations or scheduled appointments, and their availability can be limited, especially during peak hours or in remote areas. The "Hypertension Score" must consider the cost and availability of these services, as they are often the only option for those with significant mobility restrictions.

Pharmacies are essential for managing hypertension, requiring timely access to medications. While there might be local pharmacies in nearby towns, the drive time and transportation constraints can create delays in obtaining prescriptions and refills. This delay could compromise the patient's medication adherence, negatively impacting their blood pressure control.

Emergency services are another crucial factor in the "Hypertension Score." The nearest hospitals with emergency rooms are located in Welch and Bluefield. The drive time to these facilities, combined with potential delays due to road conditions or traffic, can be critical during a hypertensive emergency. The "Hypertension Score" must reflect the potential for delayed access to life-saving medical care.

The "Hypertension Score" will also assess the availability of healthcare providers in the area. The presence of primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists is vital for comprehensive hypertension management. The scarcity of specialists in rural areas often necessitates longer travel times to access specialized care, further impacting the "Hypertension Score."

Furthermore, the "Hypertension Score" must consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors like socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and the availability of exercise facilities can significantly influence blood pressure control. Limited access to these resources in the 24815 area can exacerbate the challenges of managing hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical value; it's a reflection of the lived experiences of residents in Berwind. It highlights the complex interplay between geography, transportation, healthcare access, and individual health outcomes. For individuals considering moving to Berwind, understanding these challenges is paramount. It's essential to assess your ability to navigate the transportation landscape and ensure access to the necessary medical care for managing hypertension effectively.

The score would also incorporate the availability of telehealth services, which can partially mitigate the transportation challenges. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. However, telehealth is dependent on reliable internet access, which can be limited in some areas of 24815.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a dynamic assessment, constantly evolving as transportation infrastructure and healthcare services change. It would serve as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents, guiding efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes in the 24815 area. By addressing the transportation barriers and other challenges, we can work towards ensuring that all residents of Berwind have the opportunity to live healthy lives, even in the face of geographic isolation.