25510, Culloden, West Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 25510, Culloden, West Virginia is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.79 percent of residents in 25510 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Mary's Medical Center with a distance of 18.36 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 25510

Living with hypertension in Culloden, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25510), requires a proactive approach to managing the condition. A crucial element of this management is **healthcare access**, and that access is heavily influenced by the **transportation** options available. This write-up assesses the ease of reaching medical facilities from within this ZIP code, considering drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation solutions, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the overall accessibility of care.

The ability to promptly and regularly attend appointments, pick up medications, and access emergency services is paramount for individuals with hypertension. This score will help residents, especially those considering **moving to Culloden**, understand the practicalities of managing their health within this specific geographical context. It will highlight the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and around Culloden are Interstate 64 (I-64) and West Virginia Route 10 (WV-10). Travel times to healthcare facilities are largely dictated by these roadways. For instance, the drive to Charleston, the nearest city offering a wide array of medical specialists and hospitals, typically involves navigating I-64 East. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak commuting hours, can significantly impact travel times.

A trip to CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center) Memorial Hospital, a major healthcare provider, from central Culloden might take approximately 25-35 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This time can fluctuate depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and the time of day. The same trip to CAMC General Hospital would be similar.

Accessing clinics and smaller medical offices located in Hurricane, just west of Culloden, usually involves a shorter commute, primarily via WV-34. This drive, typically taking 10-15 minutes, provides a quicker route for routine check-ups and medication refills. However, the availability of specialized services in Hurricane is limited compared to Charleston.

The condition of the roads also impacts travel times. While I-64 is generally well-maintained, potholes and construction can cause delays. Local roads, such as those leading to more rural areas within 25510, may be less well-maintained, potentially increasing travel times and posing challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit in the 25510 ZIP code and surrounding areas is limited. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KRT) provides some bus service, but its routes and frequency are restricted, particularly within Culloden itself. Residents may need to travel to a central location, such as the Putnam County Library in Hurricane, to access KRT routes.

KRT Route 1 provides service to Hurricane and Charleston. However, the schedule is often infrequent, and the routes may not directly serve all medical facilities. This can necessitate transfers, adding to the overall travel time and complexity.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. KRT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of accessible stops and the overall ease of navigating the system with mobility limitations remain factors to consider.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Charleston and Hurricane areas. This provides an alternative to driving or relying on public transit, particularly for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the location within the ZIP code.

Medical transport services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to those with mobility limitations or other medical needs. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, including MedTrans and First Choice Medical Transport. These services typically require advance booking and may involve a fee.

**Alternative Transportation and Considerations:**

For individuals with hypertension, the availability of transportation is not the only factor to consider. The proximity of pharmacies, grocery stores, and other essential services also plays a role in overall healthcare access. Access to healthy food options is vital for managing blood pressure, and the ability to easily obtain medications is crucial for adherence to treatment plans.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 25510 would be moderately favorable. While driving times to major medical facilities in Charleston are manageable, the limited public transit options and the reliance on private vehicles create challenges for those without access to a car. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport offers some alternatives, but these options may come with additional costs and logistical considerations.

The score would be negatively impacted by the limited public transit options and the potential for increased travel times due to traffic congestion. The score would be positively influenced by the relatively short drive to healthcare facilities in Hurricane and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Conclusion:**

For residents of Culloden (ZIP Code 25510) managing hypertension, understanding the local **transportation** landscape is essential for effective **healthcare access**. While the area offers some advantages, such as reasonable drive times to Charleston and access to ride-sharing services, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on private vehicles create challenges. Individuals **moving to Culloden** should carefully consider their transportation needs and plan accordingly to ensure they can readily access the medical care they require to manage their condition effectively. The "Hypertension Score" for this area emphasizes the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness in navigating the local healthcare infrastructure.