26181, Washington, West Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 26181, Washington, West Virginia is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

82.12 percent of residents in 26181 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Minnie Hamilton Health System with a distance of 36.88 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 26181

The quest for optimal health, particularly managing conditions like hypertension, necessitates reliable **healthcare access**. For individuals residing in or considering **moving to Washington**, specifically within ZIP Code 26181, understanding the nuances of **transportation** options is crucial. This write-up provides a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering factors like drive times, public transit, and alternative transportation services.

ZIP Code 26181 encompasses the city of Washington, West Virginia, a community nestled along the Ohio River. Its relative isolation, while offering a serene environment, presents challenges when it comes to healthcare accessibility. The "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify these challenges, providing a practical guide for residents seeking timely and convenient medical care.

**Drive-Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and out of Washington are West Virginia Route 7 and U.S. Route 50. These highways are critical for accessing healthcare facilities located in surrounding areas.

* **Washington to Parkersburg:** The primary destination for specialized medical care is Parkersburg, the largest city in the region. The drive along WV-7 North to US-50 East typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route provides access to Camden Clark Medical Center, a major healthcare provider.

* **Washington to Marietta, Ohio:** While less common for routine care, Marietta, Ohio, offers additional healthcare options. The journey involves crossing the Ohio River and navigating US-50 West. The drive, usually taking around 20 to 30 minutes, offers another layer of choice for patients.

* **Washington to Belpre, Ohio:** Belpre, Ohio, is a smaller community just across the Ohio River. The drive is relatively short, taking approximately 10 to 15 minutes. This route is useful for accessing urgent care clinics and smaller medical practices.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape:**

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 26181 are limited. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) provides bus services in the Parkersburg area, but its routes and schedules are often insufficient for individuals with hypertension.

* **MOVTA Routes:** While MOVTA operates routes within Parkersburg, direct routes to Washington are infrequent. Residents would likely need to rely on a combination of routes, potentially involving multiple transfers, which can significantly increase travel time and create complications for individuals with mobility limitations.

* **ADA Accessibility:** MOVTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and accessible seating. However, the limited frequency and route coverage pose challenges for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent medical appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services and specialized medical transportation offer alternative avenues for healthcare access.

* **Ride-Share Options:** Uber and Lyft operate in the Parkersburg area, providing on-demand transportation. However, their availability in Washington can be variable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

* **Medical Transportation Services:** Several medical transportation services cater to individuals with healthcare needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, representing a significant financial burden for some residents.

**The "Hypertension Score" – A Qualitative Assessment:**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 26181 is a subjective evaluation based on the transportation factors.

* **Drive-Time Score:** The relatively short drive times to Parkersburg and Belpre for routine care receive a moderately favorable score. The longer drive time to Marietta is less desirable.

* **Public Transit Score:** The limited public transit options earn a low score. The infrequent routes and potential for multiple transfers create significant challenges for individuals with hypertension.

* **Ride-Share Score:** The variable availability of ride-sharing services receives a moderate score. While offering convenience, the reliance on ride-sharing requires careful planning.

* **Medical Transportation Score:** The availability of medical transportation services receives a moderate score. While offering a reliable option, the associated costs and need for advance booking are considerations.

**Overall Assessment:**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 26181 is moderate. While drive times to healthcare facilities are reasonable, the limited public transit options and variable availability of ride-sharing services present challenges. Residents with hypertension must carefully consider their transportation needs when planning medical appointments.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize Proactive Planning:** Individuals with hypertension should proactively plan their healthcare appointments, considering potential transportation delays.

* **Explore All Options:** Explore all available transportation options, including ride-sharing services, medical transportation, and family/friend assistance.

* **Advocate for Improved Transit:** Advocate for improved public transit services, including more frequent routes and expanded coverage to and from Washington.

* **Consider Proximity:** When **moving to Washington**, carefully consider the proximity of healthcare facilities and the availability of transportation options.

* **Healthcare Access is Key:** The success of managing hypertension relies on consistent **healthcare access**. Residents of ZIP Code 26181 must be aware of the **transportation** challenges and proactively seek solutions to ensure timely and convenient medical care.