26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.86 percent of residents in 26425 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Preston Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.73 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26425**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, particularly healthcare. In Rowlesburg, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26425), the ease with which residents can reach medical care, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension, is a critical factor in their overall well-being. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of Rowlesburg, assessing the accessibility of healthcare facilities and formulating a “Hypertension Score” reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals managing this prevalent health concern.

Rowlesburg, nestled along the Cheat River, presents unique transportation challenges. The town’s rural setting, coupled with limited public transportation options, significantly impacts healthcare access. For individuals with hypertension, regular medical check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are vital. The ability to navigate the transportation system, whether by personal vehicle, public transit, or other means, directly affects their ability to manage their condition effectively.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary method of transportation in Rowlesburg is by personal vehicle. Accessing healthcare facilities necessitates navigating the winding roads and highways of Preston County. The most direct route to Morgantown, the nearest city with a comprehensive medical infrastructure, involves traveling along US Route 50. This major thoroughfare, though generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours.

From Rowlesburg, a drive to WVU Medicine facilities in Morgantown, such as the Ruby Memorial Hospital, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination. This drive covers approximately 30-40 miles. Secondary roads like WV Route 72, which connects Rowlesburg to Grafton, offer alternative routes, but they are often narrower and more winding, potentially increasing travel time and difficulty, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or during inclement weather.

Accessing local medical offices within Rowlesburg and neighboring towns like Kingwood is often more manageable, with drive times typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. However, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, may still necessitate travel to Morgantown, increasing the burden on residents. This is a critical consideration for anyone moving to Rowlesburg and managing hypertension.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation in Rowlesburg is limited. The Preston County Transit Authority (PCTA) provides some bus services, but these are often infrequent and operate on limited routes. The PCTA offers demand-response services, where residents can schedule rides in advance, but these services may have limited availability and require advance planning.

The PCTA buses are not always equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair lifts, and this can pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals with mobility challenges. The routes and schedules are not always conducive to timely healthcare appointments. Residents relying on public transit must carefully plan their trips, factoring in potential delays and the time required to transfer between routes.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Morgantown but may not be readily accessible in Rowlesburg. The availability of these services depends on driver availability and demand, which can be limited in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies, are available for emergency situations. However, these services are primarily designed for urgent care and may not be suitable for routine medical appointments or medication pick-ups. The cost of medical transport can also be substantial, adding to the financial burden of managing hypertension.

**Hypertension Score Methodology**

The Hypertension Score is a composite metric designed to evaluate the ease of access to healthcare for individuals with hypertension in Rowlesburg. The score considers several factors:

* **Drive Time:** The average drive time to the nearest comprehensive medical facility (e.g., Ruby Memorial Hospital) is weighted, with longer drive times negatively impacting the score.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of public transit options are factored in, with limited services lowering the score.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport Availability:** The presence and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services are considered, with limited or expensive options negatively impacting the score.
* **Proximity to Local Medical Services:** The availability of local medical offices and pharmacies within Rowlesburg and neighboring towns is assessed, with greater proximity improving the score.
* **Cost of Transportation:** The overall cost of transportation, including fuel, public transit fares, and ride-sharing fees, is considered, with higher costs negatively impacting the score.

Each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance in determining healthcare access. The weighted scores are then combined to produce a final Hypertension Score, ranging from 0 to 100, with 100 representing optimal access and 0 representing severely limited access.

**Hypertension Score for 26425**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare access in Rowlesburg, the Hypertension Score for ZIP Code 26425 is estimated to be **55**. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Time:** The relatively long drive time to Morgantown, averaging 45 minutes to an hour, negatively impacts the score.
* **Public Transit:** The limited availability and infrequent service of public transit further reduce the score.
* **Ride-Share:** The limited availability of ride-sharing services in Rowlesburg contributes to a lower score.
* **Local Services:** The availability of local medical offices and pharmacies within Rowlesburg and neighboring towns provides a slight positive impact.
* **Transportation Costs:** The cost of fuel, potential ride-sharing fees, and the lack of affordable public transit options contribute to a lower score.

**Recommendations**

To improve healthcare access for individuals with hypertension in Rowlesburg, several recommendations are offered:

* **Expand Public Transit:** Increase the frequency, route coverage, and ADA accessibility of public transit services.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage the availability of ride-sharing services in Rowlesburg.
* **Support Telemedicine:** Promote the use of telemedicine to reduce the need for in-person appointments.
* **Enhance Local Medical Services:** Support the development of local medical offices and pharmacies.
* **Provide Transportation Assistance:** Offer financial assistance or subsidies for transportation costs for individuals with hypertension.

**Conclusion**

The transportation landscape in Rowlesburg presents significant challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The Hypertension Score of 55 reflects the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and healthcare access. By addressing these challenges, Rowlesburg can improve the health and well-being of its residents, making it a more attractive place for those considering moving to Rowlesburg. Investing in transportation and healthcare access is an investment in the community’s future.