24862, Mohawk, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 24862, Mohawk, West Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.18 percent of residents in 24862 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Welch Community Hospital with a distance of 20.01 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 24862

The crisp mountain air of ZIP Code 24862, encompassing the charming town of Mohawk, West Virginia, offers a scenic backdrop for life. However, when considering healthcare access, particularly for a disease like lung cancer, the idyllic setting presents unique challenges. This write-up explores the complexities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** for residents of Mohawk, aiming to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" – a subjective assessment of the ease with which individuals can reach vital medical services. This is especially pertinent for anyone **moving to Mohawk**, as understanding these factors is critical for their well-being.

The primary concern in Mohawk is the distance to specialized medical facilities. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, requiring significant travel. The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the various **transportation** options available, evaluating their practicality, reliability, and accessibility.

Driving is the most common method of getting around. From Mohawk, the primary route to larger towns and cities involves navigating the winding roads that snake through the Appalachian Mountains. Route 52, a major thoroughfare, provides the most direct access to Bluefield, West Virginia, approximately a 45-minute to an hour’s drive. This route, while paved, can be treacherous during inclement weather, particularly in winter. The drive on Route 52 to the Princeton Community Hospital, another healthcare option, is roughly an hour and fifteen minutes.

Further afield, the journey to Roanoke, Virginia, home to more specialized cancer centers, involves a longer drive. This typically requires taking Route 52 South to US-460 East, then to Interstate 81 South. This drive can easily take over two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The drive to Charleston, West Virginia, another option, involves a similar time commitment, but requires taking Route 52 North to US-119 North, which also requires a significant time investment.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Mohawk. The area lacks a comprehensive public bus system, making it difficult for those without personal vehicles to access healthcare. The lack of a robust public **transportation** system is a significant factor in the "Lung Cancer Score," as it disproportionately affects individuals who are elderly, disabled, or low-income.

The absence of fixed-route buses makes it difficult for individuals to reach medical appointments. This lack of accessibility is a serious detriment to **healthcare access** in the area. The absence of public transit is a serious concern when evaluating **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their availability is inconsistent, especially in rural areas like Mohawk. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive for regular medical appointments. Relying on ride-sharing for frequent treatments or check-ups is often impractical.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedRide or First Call Ambulance, offer specialized **transportation** for patients needing assistance. These services typically provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, especially for long-distance travel.

The availability of these services is also limited, and the response time can be delayed due to the rural location. The reliance on these services is a significant factor in the "Lung Cancer Score," as it highlights the vulnerability of patients who cannot drive or do not have access to a reliable vehicle.

The "Lung Cancer Score" also considers the availability of support services for cancer patients. This includes access to support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs. These services are often located in larger cities, requiring patients to travel long distances to access them. This adds another layer of complexity to the **healthcare access** landscape.

The overall "Lung Cancer Score" for Mohawk (ZIP Code 24862) is relatively low. The significant travel distances to specialized medical facilities, the lack of public **transportation**, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the limited access to support services all contribute to a challenging **healthcare access** environment.

For individuals **moving to Mohawk**, a thorough assessment of their **transportation** needs and access to healthcare is crucial. This includes considering the availability of personal vehicles, the ability to drive long distances, and the financial resources to cover the costs of ride-sharing or medical **transportation**.

The "Lung Cancer Score" is not just about the distance to medical facilities; it is about the overall quality of life for cancer patients. It is about ensuring that individuals have the support they need to navigate the challenges of their illness. It is about advocating for improved **transportation** options and enhanced **healthcare access** in rural communities like Mohawk.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Mohawk is not a definitive metric, but a subjective assessment based on the available information. The score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely and comprehensive cancer care. The score emphasizes the need for improved **transportation** infrastructure, increased access to specialized medical services, and a greater focus on patient support in rural communities.

The score underscores the importance of community involvement and advocacy to improve the **healthcare access** situation. It serves as a reminder that **healthcare access** is not just a matter of medical expertise; it is also a matter of **transportation**, resources, and support.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Mohawk is a call to action. It is a call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members to work together to improve the lives of cancer patients in this beautiful but challenging region. It is a call to make **healthcare access** a priority.