25039, Cedar Grove, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 25039, Cedar Grove, West Virginia is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.74 percent of residents in 25039 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.47 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Montgomery General Hospital, Inc with a distance of 6.36 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Cedar Grove, WV (ZIP Code 25039)

The air in Cedar Grove, West Virginia, nestled along the Kanawha River, holds a history as rich and complex as the geological formations that define its landscape. This community, like many in Appalachia, faces unique challenges, particularly regarding healthcare access. This write-up aims to assess the "Lung Cancer Score" for residents of ZIP Code 25039, focusing on the crucial element of transportation and its impact on accessing vital medical services, including lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The "Lung Cancer Score" considers the ease with which residents can reach healthcare facilities. This score will reflect the availability of various transportation options, drive times, and the overall accessibility of medical care, specifically for lung cancer patients. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score signifies greater challenges. Understanding these transportation hurdles is paramount, especially given the prevalence of risk factors associated with lung cancer in this region, such as smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants.

The primary challenge for residents of 25039 is the geographical isolation. The rugged terrain and limited public transportation infrastructure necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles for most healthcare appointments. The most direct route to Charleston, the nearest city with comprehensive medical facilities, involves utilizing the scenic but winding **West Virginia Route 61** (also known as the Kanawha Turnpike). This road, while offering beautiful views, can be treacherous, particularly during inclement weather.

Traveling to Charleston, roughly 20 miles away, can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey often involves navigating **WV-61** to the **Interstate 64** (I-64) interchange. From there, patients can access various hospitals and clinics in Charleston. The drive time is a significant factor, especially for individuals experiencing symptoms or undergoing treatment that may compromise their physical stamina.

Public transportation options are limited. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KVRTA), also known as "The Kanawha Valley Regional Transit Authority," provides some bus service in the area. However, the routes serving Cedar Grove are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. The bus routes that do operate in the area are the **Route 1** and **Route 2**, with limited service on weekends. These routes are not designed to accommodate the specific needs of patients, and their frequency and coverage are insufficient to provide reliable access to healthcare.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on KVRTA buses is a crucial consideration. All KVRTA buses are required to be ADA-compliant, equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users. However, the limited route options and infrequent schedules can still pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. This is especially true for lung cancer patients who may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or other physical impairments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Charleston area, but their presence in Cedar Grove is less consistent. Availability may be limited, and surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather could significantly increase the cost of transportation. This adds another layer of complexity for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, are another option. Companies like **CareRide** and **First Transit** offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with getting in and out of vehicles. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Cedar Grove, 25039, is significantly impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential cost and availability issues associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers to healthcare access. These barriers can delay diagnosis, hinder treatment adherence, and ultimately affect patient outcomes.

For someone moving to Cedar Grove, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in the potential travel time to healthcare facilities, the availability of transportation options, and the associated costs. Considering the challenges, it becomes apparent that residents may need to plan their healthcare appointments well in advance.

The availability of healthcare access is a critical determinant of the quality of life in any community. For residents of Cedar Grove, the transportation challenges represent a significant hurdle in their fight against lung cancer. Addressing these challenges through improved public transportation, increased access to ride-sharing services, and expanded medical transportation options is crucial to improving the "Lung Cancer Score" and ensuring that residents have access to the care they need.

The future of healthcare access in Cedar Grove hinges on collaborative efforts. This includes advocating for improved public transportation, working with ride-sharing companies to increase service availability, and supporting the expansion of medical transportation services. By addressing these transportation challenges, the community can improve the "Lung Cancer Score" and provide its residents with the healthcare access they deserve.