26187, Williamstown, West Virginia Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 26187, Williamstown, West Virginia is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

84.19 percent of residents in 26187 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 10.63 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Williamstown, WV (ZIP Code 26187)

The insidious nature of lung cancer demands immediate and effective healthcare access. For residents of Williamstown, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26187), the ability to swiftly reach diagnostic and treatment facilities is paramount. This write-up explores the complexities of **transportation** options and their impact on **healthcare access**, ultimately contributing to a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare landscape. Considering a move to Williamstown? This information is critical.

Williamstown, nestled along the Ohio River, presents a unique challenge. While offering a tranquil lifestyle, its relative isolation necessitates careful consideration of **transportation** infrastructure. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Parkersburg, WV, and Marietta, OH, requiring residents to traverse varying distances depending on their chosen mode of travel.

**Driving the Distance: A Critical Component**

For most residents, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The journey to Parkersburg, home to the WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center, typically involves a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. This route primarily utilizes West Virginia Route 14, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours. The drive is generally straightforward, but weather conditions, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, Ohio, offers another potential healthcare destination. The drive to Marietta involves crossing the Ohio River via the Williamstown Bridge and then navigating Ohio Route 7. The distance is slightly longer, averaging around 25-30 minutes, again contingent on traffic flow. Ohio Route 7, while a well-maintained highway, can also experience delays, especially during rush hour.

The "Lung Cancer Score" must consider these drive times. While relatively short, they are crucial when dealing with a time-sensitive illness. Delays due to traffic, weather, or vehicle malfunction can have a profound impact on a patient's prognosis.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Significant Challenges**

Public **transportation** options within Williamstown and the surrounding areas are extremely limited, posing a significant challenge to **healthcare access**. The primary public transit provider is the Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA). However, MOVTA's routes are primarily focused on serving the Parkersburg area, with limited service extending to Williamstown.

The availability of routes directly connecting Williamstown to cancer care facilities is minimal. Riders would likely need to rely on a combination of routes, potentially involving transfers, leading to significantly extended travel times. Furthermore, the frequency of service is limited, and the operating hours may not align with the needs of patients requiring early morning appointments or late-evening treatments.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical factor for public transit users. MOVTA vehicles are equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including ramps and designated seating. However, the overall limitations of the public transit network significantly restrict its usefulness for lung cancer patients, particularly those experiencing mobility challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Williamstown area, offering a potential alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of drivers can vary, and wait times may be longer compared to more densely populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent trips to and from medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, represent another option. These services typically offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility challenges. However, the availability of medical **transportation** providers in the Williamstown area may be limited, and the cost can be substantial, often requiring insurance coverage or out-of-pocket expenses.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" Methodology**

To calculate a "Lung Cancer Score," we must consider several factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average travel time to the nearest cancer care facilities (Parkersburg and Marietta).
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and convenience of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The reliability, cost, and wait times associated with ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical **transportation** services.
* **Accessibility Features:** The availability of ADA-compliant **transportation** options.
* **Weather Conditions:** The potential impact of weather on travel times and safety.

Each factor is assigned a weighted score, with drive times and the availability of reliable **transportation** options receiving the highest weight. A higher score indicates better **healthcare access**, while a lower score reflects greater challenges.

**Conclusion: Assessing the Landscape**

For residents of Williamstown (ZIP Code 26187), the "Lung Cancer Score" would likely reflect moderate challenges to **healthcare access**. While the drive times to Parkersburg and Marietta are relatively short, the limited availability of public transit and the potential reliance on ride-sharing or medical **transportation** services can create significant hurdles.

Individuals considering a move to Williamstown, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of cancer, should carefully evaluate the **transportation** options and their potential impact on their ability to access timely and effective healthcare. Understanding the limitations of the existing infrastructure is crucial for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.
The need for improved public **transportation** and increased access to medical **transportation** services are critical for improving the "Lung Cancer Score" for Williamstown residents. Further investment in these areas would significantly enhance **healthcare access** and improve the prognosis for individuals battling this devastating disease.