Overall Health Score

24239, Davenport, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 24239, Davenport, Virginia

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24239, Davenport, Virginia is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 24239 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.05 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Buchanan General Hospital with a distance of 13.21 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 24239, Davenport, Virginia

Overall Health Score 17
People Score 49
Provider Score 20
Hospital Score 44
Travel Score 25

Closest Hospital - BUCHANAN GENERAL HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 24239 Davenport Virginia
No Cars 0.00 0.00 2.76
1 Car 0.00 0.00 18.70
2 Cars 0.00 0.00 40.01
3 or More Cars 0.00 0.00 38.53

Vehicular Access in 24239, Davenport, Virginia

Travel Score Review of 24239, Davenport, Virginia

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24239 (Davenport, Virginia)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 24239, encompassing the town of Davenport, Virginia, requires a deep dive into the complexities of healthcare access. A crucial element of this access is the ability to physically reach medical facilities. This write-up examines the transportation landscape, detailing drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking healthcare within this rural community.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Davenport is the geographical reality. Located in a sparsely populated region of southwestern Virginia, the town is surrounded by rolling hills and vast expanses. This landscape dictates the transportation options available, significantly impacting the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. The inherent challenges of this environment contribute to the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For those who rely on personal vehicles, the primary arteries connecting Davenport to healthcare are State Route 80 (SR-80) and US Route 58. SR-80, winding through the mountainous terrain, provides a direct link to the larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized medical practices are concentrated. However, the drive can be slow and arduous, particularly during inclement weather.

The closest hospital, Dickenson County Medical Center in Clintwood, is approximately a 25-35 minute drive via SR-80. This drive time, while manageable, can be a significant barrier for individuals with mobility limitations or those facing medical emergencies. More specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to larger regional hospitals in Abingdon or Norton. These journeys, requiring travel on US-58 and further connecting roads, can easily exceed an hour, placing a considerable strain on patients and their families.

The condition of the roads themselves plays a critical role. While SR-80 and US-58 are generally well-maintained, the secondary roads leading to individual residences within Davenport can be less so. Potholes, narrow lanes, and limited shoulders can exacerbate the challenges of driving, especially for older adults or those with disabilities. This highlights the importance of ongoing road maintenance and improvements to support safe and efficient transportation.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Davenport are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transit system, making it difficult for those without personal vehicles to access healthcare. The absence of regular bus routes or other public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those unable to drive due to disability.

While there may be occasional demand-response services, such as those offered by the local Area Agency on Aging or social service agencies, these are often limited in scope and availability. These services may require advance booking and may not be able to accommodate all healthcare appointments or emergencies. The lack of ADA-accessible features on any potential public transit options further compounds the difficulties faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft in Davenport is also limited. The rural nature of the area and the relatively low population density make it less attractive for ride-sharing companies to operate. This further restricts transportation options, leaving residents with fewer choices for reaching medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Several companies specialize in this service, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services often offer door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited financial resources.

The availability of medical transportation services in the area should be carefully assessed, including the types of vehicles available (wheelchair-accessible, etc.), the geographic reach of the service, and the cost structure. Insurance coverage for NEMT services also varies, adding another layer of complexity for patients.

**Impact on Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The combination of long drive times, limited public transportation, and the scarcity of ride-sharing services creates significant barriers to healthcare access for residents of Davenport. These transportation challenges can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, impacting the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 24239 is directly influenced by these transportation limitations. Individuals may delay seeking medical care due to the difficulty of getting to appointments. This can lead to the worsening of health conditions, increased hospitalizations, and a lower overall quality of life.

**Moving to Davenport and Healthcare Considerations:**

For individuals considering moving to Davenport, the availability and accessibility of healthcare should be a primary consideration. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their own transportation needs and the potential challenges of accessing medical services.

Prior to moving, individuals should research the location of healthcare providers, the drive times to those providers, and the availability of alternative transportation options. They should also consider their own mobility limitations and the availability of accessible transportation services.

**Recommendations and Future Directions:**

Improving healthcare access in Davenport requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes:

* **Investing in road infrastructure:** Prioritizing road maintenance and improvements to ensure safe and efficient travel.
* **Exploring public transportation solutions:** Investigating the feasibility of establishing or expanding public transportation services, including demand-response options or partnerships with local agencies.
* **Supporting medical transportation services:** Promoting the availability and affordability of NEMT services, including advocating for insurance coverage.
* **Promoting telehealth:** Encouraging the use of telehealth services to provide remote access to medical care, particularly for routine appointments and follow-up care.
* **Community awareness:** Educating residents about available transportation options and resources.

By addressing these challenges, the community can work towards improving healthcare access and the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 24239. This will create a healthier and more vibrant community for all. The journey to healthcare in Davenport, while currently challenging, can be improved through strategic investments and community collaboration.

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Health Scores Near 24239, Davenport, Virginia

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