24256, Haysi, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24256, Haysi, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.44 percent of residents in 24256 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dickenson Community Hospital with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Haysi, Virginia (ZIP Code 24256)

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access in Haysi, Virginia (ZIP Code 24256), requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation options available. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering factors like drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. Prospective residents, particularly those considering moving to Haysi, will find this information invaluable in evaluating their healthcare access.

The topography of Dickenson County, where Haysi is located, presents a unique challenge. The rugged terrain influences transportation infrastructure, impacting commute times and the feasibility of various transit options. The Overall Health Score reflects this reality, acknowledging the limitations while highlighting the available resources.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For residents of Haysi, personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The drive times, therefore, significantly impact the Overall Health Score. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located outside of Haysi, necessitating travel on well-maintained roads.

The primary route to larger healthcare facilities in the region involves utilizing **Virginia State Route 83**. This road connects Haysi to the town of Clintwood, the county seat, and provides access to local medical clinics and urgent care facilities. Drive times to Clintwood are generally manageable, ranging from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the specific location within Haysi and traffic conditions.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Bristol, Virginia, or Pikeville, Kentucky. Accessing these cities requires navigating **Virginia State Route 83** and then connecting to **US Route 58** or **US Route 460**. The drive to Bristol can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, while Pikeville is a similar distance. These longer drive times can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical appointments. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can further extend travel times and impact the Overall Health Score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Haysi are extremely limited. Dickenson County does not currently have a comprehensive public transportation system. This scarcity significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive due to age or disability, or who prefer not to drive.

The absence of a robust public transit network exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access. Residents relying on public transportation must often depend on informal arrangements, such as relying on family, friends, or neighbors for rides. This lack of readily available public transit services is a major factor lowering the Overall Health Score for Haysi.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Haysi. This further diminishes the transportation options available to residents. The lack of ride-sharing services directly impacts the Overall Health Score, as it eliminates a potential alternative for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transport services, however, offer a crucial lifeline for residents requiring assistance with medical appointments. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing transportation to and from medical facilities. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements.

While these services are valuable, their availability and cost can vary. The Overall Health Score considers the accessibility and affordability of these specialized transportation options. Residents should research medical transport providers in advance to understand their service areas, fees, and insurance coverage.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and healthcare facilities. However, the lack of public transit in Haysi necessitates a focus on the ADA compliance of the medical transport services and the healthcare facilities themselves.

Medical transport providers must adhere to ADA regulations, ensuring that vehicles are equipped to accommodate individuals with disabilities. Healthcare facilities should also be fully accessible, providing ramps, elevators, and other features to ensure that all patients can access care. The Overall Health Score considers the extent to which both transportation and healthcare facilities meet ADA standards.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

Considering all factors, the Overall Health Score for accessing healthcare in Haysi, Virginia (ZIP Code 24256), is moderate. The primary strengths lie in the availability of personal vehicle access and the presence of medical transport services. However, the absence of public transit and ride-sharing services, coupled with the long drive times to specialized healthcare facilities, significantly lower the score.

Prospective residents considering moving to Haysi should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should consider the limitations of healthcare access in the area.

The Overall Health Score can be improved through several initiatives. Expanding public transit options, even on a limited basis, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Encouraging ride-sharing services to operate in the area would also be beneficial. Furthermore, promoting the availability and affordability of medical transport services is crucial.

The Overall Health Score is not static. It can be improved through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure and healthcare services. As the population of Haysi grows, the need for improved healthcare access will become increasingly important. The community should advocate for policies and programs that address the transportation challenges and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need.