24269, Mc Clure, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24269, Mc Clure, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

18.52 percent of residents in 24269 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dickenson Community Hospital with a distance of 6.69 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24269 (McClure, Virginia)**

Nestled in the heart of Southwest Virginia, ZIP Code 24269, encompassing the town of McClure, presents a unique tapestry of rural charm and challenges. While the area boasts breathtaking natural beauty and a close-knit community, its geographic isolation significantly impacts residents' overall health. A critical factor influencing well-being in McClure is the accessibility of healthcare services. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering transportation options, drive times, and available resources for accessing healthcare within and beyond this ZIP code.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in McClure is **transportation**. With limited public transit and a reliance on personal vehicles, residents often face considerable hurdles in reaching medical appointments, pharmacies, and specialized care facilities. This is particularly true for individuals with mobility limitations, the elderly, and those without personal vehicles. The ability to navigate the local road network is therefore paramount to maintaining health.

The primary arteries for travel in and out of McClure are Virginia State Route 83 and Virginia State Route 604. These roads, while scenic, can be winding and subject to weather-related closures, particularly during the winter months. Traveling to larger medical facilities in nearby towns like Grundy or Richlands necessitates navigating these routes, adding to the time and effort required for routine medical care.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant concern. The nearest primary care physicians and pharmacies are located in the neighboring towns of Grundy and Haysi. A drive to Grundy, approximately 15 miles, can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Haysi, about 10 miles away, offers a slightly shorter drive, typically 15 to 20 minutes. However, these estimates do not account for potential delays due to inclement weather or unforeseen road closures.

Specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced imaging, often requires travel to larger regional hospitals in Richlands or Bluefield, West Virginia. The drive to Richlands, approximately 40 miles, can take up to an hour, while Bluefield, roughly 60 miles away, may require a drive time of over an hour and a half. These extended travel times can be particularly challenging for patients requiring frequent appointments or experiencing acute medical conditions.

Public transportation options in McClure are extremely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public bus system, and the few available routes are infrequent and may not adequately serve the needs of residents seeking healthcare. The absence of readily available public transit exacerbates the transportation challenges, especially for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant features on any available public transit further restricts healthcare access for individuals with disabilities. This absence of accessible options creates significant barriers for those with mobility impairments, making it difficult or impossible for them to reach medical appointments and receive necessary care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in the McClure area. This further limits transportation options, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of these services adds to the isolation and restricts access to healthcare.

Medical transportation services are available but may be limited in scope and availability. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) offer ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation services. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking, making them unsuitable for urgent or spontaneous medical needs.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 24269 is significantly impacted by these transportation limitations. The score reflects the combined effect of long drive times, the lack of public transit, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the limited availability of medical transportation. This score is further influenced by the geographic isolation of McClure, which increases travel distances and makes healthcare access more challenging.

The healthcare landscape in McClure is further complicated by the availability of healthcare providers. While there may be some local clinics and physicians, access to specialists and advanced medical services is often limited. This necessitates travel to larger medical centers in surrounding towns and cities, increasing the burden on residents and further impacting their overall health.

For those considering **moving to McClure**, understanding these transportation and healthcare access challenges is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in the potential for long drive times, the need for a reliable personal vehicle, and the limited availability of public transit when assessing the suitability of the area. They should also consider the potential need for specialized care and the associated travel requirements.

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in McClure, several interventions are necessary. Investing in public transportation, including the implementation of ADA-compliant buses and routes, would significantly improve accessibility for residents. Encouraging the expansion of ride-sharing services into the area could provide an alternative transportation option.

Furthermore, exploring partnerships with medical transportation providers to offer more affordable and accessible services would be beneficial. Supporting the recruitment and retention of healthcare providers in the local community, including specialists, would also help reduce the need for travel to distant medical facilities.

Finally, promoting telehealth services and expanding access to remote healthcare consultations could help bridge the gap between residents and medical professionals, particularly for routine appointments and follow-up care. These strategies, combined with ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure and address weather-related challenges, would contribute to a higher "Overall Health Score" and improve the well-being of residents in ZIP Code 24269.