24279, Pound, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24279, Pound, Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.08 percent of residents in 24279 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dickenson Community Hospital with a distance of 9.27 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24279 (Pound, Virginia)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report assesses the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 24279, focusing on the crucial factor of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. We'll examine the practicalities of reaching medical facilities, considering driving times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive picture for those considering **moving to Pound**, Virginia, and seeking to understand the realities of healthcare accessibility.

ZIP code 24279, encompassing the town of Pound, Virginia, is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. This geographical reality significantly influences **transportation** options and, consequently, healthcare accessibility. The rugged terrain and limited infrastructure present unique challenges for residents seeking medical care. The primary mode of **transportation** for most residents is the personal vehicle.

The most direct route to significant healthcare facilities involves driving. The primary highway serving the area is US Route 23, a major north-south artery. Traveling south on US 23 provides access to the larger towns and cities where hospitals and specialized medical services are concentrated. The drive to Norton Community Hospital in Norton, Virginia, a critical access hospital, is approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey primarily utilizes US 23, with a brief transition onto Virginia Route 611.

Further afield, the larger medical centers in Kingsport, Tennessee, such as Holston Valley Medical Center, are approximately a 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes drive. This trip involves traveling south on US 23, then transitioning onto Interstate 26 and finally, onto US 11W. These longer drives highlight the potential for increased travel time in the event of an emergency.

The secondary roads, such as Virginia Route 611, Virginia Route 610, and Virginia Route 606, provide access to more localized services and connect to US 23. These roads, however, can be winding, narrow, and subject to weather-related closures, particularly during the winter months. This can further impact **healthcare access**, especially for those with mobility issues or those reliant on emergency services.

Public transit options within ZIP code 24279 are extremely limited. There is no readily available public bus system operating within the immediate vicinity. This lack of public **transportation** presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive, those who do not own a vehicle, or those who are unable to afford the costs associated with private **transportation**. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Pound**, as it highlights a dependency on personal vehicles or alternative, often more expensive, options.

While public transit is essentially non-existent, the availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is also limited. The remoteness of the area and the low population density make it challenging for these services to operate consistently. Availability is sporadic, and wait times can be significant. This unreliability can be a major obstacle for appointments and emergency situations.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical **transportation**, are available, but response times can be influenced by the geographical challenges. The mountainous terrain and the distances to hospitals can potentially increase the time it takes for an ambulance to reach a patient or for non-emergency medical transport to arrive. This is a critical factor in assessing the overall health score.

Specific medical transport providers that serve the area include local ambulance services operated by the county and private companies offering non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services are crucial for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who are unable to drive. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some individuals, further compounding the challenges of **healthcare access**.

The overall health score for residents of ZIP code 24279 is moderately impacted by the challenges in **transportation** and **healthcare access**. While the presence of Norton Community Hospital provides a nearby option, the limited public transit, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential for longer travel times to specialized medical facilities and major hospitals in Kingsport, Tennessee, present significant hurdles.

The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on those who cannot drive, and the cost of medical **transportation** can be a financial strain. The lack of robust public **transportation** and the limited options for ride-sharing services necessitate careful consideration for individuals **moving to Pound**, Virginia, who must factor in these limitations when planning for their healthcare needs.

Improving **healthcare access** in this area would require a multi-faceted approach. This might include exploring the feasibility of establishing a local public **transportation** system, expanding the availability of ride-sharing services, and potentially incentivizing medical providers to establish satellite clinics in Pound. Furthermore, community outreach programs to educate residents about available medical transport services and financial assistance options could also improve the overall health score.

Ultimately, the overall health score for ZIP code 24279 is a reflection of the interplay between geography, infrastructure, and the availability of resources. While the area provides a close-knit community and access to some healthcare services, the limitations in **transportation** and the distances to major medical facilities present a significant challenge to **healthcare access** for many residents. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Pound**, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.