24280, Rosedale, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24280, Rosedale, Virginia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

90.46 percent of residents in 24280 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Russell County Hospital with a distance of 8.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rosedale, Virginia (ZIP Code 24280)

This analysis provides an overall health score for healthcare access within ZIP Code 24280, Rosedale, Virginia, focusing on the critical element of **transportation**. The ability to reach medical facilities, whether for routine checkups or emergency situations, significantly impacts individual and community well-being. This assessment considers various **transportation** options, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, offering a comprehensive understanding for current residents and those **moving to Rosedale**.

Rosedale, a rural community nestled in southwestern Virginia, presents unique challenges regarding **healthcare access**. The dispersed population and limited infrastructure influence the availability and practicality of various **transportation** methods. The overall health score reflects these complexities, providing a nuanced perspective on the ease and efficiency of reaching medical care.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for residents of Rosedale is the private vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, presents some limitations. The primary thoroughfare is **US Route 19**, which provides access to larger towns and cities, including Lebanon and Richlands, where many medical facilities are located. However, travel on US 19 can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours.

Reaching the nearest hospitals requires careful planning. The **Russell County Medical Center** in Lebanon is approximately a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. This drive involves navigating US 19 and local roads. The **Clinch Valley Health** in Richlands is about a 30-40 minute drive, also primarily via US 19. These drive times are crucial considerations for individuals needing immediate medical attention.

Local roads, such as **State Route 67** and **State Route 80**, serve as connectors to US 19 and provide access to smaller communities and local medical clinics. These roads, while scenic, can be winding and narrow, potentially impacting travel times and safety, particularly during inclement weather. The condition of these roads is a significant factor in overall **healthcare access**.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options within ZIP Code 24280 are extremely limited. The rural nature of the area and the dispersed population make establishing a robust public transit system economically challenging. There is no fixed-route bus service that directly serves Rosedale. This absence significantly impacts individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, limiting their **healthcare access** options.

While there may be demand-response transit options, such as those offered by local social service agencies, these services are often limited in scope and availability. They may require advance booking and are typically designed for specific populations, such as the elderly or individuals with disabilities. The lack of readily available public transit presents a considerable barrier to **healthcare access** for a significant portion of the population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Rosedale is limited. These services are often dependent on the density of the population and the demand for rides. While occasional ride-sharing services may be available, they cannot be relied upon as a consistent means of **transportation** for medical appointments. This lack of readily available ride-sharing further exacerbates the challenges of **healthcare access**.

Specialized medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are available for individuals with specific medical needs. These services are primarily designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments or for emergency situations. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior authorization or medical necessity documentation.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 24280 is moderate. The primary mode of **transportation**, the private vehicle, is the most reliable option, but drive times to medical facilities can be significant, particularly in emergencies. The limited public transit options and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

The availability of medical transport services provides crucial support for specific needs, but the cost and requirements associated with these services may limit their accessibility. The overall score reflects the need for improved **transportation** options to enhance **healthcare access** for all residents of Rosedale. This is a critical consideration for those **moving to Rosedale**.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score and enhance **healthcare access** in Rosedale, several strategies are recommended. First, exploring partnerships with neighboring counties to establish a regional public transit system could significantly improve access for residents. This system should prioritize routes that connect Rosedale with major medical facilities.

Second, promoting and supporting the expansion of ride-sharing services could provide a more reliable and convenient **transportation** option. This could involve incentives for ride-sharing drivers or partnerships with local healthcare providers to subsidize rides for patients.

Third, increasing awareness of and access to medical transport services is essential. This could involve educating residents about available services, streamlining the application process, and advocating for financial assistance for eligible individuals.

Finally, investing in the maintenance and improvement of local roads is crucial. This will enhance the safety and efficiency of **transportation**, particularly for those traveling to medical appointments. These improvements will support the overall health of the community and make **moving to Rosedale** a more attractive proposition.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 24280 is a complex assessment. While private vehicles provide the primary means of **transportation**, the lack of public transit, limited ride-sharing options, and the reliance on medical transport services for specific needs create challenges. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions, such as expanding public transit, supporting ride-sharing, and improving road infrastructure, is crucial to improve **healthcare access** and the overall health of the community. These improvements will be vital for those **moving to Rosedale** and for the long-term well-being of its residents.