24290, Weber City, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24290, Weber City, Virginia is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.23 percent of residents in 24290 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lonesome Pine Hospital with a distance of 20.66 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Weber City, VA (ZIP Code 24290)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access vital healthcare services. For residents of Weber City, Virginia (ZIP Code 24290), this access is largely determined by the efficiency and availability of **transportation** options. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities, considering factors like drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This is especially relevant for those considering **moving to Weber City**, as healthcare access is a critical quality-of-life indicator.

Weber City, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges to healthcare accessibility. The town's rural nature and limited public transit options necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The primary roads serving the area are crucial for navigating the landscape.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The nearest major medical facilities are primarily located in Kingsport, Tennessee, approximately 20-30 miles away. This translates to a drive time of roughly 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. The primary route to Kingsport involves navigating US-23 South, a major artery connecting Weber City to the Tri-Cities area. This highway is generally well-maintained, but traffic can be heavy during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

Alternatively, residents can utilize State Route 58, which offers a more scenic, albeit slower, route. This road is more winding and can be susceptible to delays due to weather conditions, particularly during winter. The distance to facilities in Norton, Virginia, is approximately 25-35 miles, reachable via US-58 East and US-23 North. Drive times are comparable to those of Kingsport, averaging 40-55 minutes.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities are present in nearby towns like Gate City and Duffield, offering more immediate care options. These facilities are typically accessible within a 15-20 minute drive via local roads such as State Route 610 and State Route 71. While these facilities provide convenience, they may not offer the comprehensive services available at larger hospitals.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public **transportation** options in Weber City are extremely limited. The primary provider is the Southwest Virginia Transit Authority (SWVTA), which offers a demand-response service. This service, often referred to as "dial-a-ride," requires advance booking and operates within a limited service area. It is not a regular, fixed-route system.

The SWVTA does provide some routes that may serve neighboring towns, however, these routes are infrequent and may not directly connect Weber City to major medical centers. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities (ADA) is available, but booking and scheduling limitations can pose challenges. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Tri-Cities area, but their presence in Weber City is less consistent. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This reliance on ride-sharing can be costly and unreliable for regular medical appointments.

Medical transport services are available, catering specifically to patients needing assistance getting to appointments. Companies like MedTrans and FirstCall Medical Transport offer specialized vehicles and trained personnel. These services are often used by individuals with mobility issues or those requiring stretcher transport. However, they can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Weber City, VA (ZIP Code 24290) is moderate. While residents with personal vehicles have reasonable access to medical facilities within a 30-60 minute drive, significant limitations exist for those without personal **transportation**. The lack of reliable public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services create barriers to care for vulnerable populations.

To improve the health score and enhance **healthcare access** for all residents, several recommendations are warranted. First, expanding and improving the SWVTA service is crucial. This could involve establishing fixed routes connecting Weber City to medical centers in Kingsport and Norton, increasing service frequency, and improving accessibility features.

Second, encouraging the presence and reliability of ride-sharing services is essential. This could involve community partnerships, incentives, or subsidies to ensure availability, especially for those who cannot afford personal vehicles.

Third, exploring partnerships with medical transport providers to offer discounted rates or subsidized services for low-income residents is vital. This would help alleviate the financial burden of medical transport and ensure that all residents can access necessary care.

Fourth, promoting telehealth services could help bridge the gap in access. Expanding broadband internet access in the area would allow for virtual consultations and remote monitoring, particularly for those with chronic conditions.

Finally, community education programs are needed to raise awareness of existing **transportation** options and resources. This includes providing information on how to access public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers.

By implementing these recommendations, Weber City can significantly improve its "Overall Health Score" and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the vital healthcare services they need. The focus on these improvements will be especially important for those **moving to Weber City**, who will then have a clear understanding of the resources available to them.