24319, Chilhowie, Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 24319, Chilhowie, Virginia is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.57 percent of residents in 24319 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.43 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Smyth County Community Hospital with a distance of 11.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 24319 (Chilhowie, VA)

This report assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Chilhowie, Virginia (ZIP Code 24319), focusing on the crucial element of transportation. The ability to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care significantly impacts overall health and well-being. This "Overall Health Score" considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, providing a comprehensive understanding of healthcare access within the community. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Chilhowie, as it directly affects their healthcare experience.

Chilhowie, nestled in Smyth County, offers a charming rural setting, but its location presents unique challenges to healthcare access. The surrounding terrain and limited public transportation necessitate careful consideration of transportation options. The success of healthcare access hinges on the availability and efficiency of these modes of transport.

**Drive Times: The Primary Mode**

For most residents, personal vehicles are the primary means of transportation to healthcare facilities. The geographical layout of the area means that drive times are a critical factor in determining healthcare access. The town of Chilhowie is relatively small, with most residents residing within a few miles of the town center. However, the nearest hospitals and specialized medical services are located in neighboring towns, increasing travel times.

The main thoroughfare through Chilhowie is **Interstate 81 (I-81)**. Access to I-81 is generally convenient for most residents, with several on-ramps and off-ramps located near the town. Traveling north on I-81 provides access to healthcare facilities in Marion, Virginia, approximately 15 miles away. This drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Heading south on I-81 leads to healthcare options in Abingdon, Virginia, a distance of approximately 30 miles, with a drive time of about 35-45 minutes.

Within Chilhowie, **US Route 11** serves as a vital road, connecting the town to surrounding areas. This road is crucial for accessing local pharmacies, primary care physicians, and other essential services. Driving to the nearest urgent care facility, located in Marion, via US Route 11, takes about 25 minutes.

Other local roads like **State Route 107** and **State Route 91** provide access to nearby communities and healthcare providers. These routes, however, often involve winding roads and can be subject to slower speeds, potentially increasing travel times, especially during inclement weather. Residents moving to Chilhowie should factor in these driving conditions when planning healthcare-related travel.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Chilhowie are limited, posing a significant challenge for residents who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The availability of public transit is a key indicator of healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

Smyth County does not have a comprehensive public bus system that directly serves Chilhowie. The primary public transportation option is the **Southwest Virginia Transit Management Area (SWVTA)**, which provides demand-response transportation services. This system, often referred to as "dial-a-ride," requires passengers to schedule rides in advance. While the SWVTA offers transportation to medical appointments, the limited service area and scheduling requirements can present difficulties.

SWVTA vehicles are required to be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the availability of rides is subject to demand and scheduling constraints. Residents needing to access healthcare services in neighboring towns must plan their trips carefully and book rides well in advance.

The lack of frequent and readily available public transit options significantly impacts the Overall Health Score for Chilhowie residents. This necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions or personal vehicles for accessing healthcare.

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

Ride-sharing services and medical transportation providers offer alternative solutions to bridge the transportation gap, particularly for those without personal vehicles. These services can be crucial for accessing healthcare, but their availability and cost must be considered.

**Uber** and **Lyft** are available in the broader region, including areas surrounding Chilhowie. However, their availability within Chilhowie itself can be sporadic, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Ride-sharing services are also subject to surge pricing during periods of high demand, potentially increasing the cost of transportation to medical appointments.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, including **First Call Medical Transport** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**. These services typically offer non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher services. However, these services often require prior arrangements and can be costly, depending on the distance and the level of care required.

The cost and availability of these services can significantly impact the Overall Health Score, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources or those requiring specialized medical transportation.

**Overall Health Score Considerations**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Chilhowie, Virginia, is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation pose significant challenges. Drive times to hospitals and specialized medical services can be substantial, especially for residents living in more remote areas.

The lack of readily available public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services further exacerbate these challenges. The availability of medical transportation services provides a valuable alternative, but the cost and scheduling requirements can be barriers for some residents.

The Overall Health Score can be improved by increasing the availability of public transportation, expanding the service area of ride-sharing companies, and promoting the affordability of medical transportation services. Investing in these transportation solutions would directly improve healthcare access for Chilhowie residents.

**Conclusion: Moving to Chilhowie and Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Chilhowie, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. While the town offers a peaceful environment and a strong sense of community, healthcare access requires careful planning. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and consider the potential challenges of relying on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The Overall Health Score reflects the interconnectedness of transportation and healthcare. By addressing the transportation challenges, Chilhowie can enhance healthcare access and improve the overall well-being of its residents. This assessment provides a clear picture of the current situation and highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve healthcare access for all members of the community.