25107, Hernshaw, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 25107, Hernshaw, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.15 percent of residents in 25107 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.02 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Charleston Area Medical Center with a distance of 9.02 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 25107 (Hernshaw, WV)

Assessing the overall health of a community requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of healthcare services but also the accessibility of those services. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 25107, encompassing the unincorporated community of Hernshaw, West Virginia, and evaluates the ease with which residents can access medical care. The primary factor in this assessment is **transportation**, and its impact on **healthcare access**.

Hernshaw, nestled within the rolling hills of Kanawha County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, coupled with limited public transportation options, significantly influences the **overall health score**. The score considers drive times to various healthcare facilities, availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options. It also considers the impact of these factors on vulnerable populations, particularly those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the ease or difficulty of obtaining necessary medical care.

The most common mode of transportation for Hernshaw residents is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The primary roadways serving the area are West Virginia Route 119 (also known as the Coal River Road) and County Route 11. Traveling to Charleston, the county seat and primary hub for healthcare, necessitates navigating these roads. The drive to Charleston generally takes between 25 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific destination. This is a manageable drive for most residents, but can become a significant burden during inclement weather or for those with chronic health conditions requiring frequent appointments.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. The drive to the CAMC (Charleston Area Medical Center) General Hospital, a major regional hospital, usually requires navigating through Charleston's city traffic, which can add considerable time to the commute. Similarly, accessing specialist physicians or advanced medical facilities might necessitate a longer journey, potentially exceeding an hour, especially if traveling to Morgantown or Huntington. These longer commutes place a greater strain on patients, particularly those who are ill or have limited mobility.

Public transportation options in Hernshaw are limited. The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (KVRTA), also known as "The Kanawha Valley MetroMetro," provides bus service within the county. However, the routes and schedules are not designed to serve the rural areas with frequent service. The routes that do serve the area are limited, with infrequent stops and often require significant travel time to reach Charleston. The lack of convenient public transit significantly impacts those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle, restricting their **healthcare access**.

The KVRTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts and priority seating. However, the limited service frequency and the need to transfer between routes to reach medical facilities in Charleston can make the journey arduous and time-consuming for individuals with disabilities. This further compounds the challenges faced by residents of Hernshaw in accessing healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Charleston area and can be a viable option for some residents. However, the availability of these services in Hernshaw itself can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited cell phone service. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for individuals with low incomes, further exacerbating disparities in **healthcare access**.

Medical transport services are also available, providing specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. Companies like MedExpress and AmeriFleet offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services are particularly important for individuals who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves to appointments. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability might be limited, especially for those residing in remote areas like Hernshaw.

Considering the factors discussed, the **overall health score** for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 25107 is moderately impacted. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transportation options and potential challenges with ride-sharing services, creates barriers to accessing healthcare, especially for vulnerable populations. The drive times, while generally manageable, can be extended by traffic, weather, and the need to travel to specialized facilities.

For individuals **moving to Hernshaw**, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in the potential travel time to medical appointments, the availability of transportation options, and the associated costs. They should also consider the potential impact of these factors on their overall health and well-being.

To improve the **overall health score**, several interventions are needed. Increasing the frequency and coverage of KVRTA bus routes, particularly those connecting Hernshaw to Charleston, would significantly enhance **healthcare access**. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted fares or subsidized services for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Finally, promoting the availability and affordability of medical transport services would ensure that all residents, regardless of their mobility or financial situation, can access the care they need.

In conclusion, while Hernshaw offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle, its **overall health score** is diminished by transportation limitations. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in public transportation, ride-sharing initiatives, and medical transport services is essential to ensure that all residents of ZIP Code 25107 have equitable **healthcare access** and can maintain their health and well-being.