25624, Henlawson, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 25624, Henlawson, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 25624 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Logan Regional Medical Center with a distance of 3.88 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 25624**

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Henlawson, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25624), requires a deep dive into healthcare access, a critical component of community well-being. The primary focus here is the transportation landscape, as the ability to reach medical facilities directly impacts health outcomes. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking healthcare.

Henlawson, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique transportation challenges. The rugged terrain and limited infrastructure significantly influence healthcare access. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are often located in neighboring towns and cities, necessitating travel by car or relying on alternative transportation methods. Understanding these realities is crucial for evaluating the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Road Conditions**

For residents of Henlawson, the automobile remains the most common mode of transportation for healthcare appointments. The primary roadways serving the area are the Coal River Road (West Virginia Route 10), a winding two-lane highway, and the more direct but often congested US Route 119. Driving times to the nearest hospitals, such as Logan Regional Medical Center (approximately 30 minutes) and Williamson Memorial Hospital (about an hour), can vary significantly depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific location within the ZIP code.

The condition of the roads is another factor. West Virginia's mountainous terrain and frequent inclement weather can lead to potholes, landslides, and other hazards that impede travel, particularly during winter months. This underscores the need for reliable vehicles and careful driving, adding to the stress and potential delays for those seeking healthcare. For those considering moving to Henlawson, understanding these road conditions is paramount.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Henlawson are extremely limited. The Logan County Public Transportation Authority (LCPTA) provides some bus service, but routes and schedules are infrequent and may not directly serve all areas within the ZIP code. Information on specific routes and schedules is essential, but the available routes and their frequency will likely be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare.

Furthermore, the accessibility of public transit for individuals with disabilities is a critical concern. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates certain features on public transportation, such as wheelchair lifts and accessible seating. However, the implementation and reliability of these features can vary. Potential residents should investigate the ADA compliance of any available public transit options before relocating.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have limited availability in rural areas like Henlawson. While they may be present in larger towns and cities, their coverage is often sporadic, and wait times can be lengthy. This makes them an unreliable option for urgent medical needs or scheduled appointments.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), play a vital role in bridging the healthcare access gap. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but NEMT services, which transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are crucial for those unable to drive or use public transit. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) may offer NEMT services in the area, but availability and cost can be significant factors.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score**

The transportation challenges in Henlawson directly impact healthcare access, influencing the overall health score. Residents with limited mobility, disabilities, or without access to a vehicle face significant barriers to receiving timely and appropriate medical care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening health conditions, and increased healthcare costs.

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health services within a reasonable distance is also a critical factor. Even if transportation is available, the lack of local healthcare providers necessitates longer travel times and potentially missed appointments. The overall health score must consider the balance between transportation options and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

**Moving to Henlawson: A Consideration of Transportation**

For individuals considering moving to Henlawson, a thorough assessment of transportation needs is essential. This includes evaluating personal vehicle reliability, understanding the limitations of public transit, and researching the availability and cost of ride-share and medical transport services. Prospective residents should also investigate the accessibility of healthcare providers and the availability of support services for those with disabilities or chronic health conditions.

The overall health score for Henlawson is directly tied to the ability of its residents to access healthcare. By addressing the transportation challenges, the community can improve health outcomes and create a healthier environment for all. This requires a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, transportation services, and community organizations.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve healthcare access and the overall health score in Henlawson, several recommendations are crucial. Expanding and improving public transit options, including ADA-compliant vehicles and increased route frequency, is essential. Partnering with ride-share companies to offer discounted or subsidized services for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Investing in medical transport services, including NEMT, and ensuring their affordability and accessibility is another critical step. Supporting telehealth initiatives and expanding access to broadband internet can also help bridge the gap by allowing residents to access healthcare remotely.

Finally, attracting more healthcare providers to the area, including primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health professionals, is essential. This requires incentives for healthcare professionals and investments in medical facilities. By addressing these challenges, Henlawson can create a healthier and more accessible community for all its residents, improving the overall health score and quality of life.