25676, Lenore, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 25676, Lenore, West Virginia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.37 percent of residents in 25676 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Logan Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.76 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 25676

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. In the heart of Mingo County, West Virginia, ZIP code 25676, encompassing the small town of Lenore, presents a unique challenge. This write-up provides an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, considering the various facets of transportation and their impact on healthcare access for residents of Lenore. We delve into drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the community's healthcare accessibility. This analysis is crucial for anyone considering moving to Lenore, as it directly impacts their health and well-being.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in 25676 is undoubtedly the reliance on personal vehicles. The rugged terrain and dispersed population necessitate driving for most medical appointments. The primary thoroughfare serving Lenore is **US Route 52**, a two-lane highway that meanders along the Tug Fork River. This route connects Lenore to larger towns and cities where more specialized healthcare facilities are located. Travel times are significantly impacted by the winding nature of the road and the potential for traffic delays, especially during inclement weather.

For residents needing routine care, the closest primary care physicians are likely located in Williamson, approximately a 20- to 30-minute drive via US Route 52. This drive time can be extended by traffic, road conditions, and the individual’s familiarity with the route. For more specialized services, such as cardiology or oncology, residents often must travel to Huntington, a drive of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, largely via US Route 52 and then **US Route 119**. This extended travel time presents a significant barrier, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent appointments.

Public transportation options are limited in Lenore. The availability of public transit is a critical component of any healthcare access assessment. Mingo County does offer a public transportation service, but the routes and schedules are limited. The primary route serving Lenore is the **Mingo County Transit Authority (MCTA) Route 1**. This route provides service to Williamson and other surrounding communities, but its frequency is limited, often operating on a fixed schedule with limited weekend service. This limitation makes it a less-than-ideal option for urgent medical needs or appointments that fall outside of the scheduled times. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the MCTA is a crucial factor. All MCTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, ensuring that those with mobility limitations have access to transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the larger cities like Huntington, but their presence in Lenore is unreliable. The availability of ride-sharing is highly dependent on driver availability, which is often scarce in rural areas. This makes ride-sharing an unpredictable option for medical appointments, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. The lack of readily available ride-sharing significantly exacerbates the transportation challenges faced by residents of Lenore.

Medical transport services play a vital role in bridging the healthcare access gap for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized medical care. Several medical transport providers serve the Mingo County area. **MedCare Ambulance Service** and **Williamson Ambulance Service** offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services provide transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves or use public transportation. However, the availability of these services is often subject to scheduling constraints and prior arrangements, making them unsuitable for urgent or unplanned medical needs.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 25676 is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the unreliable ride-sharing availability, and the constraints of medical transport services all contribute to a complex picture. The drive times to access even basic healthcare are substantial, and the lack of readily available alternatives creates a significant barrier for residents.

The lack of readily available healthcare access is a major factor to consider when moving to Lenore. The transportation challenges directly impact the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, exacerbation of existing conditions, and increased healthcare costs. The health score is further diminished by the limited availability of preventative care services, such as regular check-ups and screenings, which are crucial for maintaining overall health.

The situation is further complicated by the demographic profile of Lenore, which includes a significant population of elderly residents and individuals with disabilities. These individuals are often more reliant on medical care and are disproportionately affected by transportation barriers. The lack of convenient and affordable transportation options can lead to social isolation and a decline in overall quality of life.

Improving healthcare access in Lenore requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation, including increasing the frequency and reach of the MCTA routes, is crucial. Expanding the availability of ride-sharing services, perhaps through incentives or partnerships with local healthcare providers, could also improve access. Furthermore, exploring the potential for telehealth services, allowing residents to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could help to mitigate the impact of transportation barriers.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 25676 is moderate. While residents can access healthcare, the transportation challenges significantly impact the ease and timeliness of that access. Anyone considering moving to Lenore should carefully consider these transportation limitations and their potential impact on their health and well-being. The ability to navigate these challenges is essential for maintaining good health in this community. Further investment in transportation infrastructure and services is vital to improve healthcare access and enhance the overall health of the residents of Lenore.