25678, Matewan, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 25678, Matewan, West Virginia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.71 percent of residents in 25678 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Logan Regional Medical Center with a distance of 17.37 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 25678 (Matewan, West Virginia)**

The overall health score for residents of Matewan, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25678), reflects a complex interplay of factors, with **transportation** and **healthcare access** at the forefront. This analysis considers the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities, influencing their ability to receive timely and appropriate care. For individuals **moving to Matewan**, understanding these logistical challenges is crucial for maintaining their well-being. The score, therefore, is a nuanced assessment, acknowledging both the inherent beauty of the region and the practical hurdles in navigating its terrain.

Matewan, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges to healthcare accessibility. The rugged landscape dictates the transportation infrastructure, which, in turn, impacts the time and effort required to reach medical providers. The overall health score for this region is significantly affected by these geographical constraints.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries for vehicular travel in and out of Matewan are West Virginia Route 49 and US Route 52. Route 49, a winding, two-lane road, connects Matewan to the north and south, while US Route 52, a slightly wider highway, provides access to larger towns and cities. Drive times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by these routes.

The closest hospital, Williamson Memorial Hospital in Williamson, WV, is approximately a 20-minute drive via US Route 52. This journey, while relatively short, can be impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours or in the event of an accident. More specialized care often necessitates travel to Charleston, WV, a journey of roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, primarily via US Route 119 and I-64. This extended travel time presents a significant barrier to accessing specialized medical services.

The condition of the roadways also impacts travel times. While efforts are ongoing to maintain and improve the roads, potholes, and occasional road closures due to landslides or inclement weather can disrupt travel. The mountainous terrain further complicates matters, with winding roads and steep grades potentially causing delays, particularly during winter months.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in Matewan are limited, which significantly affects the overall health score. The availability of public transit is a crucial factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals who do not own vehicles or are unable to drive.

The Mingo County Public Transit Authority (MCPTA) provides some transportation services within the county. However, the frequency of service and the routes covered are limited. The MCPTA primarily operates demand-response services, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. While the MCPTA strives to provide ADA-accessible vehicles, the availability of these vehicles can be restricted, especially during peak hours or for unscheduled trips.

The lack of readily available public transportation options underscores the challenges faced by residents who rely on these services. This scarcity can lead to delayed or missed appointments, hindering the ability to receive timely medical care. The absence of robust public transit negatively impacts the overall health score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Matewan or the surrounding areas. This severely restricts the options for individuals needing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. The absence of these services further compounds the difficulties of accessing healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical Transportation may operate in the region, but their availability and cost can vary. These services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, posing a financial burden for some residents.

The limited availability of ride-sharing and the potential cost of medical transportation services add to the challenges of healthcare access. These factors significantly impact the overall health score, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or financial resources.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for residents of Matewan, WV (25678) is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options and the resulting challenges in accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the long drive times to specialized medical facilities, and the scarcity of public transportation, ride-sharing, and medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score.

The score is further affected by the potential for road closures due to weather or landslides, which can disrupt access to care. The absence of readily available transportation options can lead to delayed or missed appointments, impacting the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The overall health score should be viewed as a call to action. Addressing the transportation challenges is essential to improving healthcare access for residents of Matewan. This may involve investing in public transportation infrastructure, supporting medical transportation services, and exploring innovative solutions like telehealth.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations should be considered. First, expanding the frequency and coverage of the Mingo County Public Transit Authority is crucial. This would increase access to healthcare for individuals without vehicles.

Second, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies or encouraging the development of local ride-sharing services could provide on-demand transportation options. Third, supporting and expanding the availability of medical transportation services, potentially through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers, would help ensure that individuals can reach their appointments.

Fourth, investing in telehealth infrastructure and promoting the use of telemedicine could reduce the need for travel to certain appointments. Finally, improving and maintaining the roadways, including addressing potholes and mitigating the risk of road closures, is essential for ensuring reliable access to healthcare facilities.

By addressing these transportation challenges, the overall health score for residents of Matewan, WV (25678) can be improved, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life. The challenges of **transportation** and **healthcare access** are significant, but by focusing on solutions, Matewan can become a healthier place to live, particularly for those **moving to Matewan** and seeking a supportive community.