26101, Parkersburg, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26101, Parkersburg, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

88.67 percent of residents in 26101 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 1.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26101

Understanding the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 26101 can access healthcare is crucial for assessing their overall health. This analysis considers various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and evaluates their impact on healthcare access. A high score indicates readily available and efficient options, while a lower score suggests significant challenges in reaching medical facilities. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview, offering insights for those considering moving to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and evaluating their healthcare needs.

The primary mode of transportation in Parkersburg is the personal vehicle. The city's layout and the location of healthcare facilities significantly influence commute times. Residents often utilize the **US-50** and **I-77** for longer distances, especially when traveling to hospitals or specialized clinics. Shorter trips within the city rely on local roads like **Staunton Turnpike**, **36th Street**, and **Grand Central Avenue**. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend travel times, affecting healthcare access, especially for those with urgent medical needs.

Drive times to major healthcare providers vary. The **WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center**, a primary healthcare hub, is generally accessible within a 10-15 minute drive from most parts of 26101, assuming moderate traffic conditions. Other medical offices and specialized clinics, such as those located along **Grand Central Avenue**, may be reached within a similar timeframe. However, travel to facilities outside of Parkersburg, such as those in Marietta, Ohio, could involve longer commutes, potentially exceeding 30 minutes, especially during rush hour. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals requiring frequent appointments or facing mobility limitations.

Public transportation offers an alternative, although its availability and efficiency present limitations. The **Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA)** provides bus services within Parkersburg. Route numbers and schedules should be consulted to determine the specific routes and stops that serve healthcare facilities. While MOVTA offers ADA-accessible buses, the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, may be limited. This can pose challenges for individuals relying on public transportation for healthcare appointments, potentially requiring them to plan their trips meticulously and allow ample time for travel.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, offer another option for healthcare transportation. Their availability and pricing vary depending on demand and the time of day. While ride-sharing provides a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, the cost can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes. Furthermore, the reliability of ride-sharing services, especially during inclement weather or in less populated areas, can be a concern. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or those without access to personal vehicles.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, provide specialized assistance. These services cater to individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the area, including those specializing in non-emergency medical transportation. These services offer a higher level of care, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, they can be more expensive than ride-sharing services or public transportation. This impacts healthcare access, especially for those with mobility challenges or those without access to personal vehicles.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 26101 is influenced by several factors. The primary consideration is the drive time to healthcare facilities. The availability and efficiency of public transportation are also important. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services provide additional options, but their cost and reliability must be considered. The presence of ADA-accessible features on public transportation is crucial for individuals with disabilities. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or those without access to personal vehicles.

The physical layout of Parkersburg, with its network of roads and the location of healthcare facilities, plays a significant role. The presence of major highways like **US-50** and **I-77** facilitates travel to facilities outside of Parkersburg. The city's relatively compact size makes many healthcare providers accessible within a reasonable drive time. However, traffic congestion during peak hours can impact commute times, particularly on major thoroughfares. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with urgent medical needs.

The availability of healthcare providers within 26101 also influences the overall health score. The presence of **WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center** and other specialized clinics within the zip code reduces the need for residents to travel long distances for care. However, the availability of specific medical specialties and the capacity of local healthcare facilities must be considered. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with complex medical needs.

For individuals considering moving to Parkersburg, understanding the transportation options and their impact on healthcare access is essential. The city offers a range of choices, from personal vehicles to public transportation and ride-sharing services. However, the efficiency and cost of these options vary. The availability of healthcare providers within 26101 is also an important consideration. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with complex medical needs.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 26101 is moderately positive. While the city offers a reasonable drive time to healthcare facilities and the presence of a major medical center, limitations exist. Public transportation is available but may not be as efficient or frequent as desired. Ride-sharing services provide an alternative, but their cost and reliability can be a concern. Medical transportation services offer specialized assistance, but they can be more expensive. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or those without access to personal vehicles.

Improving the health score could involve several strategies. Expanding the public transportation network, increasing the frequency of service, and enhancing the accessibility of buses would be beneficial. Promoting ride-sharing services and subsidizing their cost for low-income residents could improve access. Supporting the growth of medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability would also be helpful. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with mobility challenges or those without access to personal vehicles.

In conclusion, the overall health score for healthcare access in 26101 reflects a balance of strengths and weaknesses. The city's layout, the presence of a major medical center, and the availability of various transportation options contribute to a moderately positive score. However, the limitations of public transportation, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the expense of medical transportation services present challenges. For those considering moving to Parkersburg, carefully evaluating their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. This impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals with complex medical needs.