26141, Creston, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26141, Creston, West Virginia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.39 percent of residents in 26141 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Minnie Hamilton Health System with a distance of 9.69 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26141 (Creston, WV)

The overall health score for residents of Creston, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26141), concerning healthcare access, is significantly impacted by transportation limitations. This rural community faces considerable challenges in reaching necessary medical services, creating a disparity in health outcomes compared to more urban areas. The score reflects a complex interplay of factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-share options, and the presence of medical transport services.

The primary obstacle to healthcare access in Creston is distance. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located in surrounding towns and cities, necessitating travel by personal vehicle. The journey to the nearest hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Parkersburg, WV, involves a drive of approximately 45 miles, typically taking around an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This commute primarily utilizes **State Route 14** south, which can be a winding and potentially hazardous road, especially during inclement weather.

Further complicating the situation is the limited availability of public transportation. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) provides some services in the region, but its routes are sparse and infrequent in the Creston area. While MOVTA does offer some routes that reach Parkersburg, they are not designed to specifically accommodate healthcare appointments. This lack of readily available public transit significantly disadvantages residents who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other factors. Moreover, the MOVTA system, while striving for ADA compliance, may still present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments due to the rural terrain and limited accessibility features at some stops.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the Parkersburg area, but their availability in Creston is extremely limited. The sparse population and geographic isolation make it difficult to secure a ride, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare access is therefore an unreliable option for most Creston residents.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution, particularly for individuals with medical needs that preclude driving. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive, and their availability may be limited depending on the specific needs of the patient and the availability of transport providers. These services typically involve pre-scheduled appointments, and the response time for emergency situations may be delayed due to the rural location.

The lack of readily available transportation directly impacts the overall health score for Creston residents. The extended drive times to healthcare facilities can lead to delayed treatment, particularly in emergency situations. This delay can exacerbate medical conditions and negatively impact health outcomes. Furthermore, the financial burden of transportation costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees, can strain household budgets, particularly for low-income residents.

The health score also considers the availability of local healthcare providers. While Creston itself may have limited medical facilities, residents may need to travel to neighboring towns for primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare services. The accessibility of these services is therefore directly linked to the availability of transportation. The absence of convenient transportation options can lead to missed appointments, delayed preventative care, and a general reluctance to seek medical attention.

The overall health score is also influenced by the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as income, education, and social support networks can affect an individual's ability to access healthcare. The transportation limitations in Creston can exacerbate these social determinants, creating a cycle of disadvantage. For example, individuals with lower incomes may be less able to afford the costs of transportation, while those with limited social support may have difficulty finding assistance with transportation to medical appointments.

When considering moving to Creston, individuals must carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. The lack of readily available transportation is a significant factor that must be addressed. Prospective residents should consider the following:

* **Vehicle Ownership:** Owning a reliable vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare services in Creston.
* **Driving Skills:** The ability to navigate winding rural roads, especially in adverse weather conditions, is crucial.
* **Alternative Transportation Planning:** Develop a plan for accessing healthcare in case of vehicle breakdowns or other transportation disruptions.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Assess the proximity of healthcare facilities and the ease of access.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Have a plan for emergency medical situations, including knowledge of local emergency services and medical transport options.

The long-term health of the Creston community depends on addressing the transportation challenges. This can involve:

* **Advocating for improved public transportation:** Lobbying for increased MOVTA services, including routes specifically designed to serve healthcare needs.
* **Supporting ride-sharing initiatives:** Working to increase the availability of ride-sharing services in the area.
* **Promoting medical transport options:** Supporting and promoting the availability of medical transport services, including exploring options for subsidized transportation for low-income residents.
* **Encouraging telehealth services:** Promoting the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits.
* **Attracting healthcare providers:** Supporting efforts to attract healthcare providers to the Creston area, including primary care physicians and specialists.

The overall health score for Creston, WV (26141) reflects a community facing significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The primary obstacle is the lack of readily available transportation, which contributes to delayed treatment, financial strain, and a general reluctance to seek medical attention. Addressing these transportation limitations is crucial to improving the health and well-being of Creston residents. The journey to better healthcare access requires a multifaceted approach involving improvements to transportation infrastructure, increased availability of medical services, and a commitment to addressing the social determinants of health.