26169, Rockport, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26169, Rockport, West Virginia is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.75 percent of residents in 26169 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 13.66 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Rockport, WV (ZIP Code 26169)

This analysis provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility within Rockport, West Virginia (ZIP code 26169). This score considers various factors, including transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Understanding these elements is crucial for residents, particularly those considering moving to Rockport or seeking improved healthcare access. The goal is to paint a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of healthcare access in Rockport rests heavily on personal vehicle transportation. The primary thoroughfare is **West Virginia Route 14**, a vital artery connecting Rockport to neighboring communities and essential services. Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of our score. For instance, reaching Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, a major regional healthcare provider, typically requires a drive of approximately 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within Rockport. This drive involves navigating Route 14 and potentially utilizing **Interstate 77** for a portion of the journey.

Further complicating matters, the terrain in this area can be challenging, especially during inclement weather. Snow and ice can significantly impact drive times and road safety, increasing the risk of accidents and delaying access to medical care. This factor weighs heavily on the overall health score, as it underscores the vulnerability of relying solely on personal vehicles.

Public transportation options in Rockport are limited. The local transit system is not extensive, and routes serving Rockport are infrequent. The availability of public transit is a significant factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive, such as the elderly, those with disabilities, or individuals without access to a personal vehicle. Currently, the available public transit options do not offer extensive coverage within the ZIP code.

Furthermore, the existing public transit options may not fully meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. The presence of ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair accessibility and audio-visual announcements, is crucial for ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents. The current public transit offerings in Rockport may not fully meet these requirements, further impacting the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Parkersburg area, but their presence in Rockport itself can be sporadic. The availability of these services is dependent on driver availability and demand. This can result in longer wait times or even a complete lack of service, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of Rockport. This variable availability significantly affects the reliability of ride-sharing as a primary mode of transportation to healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services, specifically those designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. These services offer a more specialized form of transportation, often equipped with medical personnel and equipment to provide assistance during the journey. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage, medical needs, and the service's operational capacity.

The presence of medical transport services is a positive factor in the overall health score, as they provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. However, the limited availability and potential cost of these services can create barriers to healthcare access for some residents.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Rockport, WV (26169) is moderately impacted by the transportation infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services contribute to this score. The drive times to major healthcare facilities, while not excessively long, can be impacted by weather conditions and traffic, further affecting the reliability of access.

The lack of extensive public transit options and the potential for limited ADA compliance negatively impact the score, particularly for individuals with disabilities or those without access to a personal vehicle. The sporadic availability of ride-sharing services adds another layer of uncertainty to the equation.

The presence of medical transport services is a positive factor, but their availability and cost can be barriers for some residents. Considering all these factors, the overall health score for healthcare access in Rockport, WV (26169) is a mixed bag. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are generally manageable, the limited transportation options and potential barriers to access create challenges for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Rockport, understanding these transportation limitations is essential. Assessing your individual healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is crucial. For instance, if you rely on public transit or have mobility limitations, Rockport may present significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

Conversely, if you have access to a personal vehicle and are comfortable with driving, the drive times to healthcare facilities may be acceptable. However, you should still consider the potential impact of weather conditions and traffic on your ability to reach medical appointments.

In conclusion, while Rockport offers access to healthcare, the transportation infrastructure presents some challenges. The overall health score reflects this complexity, highlighting the need for careful consideration of individual needs and circumstances when evaluating healthcare access in this community. Improvements in public transportation, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and increased accessibility for individuals with disabilities would significantly improve the overall health score and enhance the quality of life for all residents.