26175, Sistersville, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.87 percent of residents in 26175 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sistersville General Hospital with a distance of 0.64 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Sistersville, WV (ZIP Code 26175)

This report provides an overall health score assessment for residents of Sistersville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26175), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. We examine the various modes of transportation available, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, ultimately evaluating the ease with which residents can access essential healthcare. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Sistersville, as healthcare access is a critical factor in overall well-being.

The geography of Sistersville, nestled along the Ohio River, presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning transportation. The town's relative isolation, coupled with the limited public transit infrastructure, necessitates a nuanced understanding of healthcare access. The overall health score reflects the degree to which residents can readily and affordably reach medical care, considering the available transportation options and the distances involved.

**Driving Times: The Primary Mode of Transportation**

For residents of Sistersville, driving is the predominant mode of transportation for accessing healthcare. The primary routes involve a combination of state highways and local roads. The main arteries are West Virginia Route 2 (WV-2), running north-south along the Ohio River, and WV-18, which intersects with WV-2 and heads east. These highways are essential for reaching larger towns and cities where more comprehensive medical facilities are located.

The drive to the nearest hospital, Wetzel County Hospital in New Martinsville, typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, covering roughly 25 miles. This journey primarily utilizes WV-2. The drive to Marietta Memorial Hospital in Marietta, Ohio, another significant healthcare provider, is slightly longer, taking around 45 minutes to an hour, and involves crossing the Ohio River and navigating local roads. This route often utilizes WV-2 and crosses the Ohio River via the Sistersville Bridge.

For specialized medical care, residents may need to travel further. The drive to Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling, WV, can take up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, primarily via WV-2. This extended travel time highlights the limitations of healthcare access in this rural area. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times and safety, further affecting the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Sistersville and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) provides some bus services, but the routes and schedules are not designed to facilitate easy access to healthcare facilities. The MOVTA primarily serves the Parkersburg area, and its routes do not directly connect Sistersville to hospitals or major medical centers.

Furthermore, the frequency of service is limited, and the routes are not specifically tailored to medical appointments. While some buses may offer ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, such as ramps and designated seating, the overall lack of a robust public transit system significantly hinders healthcare access for those who do not drive, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without personal vehicles.

The absence of a dependable public transit system significantly lowers the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations. The lack of accessible and affordable transportation options creates a barrier to healthcare, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Sistersville area, but their availability and reliability are often inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents, making it a less accessible option for routine medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Companies like MedRide and various local ambulance services provide transportation to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly, further impacting the overall health score.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transportation services highlights the gaps in the transportation infrastructure. While these services provide crucial support, their limited availability and cost can create significant challenges for residents seeking healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Assessment**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Sistersville (26175) is moderately low. The primary reliance on personal vehicles for transportation, coupled with the limited public transit options, creates significant barriers to healthcare access. The drive times to hospitals and specialized medical facilities are substantial, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The lack of a robust public transit system and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further compound the challenges. While medical transportation services provide a vital lifeline for some, their cost and the need for advance booking limit their accessibility.

For individuals considering moving to Sistersville, this assessment underscores the importance of carefully evaluating their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The availability of a personal vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare, and residents should factor in the travel times and potential costs associated with reaching medical facilities.

The overall health score reflects the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure to enhance healthcare access for all residents of Sistersville. This could include exploring options for expanding public transit services, partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation, and increasing the availability and affordability of medical transportation services.

Investing in transportation improvements is crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of the Sistersville community. Enhanced access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and ensuring that residents can readily and affordably reach medical care is essential for creating a healthy and thriving community.