26217, Diana, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26217, Diana, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 26217 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Joseph's Hospital Of Buckhannon, Inc with a distance of 30.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26217 (Diana, West Virginia)

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 26217, encompassing the community of Diana, West Virginia, is significantly impacted by the challenges of accessing healthcare. This score, a reflection of the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical services, is inextricably linked to the available *transportation* options. Diana, nestled in the heart of Webster County, presents a unique set of hurdles due to its rural location and limited infrastructure. The score reflects this reality, highlighting the necessity of understanding the intricacies of *healthcare access* in this isolated corner of the Mountain State.

The most immediate and frequently utilized mode of *transportation* for healthcare in Diana is the personal vehicle. The primary arteries connecting Diana to medical facilities are West Virginia Route 20 and West Virginia Route 15. These roads, while scenic, are often winding and can be subject to weather-related closures, particularly during the harsh winter months. The drive to the nearest hospital, Webster Memorial Hospital in Webster Springs, is approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on road conditions and traffic. This drive, though relatively short in distance, can be a significant barrier for individuals with mobility issues or those lacking reliable personal vehicles.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel further afield. The drive to Charleston, the state capital, and home to larger hospitals like CAMC General Hospital and Charleston Area Medical Center, can take upwards of two to three hours via US Route 19 and Interstate 79. This extended travel time presents a considerable burden, especially for those requiring urgent or frequent medical attention. The availability of a personal vehicle is thus a crucial factor determining the overall health score.

Public *transportation* options in Diana are severely limited. The Webster County Senior Citizens Center offers some transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, primarily for medical appointments within the county. However, the scope of these services is limited, and they may not always be readily available or suitable for all needs. The lack of a comprehensive public transit system, including bus routes, further exacerbates the challenges of *healthcare access*. There are no fixed-route bus services that regularly serve Diana.

The absence of robust public transit leaves ride-sharing services as a potential alternative. However, the presence of ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft in Diana is sporadic, if present at all. The low population density and geographical isolation make it challenging for these services to establish a consistent presence. This scarcity significantly limits the options for those without access to a personal vehicle.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available, but their availability and cost can be prohibitive. These services, often provided by ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs or those unable to travel independently. The cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, further impacting the overall health score.

The terrain and infrastructure in Diana present additional challenges. The roads, particularly those leading to and from the community, are often narrow and winding, making travel difficult for individuals with mobility issues or those using assistive devices. The lack of sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure further limits the options for those without access to a vehicle.

The overall health score for residents of 26217 is also influenced by the availability of local healthcare providers. While Diana itself may have a primary care physician or a small clinic, access to specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, requires travel to larger cities. This necessitates longer travel times and further increases the dependence on personal *transportation*.

The impact of *healthcare access* extends beyond the physical challenges of *transportation*. It also affects the mental and emotional well-being of residents. The stress of navigating long travel times, the financial burden of *transportation* costs, and the uncertainty of accessing timely medical care can all contribute to increased anxiety and stress levels.

The overall health score is thus a complex interplay of factors, including the availability of *transportation* options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, the cost of *transportation*, and the overall infrastructure of the community. The score for Diana, West Virginia, reflects the limitations of these factors, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to improve *healthcare access*.

For those *moving to Diana*, understanding these challenges is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully consider their individual healthcare needs and the available *transportation* options. They should also investigate the availability of local healthcare providers and explore any potential support services offered by the community.

The lack of reliable public *transportation* necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles or potentially costly medical *transportation* services. The long travel times to specialized medical care further complicate the situation. The overall health score for Diana, therefore, reflects the need for ongoing efforts to improve *healthcare access* and *transportation* infrastructure.

The implementation of programs that provide financial assistance for *transportation* costs, the expansion of telehealth services, and the development of community-based healthcare initiatives could all contribute to improving the overall health score for residents of 26217. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring that all residents of Diana have equitable access to the healthcare they need. The future of *healthcare access* in Diana hinges on innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.