26250, Belington, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26250, Belington, West Virginia is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.56 percent of residents in 26250 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Davis Medical Center with a distance of 7.99 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Belington, WV (ZIP Code 26250)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Belington, West Virginia (ZIP code 26250), focusing on their ability to access healthcare. The score considers the multifaceted nature of healthcare access, including transportation options, travel times, and the availability of various services. This is crucial for individuals and families considering **moving to Belington**, or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare landscape. The following factors will be assessed to determine the overall health score.

**Transportation Infrastructure and Drive Times:**

Belington, nestled in the heart of West Virginia, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. The rural nature of the area, coupled with limited public transportation, necessitates a heavy reliance on personal vehicles. Primary routes for accessing healthcare facilities involve navigating the winding roads and mountainous terrain.

The primary thoroughfare for travel is **US Route 250**, which serves as the main artery connecting Belington to surrounding towns and cities. Driving north on US 250, residents can reach Elkins, the county seat of Randolph County, in approximately 25-35 minutes. Elkins is home to Davis Medical Center, a vital healthcare provider offering a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized clinics.

Traveling south on US 250 offers access to Philippi, the county seat of Barbour County, in roughly 20-30 minutes. Philippi houses Broaddus Hospital, another essential healthcare facility. This hospital provides services like primary care, diagnostic imaging, and rehabilitation. The proximity of these two hospitals significantly improves the healthcare access score.

Beyond US 250, other roads, such as **WV Route 92** and various county roads, provide alternative routes, but they often involve longer travel times and may be less well-maintained, particularly during inclement weather. The condition of these roads can significantly impact the ease and safety of travel, especially for those with mobility issues or medical emergencies.

The drive times mentioned above are estimates and can vary depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific location within the ZIP code. The mountainous terrain can also impact travel times, particularly during winter months when snow and ice are prevalent.

**Public Transportation Options:**

The availability of public **transportation** in Belington is limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transit system, which presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This is a major factor influencing the overall health score.

While there are no fixed-route bus services within Belington, the Randolph County Senior Center may offer limited transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services, however, often require advance booking and may have restricted availability. Furthermore, the accessibility of these services for individuals with disabilities, including ADA-compliant features, needs to be carefully evaluated.

The absence of readily available public transit necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing services, for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public **transportation** options in Belington necessitate the consideration of ride-sharing and medical transport services. These services can play a crucial role in bridging the gap in healthcare access, particularly for those who cannot drive or require specialized medical assistance.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may operate in the area, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are essential for individuals requiring assistance to and from medical appointments. These services are often provided by local ambulance companies and private transportation providers.

The availability and responsiveness of these services are critical factors in assessing the overall health score. Delays in accessing medical transport can have serious consequences, particularly in emergency situations. The cost of these services, and whether they are covered by insurance, also impacts the affordability of healthcare.

**Healthcare Facility Availability and Accessibility:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance of Belington is a critical factor in determining the overall health score. As mentioned earlier, Davis Medical Center in Elkins and Broaddus Hospital in Philippi serve as the primary healthcare providers for residents of Belington.

The range of services offered by these hospitals, including primary care, specialized clinics, and emergency care, significantly impacts the healthcare access score. The ability to access a wide range of services locally reduces the need for travel to more distant facilities, which can be time-consuming and costly.

The accessibility of these facilities, including factors such as wheelchair accessibility, parking availability, and appointment scheduling processes, also plays a crucial role. Patients should be able to easily navigate the facilities and receive the care they need without unnecessary barriers.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors discussed above, the overall health score for residents of Belington (ZIP code 26250) is moderately impacted by **transportation** challenges. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers for some individuals.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services can help mitigate these challenges, but their availability and cost may be limiting factors. The overall health score is also influenced by the range of services offered by local healthcare providers and their accessibility.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score for residents of Belington, several recommendations can be considered. Investing in public **transportation**, even on a limited scale, would significantly enhance healthcare access. This could involve establishing a demand-response transit system or partnering with existing transportation providers to offer specialized services for healthcare appointments.

Promoting ride-sharing and medical transport services, through awareness campaigns and partnerships with healthcare providers, can also improve healthcare access. Addressing the affordability of these services, potentially through subsidies or insurance coverage, would further enhance their accessibility.

Supporting initiatives that improve road conditions and infrastructure can also reduce travel times and improve safety. Ensuring that healthcare facilities are accessible and offer a wide range of services is also crucial. By addressing these factors, the overall health score for residents of Belington can be improved, making it a more attractive place for those considering **moving to Belington**.