26321, Alum Bridge, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26321, Alum Bridge, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

18.60 percent of residents in 26321 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.32 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, Inc with a distance of 12.86 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Alum Bridge (ZIP Code 26321)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. This report analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Alum Bridge, West Virginia (ZIP code 26321), evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. We will explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately providing an "Overall Health Score" that reflects the community's capacity to connect with vital healthcare resources. This assessment is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Alum Bridge, as healthcare access is a critical determinant of quality of life.

The topography of Alum Bridge, nestled in the rolling hills of central West Virginia, significantly impacts transportation options. The primary mode of transportation is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on their cars to navigate the region's rural character. This dependence underscores the importance of well-maintained roads and manageable drive times to healthcare facilities.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary thoroughfare connecting Alum Bridge to larger towns with healthcare facilities is **US Route 19**. This highway provides the most direct route to Clarksburg, approximately 20 miles north, where United Hospital Center (UHC) and several specialist clinics are located. During peak hours, the drive to Clarksburg can take between 30 to 45 minutes, but typically averages around 25 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The road conditions on US Route 19 are generally good, but occasional potholes and seasonal weather can affect travel times.

Traveling south, **West Virginia Route 20** offers an alternative route, albeit a more circuitous one, to Buckhannon, roughly 25 miles away. Buckhannon is home to St. Joseph's Hospital. The drive on WV-20 often takes longer than the US-19 route, averaging around 40 minutes, due to its winding nature and lower speed limits. The road quality on WV-20 can vary, with some sections requiring careful driving, particularly during inclement weather.

Accessing Morgantown, which boasts the WVU Medicine system, requires a longer journey. The most direct route involves taking US-19 north to I-79. The total travel time to Morgantown can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. This longer commute highlights the importance of planning and considering the potential for delays when scheduling appointments.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transportation options in Alum Bridge are severely limited. The primary provider in the region is the Harrison County Senior Citizens Center, which offers a demand-response service. This service, while available to the general public, primarily caters to seniors and individuals with disabilities. It requires advance booking and is subject to availability. The buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including wheelchair lifts, ensuring accessibility for those with mobility impairments. However, the frequency of service and the geographic reach of the public transportation are restricted.

The lack of robust public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or financially disadvantaged. This scarcity of public transportation directly impacts healthcare access, making it more difficult for residents to attend appointments, access medications, and receive essential medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Alum Bridge is limited. While these services may occasionally be available, their presence is not guaranteed, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who rely on ride-sharing as their primary mode of transportation.

Medical transport services are available, though their cost can be a significant factor. Companies like MedExpress Transportation and First Call Ambulance Service operate in the area, providing transportation for medical appointments and other healthcare-related needs. These services are often used for patients who require specialized assistance or are unable to drive themselves. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive for some residents, further exacerbating healthcare access challenges.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving:**

Based on the analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Alum Bridge (ZIP code 26321) is moderate. While the primary highways provide reasonable access to essential medical facilities in nearby towns, the dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the unreliable ride-sharing availability create challenges for some residents.

For individuals considering moving to Alum Bridge, it is crucial to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who do not have access to a car or who have mobility limitations should consider the limited public transit options and the potential cost of medical transport services. The availability of ride-sharing services should not be relied upon as a primary mode of transportation.

The community's health and well-being are directly impacted by its ability to access healthcare. Addressing the transportation challenges in Alum Bridge, such as expanding public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the affordability of medical transport, is essential to improving healthcare access and fostering a healthier community. The local government and healthcare providers can collaborate to implement strategies that improve transportation; therefore, improving the overall health score for Alum Bridge.

**Recommendations:**

* **Advocate for expanded public transit:** Support initiatives to increase the frequency and geographic reach of public transportation services, especially those serving Clarksburg and Buckhannon.
* **Promote ride-sharing partnerships:** Encourage partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies to offer discounted or subsidized transportation for patients.
* **Explore telehealth options:** Promote telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for routine care and follow-up visits.
* **Improve road infrastructure:** Advocate for the maintenance and improvement of US Route 19 and WV Route 20 to ensure safe and efficient travel to healthcare facilities.
* **Community outreach:** Educate residents about available transportation resources, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.