26342, Coxs Mills, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26342, Coxs Mills, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.07 percent of residents in 26342 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, Inc with a distance of 31.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Coxs Mills, WV (ZIP Code 26342)

This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Coxs Mills, West Virginia (ZIP code 26342), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. The score considers various modes of transportation, drive times, and the availability of alternative options. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Coxs Mills** or for current residents seeking to optimize their **healthcare access**. The goal is to offer a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities related to **transportation** and its impact on well-being.

The score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation. It weighs the ease of reaching medical facilities, the presence of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing, and medical transport services. It considers the time commitment, potential costs, and physical limitations that might hinder access to care.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation in Coxs Mills is the personal vehicle. The convenience and flexibility of a car are essential, but distance and road conditions significantly impact healthcare access.

The nearest hospital is United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport, WV, approximately 40 miles east. Driving time varies significantly depending on traffic and weather. The primary route involves taking **US-33 East** and then **I-79 North**. Under ideal conditions, the drive takes around 50-60 minutes. However, inclement weather, common in West Virginia, can easily extend this to over an hour, especially during winter.

Another option is to travel south to Charleston, WV, and access the CAMC Health System, which is approximately 100 miles and a two-hour drive, utilizing **US-33 West** and **I-79 South**. This is a less direct route, but it offers access to specialized services.

Smaller clinics and physician offices are available in nearby towns like Weston and Buckhannon. Weston, about 15 miles away, can be reached via **WV-19 North**, offering a shorter drive time, typically 20-30 minutes. Buckhannon, approximately 25 miles away, is accessible via **WV-20 South**, with a drive time of around 30-40 minutes. These options provide more immediate care for routine needs, but they might not offer the full spectrum of specialized services.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in rural West Virginia is limited. The availability of buses or other forms of public transit directly serving Coxs Mills is virtually nonexistent. This lack of public transportation poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

While there is no direct public transit, the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) may offer limited services through its regional transit authorities. These services may be available on a demand-response basis, requiring advance booking and potentially involving significant wait times. These services often lack features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, and the routes are not always ADA compliant.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially making it unaffordable for some residents.

Medical transportation services are available, but their coverage area and availability vary. Companies like MedTrans and First Transit provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals needing assistance. These services often require pre-booking and may involve longer wait times, especially for appointments outside the immediate area. These services typically cater to individuals with mobility limitations, but their availability in Coxs Mills might be limited.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The Overall Health Score for Coxs Mills, 26342, is moderately low due to the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles creates a dependence on driving ability and vehicle ownership, which is a barrier for many. The lack of public transit and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further restrict healthcare access.

The distance to major hospitals and specialized medical facilities also contributes to the score. The drive times to UHC in Bridgeport or CAMC in Charleston can be lengthy, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This can lead to delayed care or difficulty attending appointments.

The presence of smaller clinics in Weston and Buckhannon improves the score slightly, offering access to primary care and routine services. However, the limited scope of these facilities means residents may still need to travel to larger hospitals for specialized care.

The availability of medical transportation services is a positive factor, but their limited coverage and potential wait times impact the score. These services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility issues, but their reliability and affordability remain concerns.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the Overall Health Score for Coxs Mills requires addressing the transportation challenges. Several strategies can be considered:

* **Advocating for expanded public transit:** Lobbying local and state authorities to increase public transportation options, including fixed-route buses or demand-response services, would significantly improve access.
* **Promoting ride-sharing initiatives:** Encouraging ride-sharing companies to expand their service areas and ensuring their availability in Coxs Mills would provide a more reliable transportation alternative.
* **Expanding medical transportation services:** Supporting the growth of medical transportation companies and ensuring their services are accessible and affordable would benefit residents with mobility limitations.
* **Supporting telemedicine:** Promoting the use of telemedicine and telehealth services can reduce the need for travel, particularly for routine appointments and consultations.
* **Community partnerships:** Encouraging partnerships between healthcare providers, local organizations, and transportation providers to coordinate transportation services and improve access to care.

By addressing these issues, the Overall Health Score for Coxs Mills can be improved, enhancing the well-being of its residents and making it a more attractive place for those **moving to Coxs Mills**. This requires a concerted effort from community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers to overcome the transportation challenges and ensure that everyone has equal access to quality healthcare.