The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26372, Horner, West Virginia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
42.61 percent of residents in 26372 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.60 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Joseph's Hospital Of Buckhannon, Inc with a distance of 7.28 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 26372, Horner, West Virginia
Overall Health Score | 72 |
---|---|
People Score | 90 |
Provider Score | 23 |
Hospital Score | 52 |
Travel Score | 59 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 26372 | Horner | West Virginia |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 2.72 |
1 Car | 24.15 | 24.15 | 20.26 |
2 Cars | 21.00 | 21.00 | 41.64 |
3 or More Cars | 54.86 | 54.86 | 35.38 |
Vehicular Access in 26372, Horner, West Virginia
## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26372 (Horner, WV)
This analysis provides an overall health score for accessing healthcare in ZIP Code 26372, Horner, West Virginia. It considers transportation options, drive times, and availability of healthcare services, crucial factors impacting the well-being of residents. The score reflects the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the region's unique landscape, especially for those considering moving to Horner.
The score is not a definitive judgment but a snapshot of the current situation. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, offering insight into the complexities of healthcare access in this rural community. Understanding these factors is essential for residents and those contemplating relocation, ensuring informed decisions about their health and well-being.
**Drive Times and Road Network:**
The primary challenge for healthcare access in 26372 is the rural nature of the area. The road network, while generally well-maintained, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most healthcare appointments. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Clarksburg, approximately 20 to 30 miles away, depending on the specific destination.
The primary route to Clarksburg is via **US-19 North**. This highway, while relatively direct, can experience traffic, particularly during peak hours. Alternative routes include **WV-20 North** and **WV-5**, offering scenic but potentially slower travel. The condition of these secondary roads can vary, especially during inclement weather, which can significantly impact drive times and accessibility.
The drive to Clarksburg, even under ideal conditions, requires a minimum of 30 minutes. This travel time can be extended by traffic, weather, or the specific location of the healthcare provider within Clarksburg. This extended travel time is a significant consideration, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention.
Public transportation options in 26372 are limited. The availability of buses or other public transit is minimal, posing a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This is a major disadvantage, particularly for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited financial resources.
The absence of robust public transportation forces reliance on alternative transportation solutions. This highlights the need for innovative approaches to address the transportation gap, ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents. The lack of public transit is a substantial negative factor in the overall health score.
**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Clarksburg area but their presence in 26372 is sporadic. Availability can be unreliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. This unreliability makes ride-sharing an unsuitable primary mode of transportation for healthcare appointments.
Medical transportation services, such as those provided by local ambulance services or specialized medical transport companies, offer an alternative. However, these services are typically reserved for emergencies or for individuals with specific medical needs. They are often costly and require prior arrangements, making them less practical for routine appointments.
The reliance on these alternative transportation methods underscores the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with local organizations, implementing community-based transportation programs, or expanding the availability of ride-sharing services could significantly enhance the overall health score.
**Healthcare Access and Availability:**
The availability of healthcare services within 26372 itself is limited. Residents typically rely on healthcare providers in Clarksburg or other neighboring towns. This necessitates travel for even routine check-ups and appointments, further compounding the transportation challenges.
The types of healthcare services available in Clarksburg are diverse, encompassing primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and urgent care facilities. However, the distance and transportation limitations can still create barriers to accessing these services.
The overall health score is significantly impacted by the limited healthcare options within the ZIP code. This highlights the need for initiatives to improve healthcare access, such as telemedicine programs, mobile clinics, or partnerships with healthcare providers in Clarksburg to provide outreach services in Horner.
**ADA Accessibility:**
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and healthcare facilities. However, the implementation and enforcement of these standards can vary, particularly in rural areas.
The lack of robust public transportation, coupled with the potential for limited ADA-compliant infrastructure in some healthcare facilities, poses challenges for individuals with disabilities. This emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all transportation options and healthcare facilities are fully accessible, promoting equitable access to healthcare for all residents.
**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**
The overall health score for accessing healthcare in 26372 is moderate, significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the distance to healthcare facilities in Clarksburg contribute to a lower score.
The lack of reliable public transportation, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services, and the limited healthcare options within the ZIP code are all significant negative factors. These challenges can lead to delayed or missed appointments, hindering the timely diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
The score is improved by the presence of healthcare services in Clarksburg, offering a diverse range of medical specialties. However, the transportation challenges remain a critical barrier.
**Recommendations for Improvement:**
* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Explore options for establishing or expanding public transportation routes, potentially utilizing existing community resources or partnering with neighboring counties.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Advocate for increased ride-sharing availability in the area, working with local businesses and organizations to facilitate transportation solutions.
* **Expand Telemedicine:** Encourage the use of telemedicine services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up care.
* **Support Mobile Clinics:** Advocate for mobile health clinics to provide healthcare services directly to residents, addressing the transportation gap.
* **Community Partnerships:** Foster collaboration between healthcare providers, local organizations, and community members to develop innovative transportation solutions and improve healthcare access.
* **ADA Compliance:** Ensure that all transportation options and healthcare facilities are fully ADA-compliant, promoting equitable access to healthcare for all residents.
By implementing these recommendations, the overall health score for accessing healthcare in 26372 can be significantly improved, ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Addressing these transportation barriers is critical for improving the health and well-being of those considering moving to Horner.
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