Overall Health Score

26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

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Health Scores

Travel Score in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.36 percent of residents in 26385 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, Inc with a distance of 7.76 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia

Overall Health Score 68
People Score 76
Provider Score 57
Hospital Score 41
Travel Score 44

Closest Hospital - HIGHLAND-CLARKSBURG HOSPITAL, INC

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 26385 Lost Creek West Virginia
No Cars 1.88 1.88 2.72
1 Car 13.83 13.83 20.26
2 Cars 48.35 48.35 41.64
3 or More Cars 35.94 35.94 35.38

Vehicular Access in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia

Travel Score Review of 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26385 (Lost Creek, WV)

The health and well-being of a community are intricately woven into the fabric of its infrastructure, particularly its ability to access essential services. This report assesses the "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 26385, focusing specifically on the critical element of **healthcare access** and the **transportation** options available to reach it. For those **moving to Lost Creek**, understanding these factors is paramount to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing residents seeking medical care.

Lost Creek, West Virginia, a small community nestled in Harrison County, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing healthcare. The rural nature of the area, while offering scenic beauty and a slower pace of life, often translates to longer travel times and limited options for reaching medical facilities. This report provides a detailed assessment of the current landscape, offering insights for residents and potential newcomers alike.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for residents of 26385 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, presents some limitations. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are US Route 19 and Interstate 79.

Driving to the nearest hospitals and medical centers in Clarksburg, approximately 15-20 minutes away, is generally straightforward. US Route 19 offers a direct route, albeit with some traffic congestion during peak hours. Interstate 79 provides a faster, though potentially more costly, alternative, especially when considering tolls. The drive is relatively easy, but weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, can significantly impact travel times and safety.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further. Morgantown, home to WVU Medicine, is approximately an hour's drive via I-79. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, especially for appointments and procedures. The roads are generally well-maintained, but the distance can be a significant factor, particularly for those with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.

Smaller towns and clinics within a 30-minute radius offer primary care and urgent care services. However, the range of specialized medical services is limited. This reliance on larger facilities in Clarksburg and Morgantown underscores the importance of reliable transportation.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in 26385 are limited. The Harrison County Senior Citizens, Inc. (HCSC) provides demand-response transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services require advance booking and may have limited availability.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) operates the "Mountain LineMountain Line Transit Authority" in the Morgantown area. However, service to Lost Creek is limited, and connections would require multiple transfers, making it a less practical option for routine medical appointments. The lack of frequent and accessible public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration. While the HCSC vehicles are equipped with ADA-compliant features, the limited service area and booking requirements can pose challenges. The absence of readily available, accessible public transit highlights the need for alternative solutions to ensure equitable **healthcare access**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Clarksburg area, providing an alternative to personal vehicles and traditional taxis. However, their availability in Lost Creek may be less reliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services are another option for individuals who require assistance with transportation. Several companies operate in the region, offering services ranging from basic transportation to specialized medical transport with trained personnel and medical equipment. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals with mobility limitations or those needing assistance during transport. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in 26385 is moderate. While residents have access to medical facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges for some. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport provides alternative options, but these can be costly and may not be readily available.

The score is further impacted by the rural nature of the area, which can lead to longer travel times for specialized care and limited access to a wide range of medical services. The lack of readily available, affordable, and accessible **transportation** options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

For those **moving to Lost Creek**, a careful assessment of their transportation needs and access to medical care is essential. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transport services is crucial for ensuring their health and well-being.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for 26385, several recommendations are offered.

* **Expand Public Transit:** Advocate for increased public transit service, particularly routes that connect Lost Creek with Clarksburg and Morgantown. Prioritize ADA-compliant vehicles and services.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Partner with ride-sharing companies to improve availability and affordability in the area. Explore options for subsidized ride-sharing programs for low-income residents.
* **Support Medical Transport:** Increase awareness of medical transport services and their availability. Work with insurance providers to streamline the authorization process for these services.
* **Encourage Telehealth:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for travel to medical appointments, particularly for routine check-ups and follow-up care.
* **Community Education:** Educate residents about available **transportation** options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport. Provide information on financial assistance programs that can help cover the cost of **transportation** to medical appointments.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the community can improve the "Overall Health Score" and ensure that all residents of 26385 have equitable **healthcare access**, regardless of their **transportation** capabilities. This will ultimately create a healthier and more vibrant community, making Lost Creek an even more attractive place to live.

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Health Scores Near 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia

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Health Scores in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia