26448, Wallace, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

15.38 percent of residents in 26448 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.55 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Highland-Clarksburg Hospital, Inc with a distance of 11.14 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26448

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Wallace, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26448) requires a comprehensive evaluation of their access to healthcare. This involves meticulously examining the available transportation options, considering drive times, public transit, and ride-sharing services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical attention, ultimately impacting their well-being. This analysis will be crucial for anyone considering moving to Wallace, providing vital insights into the practicalities of healthcare access.

Wallace, a small community nestled in Harrison County, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The town’s relative isolation necessitates a reliance on transportation to reach medical facilities. The primary arteries connecting Wallace to surrounding areas are State Route 23 and State Route 76. These roads, while scenic, can become congested during peak hours, potentially extending travel times to critical appointments. The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, further complicates the journey, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the health score. The nearest hospital, United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport, is approximately a 20-25 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. This journey typically involves navigating State Route 23 to Interstate 79, then exiting towards Bridgeport. While this drive is manageable, it's essential to factor in potential delays. For specialized care, residents often need to travel to Morgantown, a 45-60 minute drive via I-79. This longer commute significantly impacts the health score, especially for those requiring frequent appointments or facing mobility limitations.

Public transportation options in Wallace are limited, presenting a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The Harrison County Senior Citizens Center provides transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services are often scheduled in advance and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. There are no fixed-route bus services operating directly within Wallace or connecting it to larger healthcare hubs. This lack of robust public transit significantly diminishes the health score, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance of available transportation is another crucial consideration. The Senior Citizens Center strives to provide accessible transportation options, including vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts. However, the availability of these specialized services can be limited, and advance booking is often required. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system with ADA-compliant features further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities seeking healthcare access in Wallace. This underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions to ensure equitable access to medical care.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the surrounding areas, including Bridgeport and Clarksburg. However, their availability in Wallace itself is less consistent. Ride-sharing availability can be affected by factors such as driver availability and surge pricing, particularly during peak hours or in response to urgent medical needs. Reliance on ride-sharing services can be costly and unpredictable, making it a less reliable option for regular healthcare appointments. This uncertainty further impacts the overall health score, highlighting the need for more dependable transportation alternatives.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, play a vital role in healthcare access, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Local ambulance services provide emergency medical transport to UHC and other hospitals. NEMT providers offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments, such as dialysis treatments or physical therapy. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and scheduling requirements may necessitate advance planning. The efficiency and reliability of these medical transport services directly influence the health score, impacting the ability of residents to access necessary medical care.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Wallace (ZIP Code 26448) is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. While the drive to the nearest hospital is relatively short, the lack of robust public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential limitations of medical transport services create significant barriers. The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on those without access to them. This is a critical factor for anyone considering moving to Wallace, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The health score is further affected by the distance to specialized care facilities in Morgantown. The longer commute time to these facilities can create challenges for residents seeking specialized medical attention. The availability of medical transport services to these facilities is also a consideration, as this is the main way to access specialized care for those without a vehicle.

The limited public transportation options and the inconsistencies of ride-sharing services contribute to the overall challenges. The lack of readily available, affordable, and accessible transportation options significantly impacts the health score, particularly for vulnerable populations. This makes healthcare access a complex issue for residents of Wallace.

The analysis indicates that while healthcare facilities are accessible, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options create challenges. Improving public transportation infrastructure, expanding ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of reliable medical transport options are crucial steps towards improving the health score for residents of Wallace, making it a more desirable place to live. This is especially important for those considering moving to Wallace and needing to understand the realities of healthcare access.