26451, West Milford, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26451, West Milford, West Virginia is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.25 percent of residents in 26451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.75 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in West Milford, WV (ZIP Code 26451)

West Milford, West Virginia, nestled in the rolling hills of Harrison County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 26451, considering the complexities of transportation and its impact on healthcare access. This score reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to West Milford, ensuring they understand the realities of healthcare access in this rural community.

The overall health score is a composite measure, considering multiple factors. These include the distance to the nearest hospitals and clinics, the availability and reliability of various transportation modes, and the presence of any barriers to access, such as physical limitations or financial constraints. This score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of transportation and healthcare services. It serves as a guide, offering insights into the practicalities of maintaining good health within this particular geographic area.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Arteries of Access**

The primary mode of transportation in West Milford is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The town is relatively spread out, and public transit options are limited. Therefore, the drive time to healthcare facilities is a critical factor in the overall health score. The main arteries for accessing healthcare from West Milford are U.S. Route 19 and U.S. Route 50.

U.S. Route 19, a major north-south thoroughfare, offers the most direct route to the United Hospital Center (UHC) in Bridgeport, approximately 15-20 minutes away, depending on traffic. This hospital is the primary healthcare provider for the region. The drive is generally straightforward, but congestion can occur during peak hours, particularly around the Bridgeport exit.

U.S. Route 50, running east-west, provides access to facilities in Clarksburg, including the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, roughly a 25-30 minute drive. This route is generally less congested than Route 19, but it can be affected by weather conditions, especially during winter months. Both routes are well-maintained, but the mountainous terrain can make driving challenging in adverse weather.

Smaller local roads, such as County Route 19/1, County Route 19/2, and others, provide access to local clinics and doctor's offices. However, these roads are often winding and can add significant time to the commute, especially during inclement weather. The condition of these secondary roads is also a factor, as potholes and other hazards can impede travel.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in West Milford are severely limited. The Harrison County Senior Center offers some transportation services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services typically require advance booking and are primarily focused on essential trips, such as medical appointments and grocery shopping.

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) operates a limited bus service in the area, but it is not readily available for the residents of West Milford. The routes are infrequent and do not directly serve the town. This lack of reliable public transit significantly impacts the overall health score, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

The absence of robust public transit options creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. This lack of access necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport, each with its own set of limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Bridgeport and Clarksburg areas, but their availability in West Milford itself can be inconsistent. Response times can be lengthy, and the cost can be prohibitive, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of these services is also a concern, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for those who require assistance. These services are essential for individuals with mobility issues or those who need specialized care. However, they can be expensive, and their availability can be limited, especially for non-emergency situations.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport highlights the gaps in healthcare access for residents of West Milford. While these services can fill critical needs, they are not a substitute for a reliable and affordable public transit system or readily available personal transportation.

**ADA Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusivity**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration in the overall health score. The United Hospital Center and the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center are both ADA-compliant, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access their services. However, the accessibility of local clinics and doctor's offices can vary.

The availability of accessible transportation options is also crucial. The Harrison County Senior Center's transportation services are designed to be ADA-compliant, but the limited scope of these services restricts their impact. The lack of accessible public transit options further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare.

**Overall Health Score: A Comprehensive Assessment**

Considering all these factors, the overall health score for residents of West Milford (ZIP code 26451) is moderate. While the United Hospital Center is relatively accessible via U.S. Route 19, the limitations in public transit, the inconsistency of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport create significant barriers to healthcare access for many residents.

The score is further impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for challenging driving conditions, and the limited accessibility of some local clinics. The absence of robust public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Improving the overall health score for West Milford residents requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding public transit options, including routes that directly serve the town and offer ADA-compliant services, is crucial. Encouraging the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services is also essential.

Furthermore, promoting the accessibility of local clinics and doctor's offices, ensuring they meet ADA standards, is vital. Providing financial assistance for medical transportation and supporting programs that address the social determinants of health, such as transportation costs, can also improve healthcare access.

For those moving to West Milford, it is imperative to carefully consider the transportation challenges and their impact on healthcare access. Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential for driving difficulties, and the cost of alternative transportation options is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare needs.

The overall health score is a dynamic measure, and its improvement requires ongoing efforts to address the transportation and healthcare access challenges facing the residents of West Milford. By focusing on these key areas, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need.