26546, Pursglove, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26546, Pursglove, West Virginia is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 26546 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mon Health Medical Center with a distance of 5.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Pursglove, WV (ZIP Code 26546)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Pursglove, West Virginia (ZIP code 26546), requires a deep dive into healthcare access. This analysis focuses on the crucial element of transportation, the bridge connecting residents to vital medical services. The ability to reach doctors, specialists, and hospitals significantly impacts health outcomes, making transportation a critical determinant of well-being in this community.

Pursglove, nestled in Monongalia County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's relative isolation, coupled with the mountainous terrain characteristic of the region, influences the available transportation options. Understanding these factors is essential to accurately gauge the health score of this community.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation for healthcare access in Pursglove. The primary arteries for reaching medical facilities are Interstate 79 (I-79), US Route 19, and various county roads. The drive time to the nearest major healthcare hub, WVU Medicine’s J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, is approximately 15-20 minutes via I-79 North. This relatively short commute offers a significant advantage for residents needing immediate medical attention.

However, drive times can fluctuate considerably depending on traffic, weather conditions, and the specific location within Pursglove. Reaching smaller clinics and specialized practices scattered throughout Morgantown and surrounding areas might require navigating local roads, potentially adding to the travel time. The condition of these secondary roads, often winding and narrow, can further complicate access, especially during inclement weather.

The availability of personal vehicles is another crucial factor. Residents without reliable transportation face significant barriers to healthcare access, potentially delaying or preventing necessary medical care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Pursglove are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Monongalia County Transit Authority (MCTA) provides bus services, but the routes and schedules may not adequately serve the specific needs of residents seeking healthcare.

The MCTA operates several routes, including those that connect Pursglove to Morgantown. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, may be insufficient for accessing medical appointments or emergency care. Furthermore, the accessibility of bus stops and the availability of ADA-compliant buses are critical considerations. While the MCTA strives to provide accessible services, the hilly terrain and dispersed nature of Pursglove can pose challenges.

Detailed information on specific routes serving Pursglove, including route numbers and ADA features, is crucial for a comprehensive assessment. This information is readily available on the MCTA website and should be incorporated into any health score analysis.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those unable to drive or access public transit. However, the availability of these services in Pursglove can be variable. Ride-share availability is often dependent on driver density, which may be lower in less populated areas.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, represent another potential solution. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transport brands operate in the Morgantown area, offering various levels of service.

Researching the specific medical transport brands serving Pursglove, including their service areas, pricing, and availability, is essential for a complete evaluation. This information is crucial for understanding the options available to residents with mobility limitations or other healthcare needs.

**Healthcare Access and Community Health:**

The ease of access to healthcare directly impacts the overall health of a community. Residents with convenient and reliable transportation are more likely to attend regular check-ups, follow medical advice, and seek timely treatment for illnesses. Conversely, those facing transportation barriers may delay or forgo necessary medical care, leading to poorer health outcomes.

The health score for Pursglove must consider the availability of healthcare facilities within the community and the surrounding areas. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, urgent care centers, and hospitals is a crucial factor. The proximity of these facilities, coupled with the efficiency of transportation options, determines the overall healthcare access score.

**Moving to Pursglove and Healthcare Considerations:**

For individuals and families considering moving to Pursglove, understanding the healthcare landscape is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully assess the available transportation options and the proximity of healthcare facilities.

Researching the local healthcare providers, including their specialties, appointment availability, and insurance acceptance, is vital. Investigating the accessibility of public transit and ride-sharing services is also crucial. Furthermore, assessing the availability and cost of medical transportation services is recommended, especially for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Conclusion: A Multifaceted Assessment:**

Calculating an accurate overall health score for Pursglove (26546) requires a multifaceted approach. It demands a thorough analysis of drive times, public transit routes, ride-share availability, and medical transportation options.

The specific details of the MCTA routes, ADA accessibility, and the operational scope of ride-sharing and medical transport brands are critical data points. The analysis must also consider the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of healthcare providers, and the overall health needs of the community.

By comprehensively evaluating these factors, a more accurate and meaningful health score can be established, reflecting the true state of healthcare access and its impact on the well-being of the residents of Pursglove. This information is crucial for residents, policymakers, and healthcare providers to address transportation challenges and improve the overall health of the community.