26575, Hundred, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26575, Hundred, West Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.75 percent of residents in 26575 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wetzel County Hospital with a distance of 21.85 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26575 (Hundred, WV)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Hundred, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26575), necessitates a deep dive into healthcare access, particularly the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. This rural community, nestled in Wetzel County, faces unique challenges in this regard, primarily due to its geographical isolation and limited infrastructure. The score will reflect the availability, accessibility, and affordability of various transportation options, ultimately impacting the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The dominant factor influencing healthcare access in Hundred is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town is served primarily by **WV Route 250**, the main artery connecting it to neighboring communities and larger medical centers. Driving times, therefore, become critical.

For specialized care, residents often travel to Morgantown, approximately 60 miles north, or to Wheeling, roughly 70 miles northwest. Driving to Morgantown, home to the West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine system, typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The journey primarily utilizes **WV Route 7** and then **I-79**. Wheeling, offering a range of healthcare options, is accessible via **WV Route 2** and **WV Route 250**, with a similar travel time.

The condition of these roads, particularly during inclement weather, significantly impacts travel times and safety. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can make the winding roads treacherous, potentially delaying or even preventing access to healthcare. The maintenance of these roadways is therefore a crucial element in determining the overall health score.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Hundred. The availability of public transit is a major factor in healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a vehicle, or are unable to afford the costs associated with car ownership.

Unfortunately, Wetzel County, and specifically Hundred, does not have a robust public transit system. There are no dedicated bus routes serving the area. This absence significantly hinders healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This lack of public transit is a major negative factor in the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also unreliable in this rural area. Their availability is often sporadic, and response times can be lengthy, making them an impractical option for urgent medical needs. This lack of readily available ride-sharing further exacerbates the challenges of accessing healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a potential solution. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) may operate in the region, offering door-to-door service for appointments and other medical needs. However, the availability of these services in Hundred needs to be assessed.

The cost of these services, coupled with potential wait times, adds another layer of complexity. The ability to afford medical transportation is a key determinant of healthcare access.

The absence of public transit, the unreliability of ride-sharing, and the potential cost of medical transportation paint a challenging picture for residents of Hundred. This lack of readily available and affordable transportation options significantly reduces their ability to access timely and appropriate medical care, negatively impacting the overall health score.

The overall health score is also affected by the availability of local healthcare providers. While Hundred may have a family practice or a small clinic, the range of specialized services is likely limited. Residents often need to travel to Morgantown or Wheeling for specialized care, further increasing the reliance on transportation.

The presence of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on any public transit that may be available is crucial. Wheelchair accessibility, ramps, and other accommodations are essential for individuals with disabilities to access healthcare. The lack of such features further compounds the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Another important factor is the availability of emergency medical services (EMS). The response time of ambulances and other emergency vehicles is crucial in life-threatening situations. The distance to the nearest hospital and the condition of the roads can impact these response times.

For individuals considering moving to Hundred, West Virginia, a thorough understanding of these transportation challenges is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of resources to meet those needs. This includes assessing their ability to drive, the affordability of car ownership, and the potential reliance on medical transportation services.

The geographical isolation of Hundred, combined with the limited transportation options, presents a significant hurdle to healthcare access. This is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating a move to this community.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 26575 is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation to healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, the unreliability of ride-sharing, and the potential cost of medical transportation all contribute to a lower score.

Efforts to improve healthcare access in Hundred should focus on addressing these transportation barriers. This could involve exploring options for expanding public transit, partnering with ride-sharing services, supporting medical transportation providers, and advocating for improved road maintenance.

Ultimately, the ability of residents to receive timely and appropriate medical care depends heavily on their ability to get there. Addressing the transportation challenges is essential to improving the overall health score and ensuring the well-being of the community. The health of Hundred, West Virginia, is inextricably linked to the ease and affordability of transportation to healthcare.