26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 26731 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grant Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26731 (Lahmansville, WV)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of Lahmansville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26731), focusing on the critical factor of **transportation** and its direct impact on **healthcare access**. The ability to reach medical facilities promptly and reliably is fundamental to individual and community well-being. This analysis considers various **transportation** options, from personal vehicles to public transit and specialized medical transport, to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing residents seeking medical care.

Lahmansville, nestled in the scenic Potomac Highlands, presents unique challenges. Its rural setting, characterized by rolling hills and sparsely populated areas, significantly impacts the availability and efficiency of **transportation** options. The primary mode of **transportation** is the personal vehicle, making drive times a crucial indicator of **healthcare access**.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in Keyser, WV, approximately 25 miles east, and Cumberland, MD, roughly 40 miles northeast. Reaching these locations necessitates navigating a network of highways and local roads.

The primary route to Keyser involves traveling east on West Virginia Route 42, a winding two-lane road that can experience delays due to traffic, weather conditions, and the occasional slow-moving farm vehicle. Upon reaching the intersection with US Route 220, travelers proceed north to Keyser. This segment offers a slightly wider, more direct route, but still susceptible to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. The drive time to Keyser can range from 35 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The journey to Cumberland, MD, is more complex. Residents typically travel east on WV Route 42, merging onto US Route 220 North, then crossing the state line into Maryland. This route continues on US Route 220 North before connecting with Interstate 68 East. This stretch involves a combination of two-lane roads, and highways. The drive time to Cumberland can range from 50 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic, weather, and the specific destination within the city.

The condition of these roads is generally adequate, but maintenance can be a concern, especially during winter months when snow and ice can significantly impact travel times and safety. The lack of sidewalks and bike lanes along most routes limits alternative **transportation** options.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public **transportation** options in Lahmansville are extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus service that directly serves the area. The closest public transit options may be available in Keyser or Cumberland, but these services are not designed to facilitate regular commutes from Lahmansville.

While the Potomac Highlands Transit (PHT) provides demand-response service in Mineral County, this is not a regularly scheduled route and requires advance booking. This service may offer limited **transportation** options for medical appointments, but its availability and reliability are dependent on scheduling and capacity. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-accessible vehicles and stops can create significant barriers for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in Lahmansville. The low population density and limited demand make it economically unviable for these services to operate regularly in the area.

Medical **transportation** services are available, but often come with significant costs and require advance booking. These services are typically provided by private companies and are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services can be a lifeline for those who cannot drive or do not have access to other **transportation** options.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

While specific medical transport brands may vary, several providers operate in the region, including:

* **Ambulance Services:** Emergency medical services (EMS) are available through local volunteer fire departments and private ambulance companies. These services are primarily for emergency situations.
* **Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT):** Companies specializing in NEMT provide **transportation** for non-emergency medical appointments. These services typically require advance booking and may involve a fee.
* **Specialized Medical Transport:** Some companies offer specialized **transportation** services for individuals with specific medical needs, such as those requiring wheelchair-accessible vehicles or medical equipment.

**Impact on Healthcare Access:**

The limited **transportation** options in Lahmansville significantly impact **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles, combined with potentially long drive times, can create barriers to receiving timely and appropriate medical care. Individuals without access to a vehicle, particularly the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents, face even greater challenges.

The lack of public transit and ride-sharing services further exacerbates these challenges. Residents may be forced to rely on family, friends, or expensive medical **transportation** services to reach medical appointments. This can lead to delayed or missed appointments, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, drive times, and the availability of public transit and medical transport, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in Lahmansville (ZIP Code 26731) is considered below average. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative **transportation** options create significant challenges for residents seeking medical care.

The primary factors negatively impacting the health score include:

* **Long Drive Times:** The distance to the nearest healthcare facilities results in extended travel times, potentially delaying access to care.
* **Limited Public Transit:** The absence of a robust public transit system restricts **transportation** options for those without vehicles.
* **Cost of Medical Transport:** The reliance on medical **transportation** services can be expensive, creating a financial barrier to **healthcare access**.
* **Rural Infrastructure:** The condition of roads, especially during winter, can negatively impact travel times and safety.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score for **healthcare access** in Lahmansville, several strategies should be considered:

* **Advocate for Improved Public Transit:** Lobby for the expansion of public transit options, including demand-response services and potential connections to existing regional routes.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Explore opportunities to encourage ride-sharing programs or partnerships with existing services to increase availability in the area.
* **Support Medical Transport Services:** Advocate for increased funding and support for medical **transportation** services, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for road maintenance and improvements, including snow removal and safety enhancements.
* **Telemedicine Initiatives:** Encourage the adoption of telemedicine services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine care.
* **Community Education:** Educate residents about available **transportation** options and resources, including medical transport services and financial assistance programs.

**Moving to Lahmansville:**

Individuals considering **moving to Lahmansville** should be aware of the **transportation** challenges and their potential impact on **healthcare access**. Careful consideration should be given to personal vehicle ownership, the availability of support networks, and the potential costs associated with medical **transportation**. The health score reflects the necessity of proactive planning and resourcefulness when it comes to medical needs.

By addressing these challenges and implementing the recommended strategies, the community can improve **healthcare access** for all residents of Lahmansville, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community.