26142, Davisville, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26142, Davisville, West Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.12 percent of residents in 26142 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Camden Clark Medical Center with a distance of 6.24 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Davisville, WV (ZIP Code 26142)

For individuals considering a move to Davisville, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26142), or those already residing there, understanding healthcare access, particularly for a critical condition like prostate cancer, is paramount. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat this disease. It explores drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing possibilities, ultimately painting a picture of healthcare access within the context of this rural community.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" isn't a formal medical metric but a practical evaluation of the ease with which residents can reach specialized medical care. It considers the distance, time, and available transportation options, all crucial factors influencing the timely diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. This analysis is crucial for anyone contemplating moving to Davisville, as healthcare access significantly impacts quality of life.

Davisville, nestled in Wood County, presents unique transportation challenges. The area is primarily served by personal vehicles. Public transportation options are limited, and ride-sharing services may have varying availability. Therefore, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Davisville reflects the realities of its transportation landscape.

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

The primary means of accessing prostate cancer care in Davisville is by personal vehicle. The nearest facilities offering comprehensive urological services, including prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment, are primarily located in Parkersburg, WV, approximately 10-15 miles away.

The most direct route involves utilizing **West Virginia Route 36** (WV-36) and then connecting to **U.S. Route 50** (US-50). This drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The roads are generally well-maintained, but potential delays can arise due to seasonal weather or occasional traffic incidents.

Another option involves navigating local roads, such as **Davisville Road** and **Staats Road**, eventually connecting to US-50. This route may be slightly shorter in distance but can involve more winding roads and potentially longer travel times. It is crucial for residents to familiarize themselves with these alternate routes in case of road closures or unexpected delays.

For specialized care, such as radiation therapy or advanced surgical procedures, patients may need to travel to larger medical centers in Charleston, WV, or even Morgantown, WV. These journeys involve significantly longer drive times. The drive to Charleston, primarily via US-50 East and then Interstate 79 South, can take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, while the trip to Morgantown, via US-50 East and Interstate 79 North, can take around 2.5 to 3 hours. These longer distances underscore the importance of early detection and prompt treatment initiation, as any delays in accessing care can have serious consequences.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Davisville and Wood County are extremely limited. The primary provider is the **Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA)**. However, MOVTA's routes and schedules are designed to serve the broader Parkersburg area and may not directly reach Davisville.

Individuals requiring public transit would likely need to travel to Parkersburg and transfer to a MOVTA route. This adds significant travel time and complexity. Furthermore, the frequency of service is limited, and routes may not operate during evenings or weekends, potentially hindering access to appointments or emergency care.

MOVTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the service. However, the limited route coverage and infrequent schedules pose a significant challenge for those needing transportation to and from medical appointments. The lack of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Davisville residents.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the Parkersburg area, but their presence in Davisville is less certain. Availability can fluctuate based on driver availability and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not recommended due to potential unreliability.

Medical transport services are available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. They often provide door-to-door service and may be equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services typically require advance booking and can be costly.

Several medical transport brands operate in the region, including local providers and national companies. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to personal transportation. However, the cost and scheduling constraints can still pose a barrier to accessing timely care.

**The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Davisville: A Synthesis**

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Davisville, WV (ZIP Code 26142) reflects the challenges and opportunities of accessing prostate cancer care. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The relatively short drive to Parkersburg for initial consultations and treatments is a positive factor. However, the longer distances to specialized centers in Charleston or Morgantown can create delays.
* **Public Transit:** The limited public transit options significantly lower the score, especially for individuals without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The potential availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some support, but their reliability, cost, and scheduling constraints must be considered.

**Recommendations for Residents and Prospective Movers**

For individuals living in or considering moving to Davisville, several recommendations can improve their "Prostate Cancer Score" and ensure access to timely care:

* **Early Detection:** Regular prostate cancer screenings are crucial. Residents should discuss screening options with their primary care physician.
* **Transportation Planning:** Develop a reliable transportation plan, including personal vehicle maintenance, familiarizing oneself with alternate routes, and exploring medical transport options.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Ensure adequate health insurance coverage, including transportation benefits if available.
* **Community Resources:** Explore local community resources, such as volunteer driver programs or support groups that may offer transportation assistance.
* **Advocacy:** Advocate for improved public transportation options and increased availability of ride-sharing services in the area.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Davisville, while not perfect, provides a valuable framework for understanding healthcare access. By proactively addressing transportation challenges and utilizing available resources, residents can enhance their ability to receive timely and effective prostate cancer care. The decision to move to Davisville should include a thorough assessment of these factors, ensuring that healthcare access aligns with individual needs and priorities.