26327, Berea, West Virginia Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 26327, Berea, West Virginia is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.46 percent of residents in 26327 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.61 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Minnie Hamilton Health System with a distance of 16.13 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 26327

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a serious condition like prostate cancer, is a complex equation. It's not merely about the availability of medical professionals but also the accessibility of those professionals, considering the nuances of transportation. This write-up provides a "Prostate Cancer Score" assessment for residents of ZIP Code 26327, focusing on the practicalities of accessing prostate cancer-related healthcare. This score will help inform decisions, including the potential of moving to Berea, regarding healthcare access.

ZIP Code 26327 encompasses the rural community of Berea, West Virginia. Its location, nestled within the Appalachian foothills, significantly impacts the transportation landscape. The primary challenge for residents is the limited availability of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles. This creates a situation where healthcare access is heavily influenced by drive times and the availability of alternative transportation options.

The closest significant medical facilities equipped to diagnose and treat prostate cancer are in Parkersburg, approximately 25 miles to the west. This distance translates to a drive time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. The most direct route involves traveling west on **West Virginia Route 47** to **U.S. Route 50**. This stretch of highway is generally well-maintained, but the winding roads can be challenging, particularly during inclement weather.

Another option involves taking **West Virginia Route 14** south to **U.S. Route 50**. This route, while slightly longer, may offer a less congested alternative, especially during peak travel times. However, the roads are narrower and may have limited shoulder space. The condition of these roads is a crucial factor when considering healthcare access.

Public transportation options are severely limited in this area. The Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority (MOVTA) provides some service within the Parkersburg area, but it does not extend into Berea. There are no fixed-route buses that directly connect ZIP Code 26327 with the medical facilities in Parkersburg. The lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on any public transportation would be nonexistent in this scenario.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Parkersburg area, but their presence in Berea is sporadic and unreliable. The availability of these services is dependent on driver availability, which can be limited in rural areas. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can quickly become prohibitive for frequent trips to medical appointments. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing further complicates the healthcare access equation.

Medical transportation services are a potential solution for residents of 26327. Several companies specialize in providing non-emergency medical transportation, including services for individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, especially for appointments outside of regular business hours. The cost of medical transportation can also be a significant financial burden.

The presence of prostate cancer specialists and treatment facilities in Parkersburg is a positive factor. However, the challenges of transportation significantly impact the Prostate Cancer Score for residents of ZIP Code 26327. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create a situation where healthcare access is significantly compromised.

For individuals considering moving to Berea, or for current residents seeking to improve their healthcare access, the transportation challenges must be carefully considered. The need for reliable transportation to medical appointments is paramount. This consideration is crucial when evaluating the overall quality of life and the ability to manage a serious health condition like prostate cancer.

The lack of readily available transportation options necessitates proactive planning. Residents need to establish a reliable means of transportation for medical appointments. This may involve relying on family members, friends, or neighbors for assistance. Alternatively, they might explore the possibility of utilizing medical transportation services, understanding the associated costs and limitations.

The Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26327 is therefore negatively impacted by the transportation challenges. While the availability of medical specialists in nearby Parkersburg is a positive factor, the difficulties in accessing those specialists significantly detract from the overall score. The lack of reliable transportation creates a barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment, which can have serious consequences for individuals with prostate cancer.

The assessment of healthcare access within ZIP Code 26327 highlights the critical link between transportation and health outcomes. The limited transportation options create a situation where healthcare access is a significant challenge. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including exploring alternative transportation options, advocating for improved public transportation services, and promoting awareness of the available medical transportation resources.

The implications of these transportation challenges extend beyond prostate cancer care. They affect access to all types of healthcare services, including preventative care, routine checkups, and specialist consultations. The need for improved transportation options is a pressing issue for the entire community.

The overall Prostate Cancer Score for ZIP Code 26327 is significantly influenced by the limitations in transportation options. The drive times to Parkersburg, the lack of public transit, and the uncertainties surrounding ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. The score reflects the difficulties residents face in accessing timely and effective prostate cancer care. This is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Berea.

The score emphasizes the need for careful consideration of transportation logistics when planning for healthcare needs. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is a crucial factor in managing a serious health condition like prostate cancer. The score serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the transportation challenges to improve healthcare access for all residents of ZIP Code 26327.