28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.78 percent of residents in 28384 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 12.38 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Saint Pauls, NC (ZIP Code 28384)

The quest for accessible healthcare, particularly for individuals managing arthritis, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. In the rural landscape of Saint Pauls, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28384), this understanding is paramount. This "Arthritis Score" assesses the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services, considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions. Ultimately, this score aims to inform potential residents, especially those considering moving to Saint Pauls, about the realities of healthcare access.

Saint Pauls, nestled in Robeson County, presents a unique transportation challenge. The town's relative isolation means reliance on personal vehicles is high. This is further complicated by the prevalence of chronic conditions like arthritis, which can impact mobility and driving ability. Evaluating transportation options becomes crucial for ensuring timely access to medical appointments, physical therapy, and necessary medications.

The primary arteries for vehicular transportation are Interstate 95 (I-95) and US Highway 74. I-95, a major north-south corridor, offers the fastest route to larger medical centers in Fayetteville (approximately 30-45 minutes) and Lumberton (around 15-20 minutes). However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact these drive times. US 74, running east-west, provides access to smaller clinics and pharmacies within Saint Pauls and neighboring towns like Rowland. Local roads, including NC Highway 20, NC Highway 41, and various county roads, serve as connectors, but their narrow lanes and potential for potholes necessitate careful driving, especially for individuals with arthritis.

Public transportation options in Saint Pauls are limited. Robeson County operates a demand-response transit system, offering door-to-door service. This system, while potentially helpful, requires advance booking and may have limited operating hours. Information regarding specific routes and ADA accessibility features is difficult to obtain definitively. The lack of readily available public transit options creates a significant hurdle for individuals reliant on alternative modes of transportation.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are present, though their availability in Saint Pauls can be inconsistent. Wait times may be longer than in more urban areas, and surge pricing during peak demand or inclement weather could add to the financial burden. Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, offer a more reliable option. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist with patient transfers. However, these services typically come with a higher price tag and require pre-arrangement.

Healthcare access also depends on the location of medical facilities. Saint Pauls has a few local clinics and pharmacies, which provide basic medical care and medication dispensing. However, for specialized care, such as rheumatology, orthopedics, and advanced diagnostic imaging, residents must travel to larger hospitals and medical centers in Fayetteville or Lumberton. This underscores the importance of reliable transportation.

The "Arthritis Score" for Saint Pauls, therefore, reflects a complex interplay of factors. While the town offers a degree of local healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing services create significant challenges. Individuals with arthritis may face difficulties in attending appointments, accessing physical therapy, and obtaining necessary medications.

Moving to Saint Pauls presents a unique set of considerations for individuals managing arthritis. The availability of reliable transportation is a critical factor in maintaining access to healthcare. Prospective residents should carefully assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, or the financial feasibility of utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The "Arthritis Score" is not just about distance; it's about the quality of life. It's about the ability to maintain independence, manage pain, and access the care needed to live a fulfilling life. In Saint Pauls, the transportation landscape directly impacts the ability of individuals with arthritis to achieve these goals.

The rural nature of Saint Pauls, while offering a slower pace of life, presents challenges in healthcare access. The "Arthritis Score" highlights the need for careful planning and resourcefulness. Individuals considering a move to Saint Pauls must proactively assess their transportation needs and explore all available options.

The future of healthcare access in Saint Pauls could involve initiatives to improve public transportation, expand the availability of ride-sharing services, and increase the presence of medical transport providers. Telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with doctors remotely, could also play a vital role.

Ultimately, the "Arthritis Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not simply about the availability of medical facilities. It's about the ability to reach those facilities, regardless of mobility limitations or geographic constraints. In Saint Pauls, understanding the intricacies of transportation is essential for ensuring that individuals with arthritis can live healthy and fulfilling lives. The "Arthritis Score" is a call to action, urging both residents and policymakers to address the transportation challenges and improve healthcare access in this unique community.