28325, Calypso, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 28325, Calypso, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.58 percent of residents in 28325 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 15.35 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Calypso (ZIP Code 28325)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and saltwater in Calypso, North Carolina, a small community nestled in the heart of Duplin County. For residents managing asthma, the quality of their healthcare access is paramount, inextricably linked to their ability to breathe freely. This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the transportation landscape of ZIP code 28325, assessing the feasibility of reaching healthcare providers, a critical factor for anyone considering moving to Calypso. We will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure, providing a comprehensive overview for residents and potential newcomers.

The primary challenge in Calypso, and indeed much of rural North Carolina, lies in its reliance on personal vehicles. Public transportation options are limited, and the distances to specialized healthcare facilities can be significant. This geographical reality shapes the very fabric of healthcare access, making transportation a crucial determinant of health outcomes.

The cornerstone of vehicular travel in and around Calypso is **U.S. Highway 117**. This north-south artery connects the town to larger population centers like Goldsboro to the north and Wallace to the south. Traveling north on Highway 117, one can reach Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro. This hospital, offering a range of specialists, is approximately a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Southbound on Highway 117, a 15-minute drive leads to Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, a smaller facility providing essential services. However, for specialized asthma care, such as pulmonologists or allergy specialists, residents may need to travel further.

Another crucial route is **NC Highway 24**, which intersects with Highway 117 just south of Calypso. This east-west thoroughfare offers access to Jacksonville and the coast, but the journey to the nearest major medical center, Onslow Memorial Hospital, is a considerable one, taking approximately an hour. This long drive can be a significant barrier for those experiencing an asthma exacerbation, making prompt access to care difficult.

Smaller roads, such as **NC Highway 903** and various county roads, offer alternative routes, but they are often less well-maintained and can add to travel time, particularly during inclement weather. The winding nature of these roads also makes them less suitable for emergency medical transport.

The absence of a robust public transit system poses a considerable hurdle for those without personal vehicles. Currently, there are no fixed-route bus services operating within ZIP code 28325. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of a reliable public transit system necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation options.

For individuals with disabilities, the absence of accessible public transit is particularly concerning. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public transportation, but the lack of a public transit system in Calypso renders this requirement moot. This leaves individuals with disabilities dependent on other means of transportation, which may be less accessible or more costly.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote locations. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive for some residents, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services offer a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive themselves or rely on family or friends. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically transport patients to and from medical appointments. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and scheduling in advance is often required.

Beyond the immediate transportation options, the availability of healthcare providers within the region is also a critical factor. While Duplin General Hospital provides essential services, specialized asthma care may require travel to larger facilities in Goldsboro or Jacksonville. The availability of specialists and the wait times for appointments are important considerations for individuals with asthma.

The impact of transportation limitations extends beyond the immediate physical act of getting to a doctor's appointment. It also affects medication adherence, as residents may face difficulties in picking up prescriptions. It can also lead to delays in seeking care, which can worsen asthma symptoms and increase the risk of hospitalizations.

Moving to Calypso, therefore, necessitates careful consideration of transportation options and healthcare access. Individuals with asthma should research the availability of specialists, assess the feasibility of using ride-sharing services or NEMT, and factor in potential travel times to healthcare facilities.

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 28325 is, therefore, moderate. While the area offers access to essential healthcare services, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the distances to specialized care facilities present significant challenges. Individuals considering moving to Calypso must proactively plan for their transportation needs and ensure they have a reliable means of reaching healthcare providers. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is directly correlated to the ability to manage asthma effectively, making it a critical factor in the overall quality of life for residents. This reality underlines the need for continued efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and expand healthcare access in rural communities like Calypso.