28349, Kenansville, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 28349, Kenansville, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.79 percent of residents in 28349 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 2.08 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Kenansville, NC (ZIP Code 28349)

Relocating to a new area, particularly with a health condition like asthma, necessitates a thorough understanding of healthcare access. This Asthma Score write-up for Kenansville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28349) delves into the intricacies of transportation options available for accessing medical care. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive overview for those considering a move, ensuring informed decisions regarding healthcare access.

Kenansville, a small town in Duplin County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The rural landscape, while offering tranquility, often translates to longer travel times and limited public transportation options. Understanding these nuances is crucial for individuals with asthma, who require consistent and timely access to medical appointments and medications. The Asthma Score, therefore, aims to provide a realistic picture of the transportation landscape, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Kenansville is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The town is centrally located, and access to healthcare facilities heavily relies on driving. The major thoroughfare is US-24, running east-west, connecting Kenansville to larger towns and cities. Traveling east on US-24 leads to Jacksonville, where the nearest major hospital, **Onslow Memorial Hospital**, is located. The drive is approximately 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Heading west on US-24 provides access to Warsaw and eventually to I-40, a major interstate highway. While I-40 offers faster travel to larger cities like Raleigh and Wilmington, it is not directly accessible from Kenansville. Accessing I-40 requires navigating smaller roads like NC-24/50, which can add travel time. The drive to Wilmington, home to **New Hanover Regional Medical Center**, would be approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

US-117, running north-south, also serves as a critical road, connecting Kenansville to Goldsboro. This route could be utilized for accessing healthcare facilities in Goldsboro, though the drive time would be similar to Jacksonville. The roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be unpredictable, particularly during peak hours. Weather conditions, especially during hurricane season, can significantly impact travel times and accessibility.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Kenansville and Duplin County are extremely limited. There is no dedicated local bus service within the town itself. The primary public transit option is the **Duplin County Transportation Services**, a demand-response system. This service requires advance booking, typically at least 24 hours in advance.

The Duplin County Transportation Services offers transportation to medical appointments, shopping, and other essential services. However, availability is limited, and the service operates within the county boundaries. While the service is ADA-accessible, ensuring individuals with disabilities can utilize the service, it may not be a practical solution for regular medical appointments outside of the county. The reliability of the service, particularly for those with urgent medical needs, is a significant consideration.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but their presence in Kenansville is sporadic. Availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments would be risky, given the potential for delays or unavailability.

Medical transport services are available, but they are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs, such as those requiring ambulance transport or non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). Several companies offer NEMT services in the area, including **Care Ride** and **LogistiCare**. These services require prior authorization and are usually coordinated through insurance providers. The eligibility criteria and the availability of these services should be carefully considered.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Kenansville itself is limited. The town has a small clinic and a few local physicians. However, for specialized care, individuals with asthma will likely need to travel to larger cities like Jacksonville, Wilmington, or Goldsboro. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of transportation options.

The Asthma Score for Kenansville is negatively impacted by the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles. Individuals without access to a car or those unable to drive due to their condition face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The availability of ride-sharing services is unreliable, and medical transport services are often restricted to specific medical needs.

**Moving to Kenansville with Asthma:**

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Kenansville, careful consideration of transportation is essential. The primary recommendation is to have reliable access to a personal vehicle. If this is not feasible, alternative arrangements, such as family members, friends, or medical transport services, must be established.

Proximity to healthcare facilities is also a crucial factor. Choosing a residence closer to US-24 or US-117 can help reduce drive times. Understanding the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services is paramount.

Furthermore, individuals with asthma should establish relationships with local physicians and pharmacies. This ensures prompt access to medical care and medication refills. It is also advisable to have a comprehensive asthma action plan and to carry necessary medications at all times.

**Conclusion:**

The Asthma Score for Kenansville, NC (ZIP code 28349) reflects the challenges of accessing healthcare in a rural environment. While the town offers a peaceful atmosphere, the limited transportation options pose significant hurdles for individuals with asthma. Careful planning, reliance on personal vehicles, and proactive engagement with healthcare providers are crucial for ensuring timely access to medical care. The decision to move to Kenansville should be weighed carefully, considering the transportation limitations and the potential impact on healthcare access.