28421, Atkinson, North Carolina Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 28421, Atkinson, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.26 percent of residents in 28421 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 14.20 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Atkinson, NC (ZIP Code 28421)

The quest for optimal healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing asthma, necessitates a thorough understanding of local transportation options. This write-up, the “Asthma Score,” analyzes the commute to healthcare facilities in Atkinson, North Carolina (ZIP code 28421), focusing on drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Atkinson, especially those with respiratory conditions. The goal is to illuminate the complexities of transportation to healthcare, empowering informed decisions.

Atkinson, a small community nestled in Pender County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The area is primarily rural, with limited public transit options. Therefore, personal vehicles often become the primary mode of transport. The Asthma Score considers these factors, providing a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Drive Times**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Atkinson is the automobile. Drive times to healthcare providers are significantly impacted by the road network. The primary arteries for travel are US Highway 117 and NC Highway 210. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or in the event of an accident.

From Atkinson, a trip to the nearest major healthcare hub, New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, demands a drive of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey primarily utilizes US-117 South and then merges onto I-140 East. The I-140 is a relatively new highway, offering a faster route to Wilmington. However, it can be subject to delays.

Smaller clinics and doctor's offices are located in Burgaw, the county seat, a drive of roughly 15-20 minutes via NC-210 East. Burgaw offers a more immediate healthcare option, reducing travel time and potentially lessening the impact of asthma symptoms during transit. The roads to Burgaw are generally less congested than those leading to Wilmington.

Understanding these drive times is crucial for individuals with asthma. The duration of travel directly affects the time spent away from home, potentially increasing exposure to triggers. Furthermore, unexpected delays can exacerbate anxiety and stress, which can trigger asthma symptoms.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reality**

Public transit in Atkinson is severely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Pender County Transportation Department offers a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule rides in advance. This service is primarily aimed at seniors and individuals with disabilities.

The availability of this service for medical appointments is crucial. However, the demand-response nature of the system means that it is not always reliable, and scheduling can be cumbersome. Furthermore, the service may not operate during all hours, potentially limiting access to urgent care or after-hours medical services.

The Pender County Transportation Department does provide ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can access the service. However, the limited scope of the service and the need for advance scheduling make it a less-than-ideal solution for those with unpredictable asthma symptoms.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in the Wilmington area and, to a lesser extent, in the surrounding communities. While these services offer a more flexible transportation option than public transit, their availability in Atkinson may be limited. Surge pricing, particularly during peak hours or periods of high demand, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option.

Medical transportation services, such as medical car services, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door transport and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transit. However, these services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services can provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with asthma, particularly those without access to a personal vehicle or who require assistance with their mobility. However, the cost and availability of these services must be carefully considered.

**The Asthma Score: Evaluating Transportation Factors**

The Asthma Score for Atkinson, NC (28421) reflects the challenges and opportunities of accessing healthcare for individuals with asthma. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average travel time to healthcare providers, factoring in traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and reliability of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The availability and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transport Availability:** The availability and cost of medical transportation services.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-accessible transportation options.

Based on these factors, the Asthma Score for Atkinson, NC (28421) would likely be moderate, reflecting the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges of accessing ride-sharing and medical transport services.

**Moving to Atkinson: Considerations for Asthma Management**

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Atkinson, the transportation landscape is a critical factor. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential travel times. The limited public transit options require exploring alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing or medical transport services.

Furthermore, individuals with asthma should carefully assess the proximity of healthcare providers and the availability of emergency medical services. The ability to quickly access medical care in the event of an asthma exacerbation is paramount.

The Asthma Score provides a framework for understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities in Atkinson. By carefully considering these factors, individuals with asthma can make informed decisions about their healthcare access and ensure their respiratory health is effectively managed. The move to Atkinson, while offering a quieter lifestyle, demands proactive planning regarding transportation and healthcare access.