27252, Goldston, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27252, Goldston, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

34.82 percent of residents in 27252 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Randolph Hospital with a distance of 28.32 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Goldston, NC (ZIP Code 27252)**

The journey to healthcare, especially for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a critical component of treatment and recovery. For residents of Goldston, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27252), understanding the landscape of **transportation** options is paramount. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering **healthcare access** challenges and opportunities. It aims to guide residents and those considering **moving to Goldston**, offering a clearer picture of the resources available.

Goldston, a rural community nestled in Chatham County, presents unique **transportation** considerations. The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are primarily located in larger cities, necessitating travel. This distance, coupled with limited public **transportation**, can significantly impact a patient's ability to attend appointments, receive treatments, and access vital support services.

The primary routes for accessing specialized cancer care from Goldston involve driving. Residents will likely utilize US-64, a major east-west thoroughfare, and NC-902, a key north-south connector. Travel times to hospitals and cancer centers vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

For instance, the drive to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, a leading cancer treatment center, typically takes between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic on US-64. Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, another renowned facility, is approximately a 1-hour to 1-hour and 15-minute drive, again influenced by traffic on US-64 and I-40. Cone Health Cancer Center in Greensboro, while further west, could be a 1-hour and 30-minute to 2-hour drive, involving US-64 and potentially I-85.

These drive times can be particularly challenging for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or post-surgical recovery. The physical toll of cancer treatment, combined with the stress of navigating traffic, can exacerbate fatigue and anxiety. This highlights the importance of exploring alternative **transportation** options.

Public **transportation** in Goldston and Chatham County is limited. The Chatham County Council on Aging provides some **transportation** services, primarily for seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, these services may have limited availability and require advance booking. The availability of these services directly impacts **healthcare access**.

The Chapel Hill Transit system offers some routes that extend into Chatham County, but they are not directly accessible from Goldston. These routes may require multiple transfers and significantly increase travel time, making them less practical for frequent medical appointments. The lack of readily available public **transportation** poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for many residents.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for public **transportation**. While the Chatham County Council on Aging strives to provide accessible vehicles, the limited scope of its services and the lack of widespread public **transportation** infrastructure mean that individuals with mobility challenges may face considerable difficulties. This is a key factor when considering **moving to Goldston**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited in Goldston, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. The cost of ride-sharing can also accumulate quickly, placing a financial burden on patients and their families.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, are another option. Companies like LogistiCare and ModivCare operate in North Carolina, providing non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services often require pre-authorization and can be subject to eligibility requirements. They can be a valuable resource for patients who cannot drive or do not have access to other **transportation** options.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Goldston, NC, reflects the challenges associated with **healthcare access** due to **transportation** limitations. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive times:** The distance to cancer treatment centers, primarily Chapel Hill, Durham, and Greensboro, necessitates significant travel.
* **Public **transportation**: The lack of readily available and accessible public **transportation** options severely limits **healthcare access**.
* **Ride-sharing availability:** The potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services can pose challenges.
* **Medical **transportation** services:** While available, these services may have eligibility requirements and require pre-authorization.

The impact of these factors on a breast cancer patient's well-being is significant. Frequent travel for appointments can lead to fatigue, stress, and financial strain. The lack of reliable **transportation** can also hinder access to support groups, counseling, and other essential services.

For individuals considering **moving to Goldston**, it is crucial to factor in these **transportation** challenges when assessing their ability to access quality cancer care. Researching available **transportation** options, exploring potential financial assistance programs for travel costs, and establishing a support network are essential steps.

The Breast Cancer Score for Goldston, NC, serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing **transportation** barriers to **healthcare access**. Improving public **transportation**, expanding medical **transportation** services, and increasing awareness of available resources are critical steps toward ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the care they need.