27537, Henderson, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27537, Henderson, North Carolina is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.25 percent of residents in 27537 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Maria Parham Medical Center with a distance of 1.51 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 27537

The prospect of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding immediate and unwavering attention. For residents of Henderson, North Carolina, specifically those residing in the 27537 ZIP code, the journey to healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer treatment, is a critical consideration. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, offering insights into the practicalities of accessing potentially life-saving care, ultimately contributing to a 'Breast Cancer Score' assessment for this area.

The score, though not a numerical value, reflects the ease or difficulty in navigating the healthcare system. It weighs factors like drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation options. The goal is to provide a clear picture for residents, especially those newly diagnosed or considering a move to Henderson, enabling informed decisions regarding their health and well-being.

The primary healthcare providers for breast cancer treatment in this region include Maria Parham Health, located in Henderson, and Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, approximately 50 miles away. These two facilities represent the major destinations for specialized care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transportation is personal vehicle. The drive to Maria Parham Health from various points within 27537 is generally straightforward, taking approximately 5-15 minutes, depending on the specific location within the ZIP code and traffic conditions. This ease of access is a significant positive factor in the Breast Cancer Score.

The journey to Duke Cancer Institute, however, presents a greater challenge. The primary route involves traveling south on US-158, then transitioning to I-85 South. The total drive time typically ranges from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, excluding potential traffic delays. The I-85 corridor is prone to congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, which can significantly extend travel times and add stress to an already challenging situation. This longer commute to a major cancer center impacts the Breast Cancer Score negatively.

Alternative routes exist, such as utilizing NC-39 South to connect with I-85, but these generally don't offer a significant time advantage and may involve navigating more rural roads.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Henderson are limited. The Vance County Transit System provides bus services, but routes and schedules are not specifically designed to cater to medical appointments. The routes are primarily focused on local travel within Vance County. Service to Durham and Duke Cancer Institute is not available.

The lack of reliable public transit to major cancer centers significantly diminishes the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. This lack of access creates a barrier to care, potentially delaying treatment or making it more difficult to attend regular appointments. The absence of ADA-compliant features on existing routes would further restrict access for those with mobility challenges.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Henderson, offering a potential transportation solution. However, availability can be variable, especially during off-peak hours or for longer distances. The cost of ride-sharing to Durham can be substantial, posing a financial burden for patients.

Medical transport services, such as medical car services, are available, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility issues. The cost of these services is generally higher than ride-sharing, but they offer a more reliable and supportive option.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services improves the Breast Cancer Score, offering alternative transportation options. However, the cost and potential unreliability of ride-sharing and the higher cost of medical transport services still present challenges.

**Impact on the Breast Cancer Score:**

The Breast Cancer Score for 27537 is moderate. The easy access to Maria Parham Health is a positive factor. The longer commute to Duke Cancer Institute, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on potentially expensive ride-sharing or medical transport services for specialized care, are negative factors.

For individuals considering moving to Henderson, or for those newly diagnosed, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. It is essential to factor in the time and cost of accessing healthcare, particularly for appointments at Duke Cancer Institute.

**Recommendations:**

Residents of 27537 should proactively explore all available transportation options. Consider the following:

* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule appointments at Duke Cancer Institute well in advance, allowing ample time for travel and accounting for potential traffic delays.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing:** Utilize ride-sharing services, comparing costs and availability.
* **Investigate Medical Transport:** Research medical transport services, comparing pricing and services offered.
* **Advocate for Improved Transit:** Support initiatives to improve public transportation options, including routes to Durham and ADA-compliant features.
* **Utilize Support Networks:** Lean on family, friends, and community organizations for transportation assistance.
* **Consider Proximity:** When choosing a home, consider proximity to Maria Parham Health for ease of access to primary care and initial diagnostics.

The Breast Cancer Score is not a static value. It can be improved through community efforts, policy changes, and individual planning. By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively addressing the challenges, residents of 27537 can better navigate the healthcare system and improve their chances of successful treatment and recovery. Moving to Henderson requires thorough consideration of healthcare access, and this analysis provides a vital piece of that puzzle.