27845, Jackson, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27845, Jackson, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.50 percent of residents in 27845 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.34 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Halifax Regional Medical Center Inc with a distance of 13.46 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Jackson, NC (ZIP Code 27845)

The diagnosis of breast cancer is a life-altering event, demanding not only expert medical care but also readily accessible and reliable transportation to and from treatment. This analysis, tailored for residents of Jackson, North Carolina (ZIP code 27845), delves into the critical intersection of transportation and healthcare access, providing a “Breast Cancer Score” to assess the ease with which individuals can navigate their medical journey. Considering the unique challenges faced by those battling this disease, this score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive overview of the landscape.

For individuals in Jackson, the primary healthcare hub for breast cancer treatment is likely to be in Roanoke Rapids, a city approximately 20 miles east. The journey, while seemingly short, can be significantly impacted by traffic, road conditions, and individual circumstances. The most direct route typically involves taking US-158 East, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion during peak hours, especially around intersections. Expect a drive time of around 30-40 minutes in normal traffic conditions.

Alternatively, residents can utilize NC-46 North, which merges onto US-158 East. This route, while offering a slightly different perspective, doesn't necessarily guarantee a faster journey, and the drive time remains comparable. The quality of these roads is generally acceptable, but potholes and uneven surfaces can be a concern, particularly for those undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue or physical limitations.

In the absence of a personal vehicle, public transportation becomes a critical consideration. Unfortunately, the public transit options in and around Jackson are limited. The primary provider, Roanoke Valley Transportation, offers bus services within the Roanoke Rapids area, but these routes are infrequent and do not extend directly to Jackson. This severely restricts the accessibility of healthcare for those who cannot drive or lack access to a car.

The absence of robust public transit underscores the dependence on alternative transportation methods. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of frequent rides to and from medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden, adding another layer of stress to an already challenging situation.

For individuals with specific medical needs, medical transport services offer a specialized solution. These services, such as MedTrans and others, provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While these services offer a crucial lifeline for those with mobility limitations, they often require advance booking and can be expensive. The availability of these services in Jackson is an important factor in assessing the overall accessibility of healthcare.

The Breast Cancer Score for Jackson, NC (27845) reflects the challenges outlined above. The score is designed to reflect the ease with which a patient can access breast cancer treatment, considering the various transportation options available. The score is calculated based on a weighted system, with drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport services each contributing to the overall assessment.

Drive times, particularly the 30-40 minute journey to Roanoke Rapids, receive a moderate score. While not excessively long, the potential for traffic delays and the need to factor in travel time to and from appointments impact the score. The limited public transit options significantly detract from the score. The lack of direct bus routes and infrequent service negatively impacts healthcare access for those without personal transportation.

The availability of ride-sharing services receives a mixed score. While these services provide a potential solution, their reliability and cost can be problematic. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing, especially in a rural area, can create anxiety for patients who need to attend regular appointments. Medical transport services, while offering a crucial safety net for those with mobility limitations, receive a moderate score due to their cost and the need for advance booking.

Considering these factors, the Breast Cancer Score for Jackson, NC (27845) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential cost and unreliability of ride-sharing services create barriers for some residents. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline for those with specific needs, but the overall score is impacted by the challenges faced by those without these resources.

For individuals considering moving to Jackson, NC (27845), the Breast Cancer Score is an important factor to consider. The availability of healthcare services and the ease with which they can be accessed are critical for overall well-being. Understanding the transportation landscape and the potential challenges of accessing treatment is crucial for making an informed decision.

To improve the Breast Cancer Score, several measures could be implemented. Expanding public transit options, including direct routes to healthcare facilities in Roanoke Rapids, would significantly enhance accessibility. Partnering with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could alleviate financial burdens. Increasing awareness of medical transport services and providing financial assistance for eligible patients would also be beneficial.

The Breast Cancer Score is not just a numerical assessment; it is a reflection of the real-world challenges faced by individuals battling this disease. By understanding the transportation landscape and the obstacles that patients face, communities can work to improve healthcare access and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to receive timely and effective treatment. The journey to recovery is difficult enough; ensuring that transportation is not an additional burden is a crucial step in supporting those affected by breast cancer.