27946, Hobbsville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 27946, Hobbsville, North Carolina is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.33 percent of residents in 27946 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Chowan Hospital with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hobbsville, NC (ZIP Code 27946)

The specter of a breast cancer diagnosis casts a long shadow, demanding swift and reliable access to specialized care. For residents of Hobbsville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27946), the journey to quality healthcare involves navigating the unique challenges of a rural landscape. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score," a comprehensive assessment of transportation options available, and their potential impact on timely healthcare access, crucial for anyone *moving to Hobbsville*.

This score considers the availability of transportation, the distance to specialized medical facilities, and the feasibility of reaching them via various modes. It's a critical component of understanding *healthcare access* in the area, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The score is not a definitive medical assessment, but rather a practical guide to the logistical realities of receiving care.

The primary concern is the distance to comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers. The closest facilities offering specialized services, including surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology, are located in Elizabeth City, approximately 30 miles away. This journey forms the foundation of our transportation analysis.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of *transportation* for residents is personal vehicles. The primary route to Elizabeth City involves traveling east on US-17. This highway, a vital artery for the region, is generally well-maintained, but traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours or due to seasonal tourism. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

Alternatively, residents can utilize NC-37 South, which merges onto US-17. This route, while slightly shorter in distance, can be more winding and may add time to the journey. Road conditions on NC-37 can also vary, potentially impacting travel times.

Local roads, such as Hobbsville Road and Sawyer's Creek Road, provide access to US-17 and NC-37, but they are primarily residential and not designed for high-speed travel. These roads are generally well-maintained, but caution is advised, especially during inclement weather.

**Public Transit Challenges:**

Public *transportation* options in Hobbsville are limited. The area is not served by a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public *transportation* poses a significant barrier for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, particularly those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

While there are no fixed-route buses serving Hobbsville, the Albemarle Commission operates a demand-response *transportation* service called "The Tide." This service requires advance booking and is primarily designed for medical appointments and essential errands. The Tide provides curb-to-curb service, but availability is limited, and scheduling can be challenging, especially for urgent medical needs.

The Tide does offer ADA-accessible vehicles, ensuring *healthcare access* for individuals with disabilities. However, the demand-response nature of the service means that travel times can be longer than driving, as the vehicle may need to accommodate multiple passengers with different destinations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Elizabeth City, but their presence in Hobbsville is sporadic. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore not always a reliable option.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services, often operated by private companies, provide door-to-door *transportation*, including assistance with mobility. However, these services can be costly, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

Several medical *transportation* providers serve the area, including local ambulance services and private companies specializing in non-emergency medical *transportation*. These services typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff to assist patients.

**Impact on the Breast Cancer Score:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Hobbsville, NC (27946), reflects the challenges and limitations of *transportation* options. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public *transportation* and ride-sharing services, poses significant hurdles for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer.

The distance to specialized treatment centers in Elizabeth City, combined with potential traffic delays, adds to the stress and complexity of receiving care. The lack of readily available public *transportation* disproportionately affects individuals with limited mobility, financial constraints, or those who cannot drive.

The availability of demand-response *transportation* through The Tide and medical *transportation* services offers some relief, but these options often require advance planning and can be expensive. The overall score reflects a need for increased *healthcare access* through improved *transportation* infrastructure and services.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

For individuals *moving to Hobbsville* or currently residing in the area, proactive planning is crucial. Establishing a reliable *transportation* plan, including identifying potential drivers, exploring medical *transportation* options, and understanding the limitations of public *transportation*, is essential.

Contacting local healthcare providers and support groups can provide valuable information about available resources and assistance programs. Exploring options for carpooling or ride-sharing with other patients can also help alleviate *transportation* challenges.

Advocating for improved public *transportation* services and increased access to medical *transportation* options is vital to improving *healthcare access* for all residents, particularly those facing a breast cancer diagnosis. The community should also consider supporting initiatives that promote early detection and screening, which can significantly improve outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Hobbsville, NC (27946), highlights the critical role of *transportation* in accessing timely and effective breast cancer care. While the area offers some options, the limitations of public *transportation*, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the distance to specialized facilities create significant challenges. Addressing these challenges through improved *transportation* infrastructure, expanded services, and proactive planning is essential to ensuring that all residents have equitable *healthcare access* and the best possible chance of overcoming this devastating disease. The journey to healing begins with the journey to care, and in Hobbsville, that journey requires careful consideration and strategic planning.