28318, Autryville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28318, Autryville, North Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

39.49 percent of residents in 28318 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 15.77 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Autryville (ZIP Code 28318)

The decision to relocate, especially to a new community like Autryville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28318), involves a complex web of considerations. Beyond the charm of small-town living and the allure of a slower pace, one critical factor demands meticulous assessment: healthcare access, particularly for women facing the potential challenges of breast cancer. This write-up serves as a “Breast Cancer Score” analysis, delving into the transportation landscape within and surrounding Autryville, meticulously examining drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, all crucial elements in ensuring timely and effective healthcare access.

Autryville, a rural community nestled in Sampson County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. Its location, while offering tranquility, necessitates careful planning for healthcare appointments, especially those related to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The score evaluates the practicality of reaching essential medical facilities, considering the potential impact of transportation limitations on a patient's well-being and treatment adherence.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The primary mode of transportation in Autryville is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The roads, while generally well-maintained, dictate the accessibility of healthcare facilities. For residents, the most immediate healthcare options are likely to be found in nearby towns like Clinton and Fayetteville.

Reaching Clinton, the county seat, involves navigating primarily on US-421 South. The drive, assuming moderate traffic conditions, typically takes around 20-25 minutes. This route provides relatively straightforward access to Sampson Regional Medical Center, a crucial healthcare hub for the region. The drive time, while manageable, necessitates considering factors such as potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours, and the physical limitations of a patient undergoing treatment.

Fayetteville, a larger city offering a broader range of specialized medical services, presents a more significant commute. The primary route involves taking US-421 North to I-95 South, then onto NC-24 West. This journey, encompassing approximately 30-45 minutes, provides access to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, a comprehensive facility equipped with specialized cancer care units. The longer drive time emphasizes the importance of reliable transportation and the potential for fatigue, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Further afield, Duke University Hospital in Durham and UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill offer advanced cancer care. These facilities, while providing exceptional medical expertise, require a significantly longer commute, typically exceeding one and a half to two hours. The drive necessitates careful planning, considering factors such as traffic, potential overnight stays, and the need for companion support.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in and around Autryville are, regrettably, limited. The rural nature of the area and the dispersed population density make establishing a robust public transit system challenging.

The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides bus service within Fayetteville, but its routes do not extend directly to Autryville. Residents would need to arrange alternative transportation to reach a FAST bus stop, significantly increasing the complexity of their journey. The lack of direct public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation solutions.

ADA accessibility, a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations, is a core tenet of FAST. All FAST buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the absence of direct routes to Autryville limits the practical application of these ADA-compliant features for residents of the town.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for those without personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services in Autryville and the surrounding areas is variable. The reliance on ride-share services can also be financially burdensome, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, specializing in transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during travel. While medical transport provides a valuable service, it often comes at a higher cost than ride-share or public transit.

Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including Firstat Nursing Services and Medical Transport Services. These services offer door-to-door transportation, ensuring patients reach their appointments safely and comfortably. However, the availability and cost of medical transport services should be carefully considered when evaluating healthcare access.

**Moving to Autryville: A Healthcare Access Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Autryville, the “Breast Cancer Score” highlights the importance of prioritizing healthcare access. While the town offers a peaceful and close-knit community, its rural location presents challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive medical care.

The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation underscores the need for reliable and well-maintained transportation. Potential residents should consider the commute times to healthcare facilities, factoring in potential traffic delays and the physical demands of travel.

The limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-share services emphasize the need for alternative transportation solutions. Exploring the availability and cost of medical transport services is crucial, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing cancer treatment.

Furthermore, prospective residents should research the availability of support services within Autryville and the surrounding areas. Cancer support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and community resources can provide invaluable assistance to individuals navigating the challenges of breast cancer.

In conclusion, the “Breast Cancer Score” for Autryville reveals a complex picture. While the community offers a tranquil environment, the transportation landscape presents significant challenges for healthcare access. Careful planning, proactive research, and a willingness to explore alternative transportation solutions are essential for ensuring timely and effective healthcare for residents of Autryville, particularly those facing the complexities of breast cancer. This analysis underscores the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning when considering a move to this charming, yet geographically isolated, community. The ability to navigate the transportation challenges directly impacts the quality of life and the success of treatment for those battling this formidable disease.