28365, Mount Olive, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28365, Mount Olive, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.94 percent of residents in 28365 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 14.60 miles from the area.

The fight against breast cancer is a journey, and for residents of ZIP Code 28365, Mount Olive, North Carolina, that journey begins with transportation. Assessing healthcare access in this rural community requires understanding the intricate web of roads, public transit, and ride-sharing options that connect individuals to vital medical services. This “Breast Cancer Score” aims to illuminate the realities of accessing care, a crucial factor for anyone moving to Mount Olive, and provides a snapshot of the challenges and opportunities in navigating this complex landscape.

The primary artery for travel in and out of Mount Olive is US-117. This highway, a lifeline for commuters and those seeking healthcare, stretches north and south, connecting to major thoroughfares like I-40. Driving to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers, located in Goldsboro or Greenville, demands careful planning. A drive to Goldsboro, home to Wayne UNC Health Care, a regional healthcare provider, typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey involves navigating US-117 and then maneuvering through the city streets.

Further east, Greenville, the location of Vidant Medical Center, a larger facility with specialized oncology services, presents a longer commute. Expect a drive of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and forty-five minutes, primarily on US-117 and US-264. This extended travel time can be a significant burden for patients undergoing treatment, requiring frequent visits for chemotherapy, radiation, or follow-up appointments. The availability of reliable transportation directly impacts treatment adherence and overall outcomes.

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 28365 are limited. The Wayne County Transportation Authority (WCTA) offers demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While the WCTA aims to provide transportation for medical appointments, its availability and scheduling constraints can pose challenges. The service area is county-wide, which means that the WCTA is a viable option, but may not be the most direct or convenient.

ADA-compliant vehicles are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service hours and potential for delays necessitate careful planning. For breast cancer patients, who may experience fatigue, nausea, or other side effects, the reliability and comfort of transportation are paramount. The success of cancer care is tied to the ability of patients to access it.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. Relying on ride-sharing requires careful consideration of cost, availability, and the potential for delays. The financial burden of frequent rides can add to the stress of a cancer diagnosis.

Medical transportation services, like those offered by private companies, provide another option. These services often specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. However, they can be expensive, and their availability may be limited. Thorough research is essential to identify reputable providers and understand the associated costs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28365 reflects the multifaceted nature of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create a complex landscape. This complexity directly impacts a patient's ability to access timely and consistent care.

Moving to Mount Olive, a community with a strong sense of neighborliness, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. The drive times to cancer centers, the limitations of public transportation, and the availability of ride-sharing services should be factored into the decision-making process. Understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis.

This assessment is not a definitive score, but a starting point for understanding the transportation challenges faced by residents of ZIP Code 28365. The information presented highlights the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in this rural community. The development of enhanced public transportation options, partnerships with ride-sharing services, and increased availability of medical transportation could significantly improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients.

The lack of readily available transportation can be a significant barrier to care. The financial strain of frequent rides, the potential for delays, and the physical demands of long commutes can all impact treatment adherence and overall outcomes. Improving transportation infrastructure and expanding access to affordable and reliable options are crucial steps in the fight against breast cancer.

The "Breast Cancer Score" underscores the importance of community support. Neighbors, friends, and family members can play a vital role in providing transportation, offering emotional support, and helping patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. Community initiatives that address transportation challenges can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

The journey to fight cancer is a marathon, not a sprint. Addressing the transportation barriers faced by residents of ZIP Code 28365 is a critical step in ensuring that everyone has equal access to the care they need. By understanding the challenges and working together to find solutions, the community can create a more supportive environment for breast cancer patients.

This assessment is a call to action. It encourages residents, healthcare providers, and community leaders to collaborate on innovative solutions to improve healthcare access. From advocating for expanded public transit to supporting ride-sharing initiatives, every effort contributes to creating a healthier and more equitable community.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 28365 serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not just about medical facilities; it's about the ability to get there. By addressing the transportation challenges, the community can empower breast cancer patients to focus on what matters most: their health and well-being. The journey to recovery should not be made harder by the lack of transportation.

The future for breast cancer patients in Mount Olive depends on a collective commitment to improving healthcare access. This requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in transportation infrastructure, community support programs, and partnerships with healthcare providers. The goal is to create a system where every patient can receive the care they need, regardless of their location or circumstances.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is a living document, and its value will evolve as the community responds to the challenges and opportunities. By continuing to monitor the transportation landscape, advocating for improvements, and supporting those affected by breast cancer, the residents of ZIP Code 28365 can create a healthier and more hopeful future. The success of cancer care is tied to the ability of patients to access it.