28369, Orrum, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28369, Orrum, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.25 percent of residents in 28369 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 12.41 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Orrum, NC (ZIP Code 28369)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing the complexities of breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates reliable and accessible transportation, a critical factor in the overall well-being of patients. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape surrounding Orrum, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28369), offering a “Breast Cancer Score” assessment, a holistic view of healthcare access that considers the realities of getting to and from appointments, treatments, and support services. For individuals considering moving to Orrum, understanding these transportation dynamics is essential.

Orrum, a small community nestled in Robeson County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are not immediately within reach. The success of treatment and the quality of life for breast cancer patients are intricately linked to their ability to navigate the transportation network. This analysis considers the practicalities of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, offering a nuanced perspective on healthcare accessibility in this rural setting.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary mode of transportation in and around Orrum is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities, including those offering specialized breast cancer care, become a crucial element of the “Breast Cancer Score.”

The most direct route to Lumberton, the county seat and a likely destination for healthcare services, involves traveling on NC-41, a two-lane highway that offers a relatively smooth journey. The drive typically takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Lumberton. However, the availability of specialty care might necessitate journeys to larger cities like Fayetteville or even further afield.

A trip to Fayetteville, a regional hub with more extensive medical resources, involves a drive of approximately 45 to 60 minutes, primarily using I-95, a major interstate highway. While the interstate offers higher speeds, it can also be subject to congestion, particularly during peak hours. The journey to Wilmington, a coastal city with advanced medical centers, demands a drive of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, utilizing I-95 South and then US-74 East. This longer travel time necessitates careful planning and consideration of the patient's physical condition and stamina.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for increased stress and fatigue for patients. The “Breast Cancer Score” reflects this reliance and the need for alternative transportation options.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation in Robeson County, including Orrum, is extremely limited. This scarcity significantly impacts the “Breast Cancer Score.” The primary provider of public transit is the Robeson County Transportation Department. However, their services are primarily demand-response, meaning they require advance booking and are often restricted to specific routes and schedules.

The availability of fixed-route buses, offering regular service to key destinations, is virtually nonexistent in Orrum. This lack of readily available public transit poses a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or prefer not to drive due to medical conditions or other limitations.

The Robeson County Transportation Department’s vehicles are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering accessibility features such as wheelchair lifts. However, the limited service area and the need for advance booking can still present challenges for individuals with mobility impairments or other disabilities. The "Breast Cancer Score" acknowledges the scarcity of public transit and its impact on healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has offered an alternative transportation option, but their availability in rural areas like Orrum is often inconsistent. The "Breast Cancer Score" must consider the reliability of these services. While a ride-sharing service might be available, wait times can be lengthy, and the cost can be prohibitive, especially for frequent appointments.

Specialized medical transportation services, such as those provided by companies like MedTrans or CareRide, offer a more tailored solution for patients needing assistance. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services typically come at a higher cost, and their availability may be limited, especially for residents of smaller communities. The "Breast Cancer Score" weighs the benefits of these services against their cost and availability.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" and Considerations for Moving to Orrum**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Orrum, NC (ZIP Code 28369) reflects a complex interplay of factors. The reliance on personal vehicles for accessing healthcare is a significant factor. Drive times to specialized cancer care facilities can be substantial, potentially increasing stress and fatigue for patients. The scarcity of public transit options further exacerbates the challenge, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services may offer a limited solution, but their availability and cost can be unpredictable. Specialized medical transportation services provide a more tailored option, but they are often more expensive and may have limited availability.

For individuals considering moving to Orrum, understanding these transportation dynamics is critical. The "Breast Cancer Score" should prompt careful consideration of the following:

* **Proximity to Healthcare:** The distance to cancer care facilities and the ease of access should be a primary consideration.
* **Transportation Options:** Assess the availability and reliability of personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options.
* **Financial Implications:** Factor in the cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transport services.
* **Support Network:** Consider the availability of family, friends, or community support to assist with transportation needs.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Orrum underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare access, not just in terms of medical expertise but also in terms of the ability to get to and from appointments, treatments, and support services. The transportation landscape is a crucial element in the overall well-being of breast cancer patients, and the challenges presented in Orrum highlight the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access in rural communities.