28385, Salemburg, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28385, Salemburg, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.21 percent of residents in 28385 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.11 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Salemburg, NC (ZIP Code 28385)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the medical expertise of doctors and nurses but also the practicalities of transportation. For residents of Salemburg, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28385), understanding the landscape of healthcare access, including the available transportation options, is paramount. This report, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the realities of navigating the healthcare system, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Salemburg, or already living there, and needing to understand the accessibility of essential medical care.

Salemburg, a small town nestled in Sampson County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in larger cities, necessitating travel. The primary consideration for residents is the time and mode of transportation needed to reach these facilities. This "Breast Cancer Score" is designed to inform and empower individuals in making informed decisions about their healthcare needs and the practicality of living in this community.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Healthcare Access**

The primary routes for accessing breast cancer care from Salemburg involve driving. The most direct path to Fayetteville, where Cape Fear Valley Health System offers cancer care, is via US-421 North. This drive, typically spanning approximately 40 miles, can take around 50 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. The journey often involves navigating rural roads, making reliable transportation, and the ability to drive, essential.

Alternatively, residents might consider driving to Wilmington, where New Hanover Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive cancer treatment. This route requires a longer drive, typically taking around an hour and 45 minutes, covering approximately 85 miles. The most common route involves taking NC-24 East to I-40 East, then merging onto US-17 South. This longer journey highlights the importance of planning and considering the potential for fatigue, especially for patients undergoing treatment.

Other options include driving to Raleigh, where Duke Cancer Institute and UNC Health offer advanced cancer care. This is the longest drive, taking approximately two hours, and covering around 110 miles. The route involves taking US-421 North to I-40 East, then merging onto I-440. This journey underscores the significance of personal vehicles and the potential burden of long-distance travel for frequent appointments.

The availability of a reliable vehicle, the ability to drive, and the financial resources to cover the costs of gas, maintenance, and parking are crucial factors in accessing healthcare. These factors significantly influence the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Salemburg.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Sampson County and the surrounding areas are limited. There is no direct public transit route that connects Salemburg with major cancer care facilities in Fayetteville, Wilmington, or Raleigh. The absence of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with personal transportation.

While Sampson County does offer some public transportation services, they are primarily focused on serving the needs of the elderly and disabled. These services, often requiring advance booking, may not always be suitable for the frequent and sometimes urgent appointments associated with breast cancer treatment. The lack of accessible and convenient public transit significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents relying on alternative transportation.

The absence of public transit options necessitates reliance on private transportation, further emphasizing the importance of personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical transport.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability can vary depending on the time of day, location, and demand. Residents of Salemburg may experience longer wait times and higher fares compared to those in larger cities. Ride-sharing services can be a valuable option for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle, but the cost can be a significant barrier.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including First Choice Medical Transport, and others. These services can be expensive, but they provide a vital lifeline for patients who are unable to drive or use public transportation.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are critical factors in the "Breast Cancer Score" for residents of Salemburg. The ability to access these services, along with their associated costs, significantly impacts healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access and the "Breast Cancer Score": A Holistic View**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Salemburg, NC (ZIP Code 28385), is not simply a number; it's a reflection of the complex interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and the overall well-being of residents. The score considers factors such as drive times to cancer care facilities, the availability of public transit, the reliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport.

For individuals considering moving to Salemburg, this assessment provides a critical understanding of the healthcare landscape. It emphasizes the importance of personal vehicles, the potential challenges of relying on limited public transit, and the role of ride-sharing and medical transport in bridging the gaps in healthcare access.

This assessment is not intended to discourage individuals from moving to Salemburg, but rather to empower them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. It highlights the importance of planning, resourcefulness, and the need to proactively address transportation challenges to ensure timely and accessible healthcare.

The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical facilities; it's also about the ability to get there. By understanding the transportation landscape, residents of Salemburg can navigate the healthcare system with greater confidence and ensure they receive the care they need. This is especially important for those undergoing the difficult journey of breast cancer treatment, where every moment matters.