28441, Garland, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28441, Garland, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.07 percent of residents in 28441 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Fear Valley-Bladen County Hospital with a distance of 15.46 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Garland, NC (ZIP Code 28441)**

The journey to healthcare, especially for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a complex one. It's not just about the treatment itself, but also the accessibility of that treatment. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 28441 (Garland, North Carolina), examines the transportation landscape and healthcare access specifically for breast cancer care. It considers the realities of commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities for residents.

The importance of timely and consistent access to care cannot be overstated. Early detection and treatment are critical in the fight against breast cancer, making every minute of travel time a potential factor in patient outcomes. This assessment aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," a qualitative measure of the ease with which residents can reach vital breast cancer services.

**The Road Ahead: Drive Times and Highway Realities**

For those in Garland, the most common mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare facilities are US-701 and NC-41. These highways, while offering direct routes, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer center, located in Wilmington, NC, approximately 60 miles away, can take anywhere from an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and forty-five minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The route typically involves navigating US-701 south to NC-41 east, then merging onto I-40 East towards Wilmington. While I-40 provides a more direct and higher-speed route, traffic congestion around Wilmington can significantly impact travel times.

For those seeking more localized care, Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC, offers some cancer services. The drive to Clinton is approximately 20 miles, taking around 30 to 40 minutes via US-701 North. This option presents a shorter commute, but the scope of services available might be more limited compared to the larger cancer centers in Wilmington.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in rural areas like Garland are often limited. The availability of reliable public transit is a crucial factor in healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Unfortunately, there is no established public bus route that directly connects Garland to Wilmington or Clinton. This lack of public transit creates a significant barrier for those who depend on it.

For individuals with disabilities, ADA-compliant transportation is essential. The absence of accessible public transit options in Garland presents a major challenge.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing for long distances, such as the trip to Wilmington, can be prohibitive for many residents.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance services or specialized medical transport companies, are an option for those requiring assistance. These services can provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments. However, they often require pre-booking and can be expensive, depending on the insurance coverage.

**Healthcare Access: The Critical Component**

The availability of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment services in close proximity to Garland is a key determinant of healthcare access. While Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton offers some services, the comprehensive cancer centers in Wilmington are likely to provide a wider range of specialized care, including advanced treatments and clinical trials.

The distance to these centers, coupled with the limitations of transportation options, can create significant challenges for patients. The Breast Cancer Score will consider the availability of these services, the drive times, and the transportation options available to residents.

**The "Moving to Garland" Consideration**

For individuals considering a move to Garland, the availability of healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer care, should be a primary consideration. The lack of public transportation and the distance to specialized cancer centers are significant factors.

Potential residents should thoroughly research the transportation options available, assess their ability to drive or secure alternative transportation, and consider the financial implications of these choices. They should also investigate the availability of support services, such as patient navigators, that can assist with coordinating transportation and accessing care.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Qualitative Assessment**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare access, a Breast Cancer Score for Garland, NC (ZIP code 28441) is as follows:

**Score: Fair to Poor**

**Justification:**

* **Drive Times:** The drive times to comprehensive cancer centers in Wilmington are significant, ranging from an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and forty-five minutes.
* **Public Transit:** The absence of public transportation severely limits access for those who cannot drive.
* **Ride-Share and Medical Transport:** Ride-share availability is inconsistent, and medical transport can be expensive.
* **Healthcare Access:** While some services are available in Clinton, the need to travel to Wilmington for comprehensive care adds complexity.

**Recommendations:**

* **Advocate for Public Transit:** Advocate for the expansion of public transportation services to connect Garland with healthcare facilities in Wilmington and Clinton.
* **Support Ride-Share Initiatives:** Encourage ride-sharing services to improve their availability and affordability in the area.
* **Promote Medical Transportation:** Ensure that medical transportation services are readily available and affordable for residents.
* **Patient Navigation:** Support patient navigation programs to assist individuals in coordinating transportation and accessing care.
* **Telehealth Expansion:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for travel for certain appointments.

This "Breast Cancer Score" provides a snapshot of the healthcare access landscape in Garland, NC. It highlights the challenges faced by residents and underscores the need for improvements in transportation and healthcare services to ensure that all individuals have equitable access to life-saving breast cancer care. The journey to healthcare should not be a barrier to survival.