28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28460, Sneads Ferry, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.12 percent of residents in 28460 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nmc Camp Lejeune with a distance of 12.69 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Sneads Ferry (ZIP Code 28460)

Moving to Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, offers a lifestyle steeped in coastal charm. However, before you unpack your boxes and embrace the tranquility, it's crucial to understand the realities of healthcare access, particularly concerning breast cancer screening and treatment. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 28460, evaluating transportation options to essential medical facilities. This score is not a definitive medical assessment, but rather a practical guide to understanding how you might access potentially life-saving care.

The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. The goal is to paint a realistic picture of your transportation landscape, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being. This is especially critical for women, as early detection of breast cancer dramatically improves treatment outcomes. The score will highlight potential challenges and offer insights into how you can navigate the healthcare system in this beautiful, yet geographically spread-out, region.

The foundation of this assessment is the understanding that timely access to healthcare is paramount. Breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment often involve multiple appointments, requiring reliable and efficient transportation. The "Breast Cancer Score" aims to illuminate the practical aspects of this journey, from your doorstep in Sneads Ferry to the medical facilities providing care.

**Drive Time Dynamics: The Road to Healthcare**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents of Sneads Ferry is the personal vehicle. The drive times to key healthcare providers are therefore a critical element of the "Breast Cancer Score." The closest hospitals and comprehensive cancer centers are located in Jacksonville and Wilmington.

To reach Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, the most direct route involves taking Highway 17 North. The drive, depending on traffic, typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes. This journey involves navigating a two-lane highway, which can experience congestion during peak hours and on weekends. Consider the potential for delays, especially if you require frequent appointments.

For more specialized care, including advanced cancer treatment, you might need to travel to Wilmington. The journey to New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC) involves taking Highway 17 South. This drive can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Wilmington. The portion of Highway 17 between Sneads Ferry and Wilmington often experiences heavy traffic, particularly near the Topsail Island bridge and as you approach the city.

The "Breast Cancer Score" acknowledges that these drive times can be significantly impacted by unexpected circumstances. Accidents, construction, and inclement weather can all contribute to delays, potentially affecting your ability to keep appointments or receive timely care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in the Sneads Ferry area are limited. The Jacksonville Transit System (JTS) provides some service within Jacksonville, but it does not extend to Sneads Ferry. This means that relying on public transit for healthcare access is not a viable option for most residents.

The absence of readily available public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. This is particularly relevant for elderly residents, those with disabilities, and individuals facing financial constraints. The "Breast Cancer Score" recognizes this limitation and considers the impact on healthcare access.

The lack of public transit also impacts the ability to attend multiple appointments in a single day. The time required for travel and the potential for delays can make it difficult to manage a busy schedule of medical visits.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Sneads Ferry area, but their reliability and availability can vary. While these services offer a convenient alternative to driving, they are not always readily accessible, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies, are available for individuals who require assistance with transportation due to medical conditions. These services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers the availability and cost of these specialized services.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can be a crucial factor in determining healthcare access. However, their limitations, including cost and availability, must be carefully considered.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" Calculation and Interpretation**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Sneads Ferry (28460) is based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The score is presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing the lowest level of healthcare access and 10 representing the highest.

The score is calculated using the following weights:

* **Drive Time:** 40% (Considering the average drive times to Jacksonville and Wilmington)
* **Public Transit Availability:** 10% (Reflecting the limited public transit options)
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** 20% (Considering the availability and cost of ride-sharing services)
* **Medical Transport Availability:** 20% (Considering the availability and cost of medical transport services)
* **Proximity to Support Services:** 10% (Considering the availability of local support services, such as support groups and patient navigators)

**Interpretation of the Score:**

* **1-3:** Very Limited Access. Significant challenges in accessing healthcare, requiring careful planning and potentially relying on assistance from family, friends, or specialized services.
* **4-6:** Moderate Access. Some challenges in accessing healthcare, requiring careful planning and potentially relying on ride-sharing or medical transportation services.
* **7-8:** Good Access. Relatively easy access to healthcare, with some reliance on personal vehicles and potentially ride-sharing services.
* **9-10:** Excellent Access. Easy access to healthcare, with multiple transportation options and minimal delays.

**Recommendations for Residents and Prospective Movers**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Sneads Ferry (28460) is likely to fall in the **4-6 range**, indicating moderate access to healthcare.

For residents and prospective movers, it is essential to:

* **Plan for Transportation:** Factor in drive times to medical facilities and consider the potential for delays.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing Options:** Familiarize yourself with ride-sharing services and their availability in the area.
* **Investigate Medical Transport:** If needed, research medical transportation services and understand their costs and availability.
* **Build a Support Network:** Cultivate a network of friends, family, or community members who can assist with transportation.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** When choosing a home, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and the ease of transportation.
* **Advocate for Improved Transportation:** Support initiatives that aim to improve public transportation and healthcare access in the area.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is designed to empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate the healthcare landscape in Sneads Ferry. By understanding the transportation challenges and opportunities, you can make informed decisions about your health and well-being. Remember, early detection and timely access to care are crucial in the fight against breast cancer. This assessment provides a starting point for understanding the practical realities of healthcare access in your new community.