28478, Willard, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28478, Willard, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.84 percent of residents in 28478 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.03 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Willard, NC (ZIP Code 28478)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates accessible and reliable transportation, a factor that profoundly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. This write-up explores the landscape of transportation options for residents of Willard, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28478), providing a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, a measure of the ease with which individuals can access vital breast cancer healthcare services. This is especially crucial for those considering **moving to Willard**, understanding the realities of **healthcare access** is paramount.

Willard, a small community nestled in Pender County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding **transportation** to healthcare facilities. The primary focus will be on accessing facilities offering breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. The score will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture of the accessibility landscape.

**Drive Time Analysis: The Road to Care**

The most common mode of transportation in Willard is the personal vehicle. The primary routes to access healthcare facilities involve navigating the local roads and highways. The closest significant healthcare hubs are in Wilmington, approximately 30-40 miles away, and Jacksonville, roughly 50-60 miles distant.

Traveling to Wilmington, the most direct route typically involves taking NC-210 East, which connects to US-17 South. Traffic conditions on US-17 can vary, especially during peak hours and near Wilmington. Expect a drive time of around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This route offers a relatively straightforward journey, but the distance necessitates careful planning, especially for those undergoing treatment requiring frequent visits.

Alternatively, accessing healthcare in Jacksonville involves taking NC-210 West, which then connects to NC-24 East. This route, while longer, might be preferable depending on the specific healthcare provider or specialist needed. Drive times range from an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. The roads are generally well-maintained, but the distance remains a significant factor.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities are available in Burgaw, approximately 15-20 minutes away. While these facilities may offer basic services, comprehensive breast cancer care, including mammograms, biopsies, and specialized treatment, typically requires travel to Wilmington or Jacksonville.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Pender County are limited. The county does not have a comprehensive public bus system that regularly serves Willard. This severely restricts access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive.

The Wilmington area, however, does have a public bus system, Wave Transit. While Wave Transit offers routes within Wilmington, it does not extend to Willard. This means relying on Wave Transit for appointments in Wilmington would involve a significant commute, potentially requiring multiple transfers and extended travel times.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transit. Wave Transit vehicles are equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of direct routes from Willard to Wilmington limits the usefulness of this option for breast cancer patients.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Wilmington and Jacksonville areas. However, their availability in Willard itself can be sporadic, and wait times can be significantly longer than in more urban areas. This unreliability poses a challenge for scheduled appointments and emergencies.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist with mobility and other needs. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including First Medical Transportation and Med-Ride. These services can be invaluable for patients who cannot drive or require assistance, but they come with a cost and require advance booking.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, Willard, NC (28478) receives a moderate "Breast Cancer Score." While the primary route to healthcare facilities is manageable by car, the distance and potential for traffic congestion present challenges. The absence of reliable public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services further restrict access. Medical transportation services offer a viable alternative, but the associated costs and the need for pre-planning must be considered.

The score reflects the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation logistics for residents of Willard seeking breast cancer care. Those **moving to Willard** should prioritize assessing their transportation needs and exploring all available options to ensure timely and consistent access to healthcare.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

Several steps could improve healthcare access for breast cancer patients in Willard. Increased investment in public transportation, including extending routes to serve Willard, would significantly benefit residents. Partnerships with ride-sharing services to ensure reliable availability in the area could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of medical transport services and providing financial assistance to patients who need them could ease the burden of transportation costs. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations to offer transportation assistance programs would further enhance access.

Finally, encouraging the establishment of satellite clinics or telehealth services in Willard could bring some level of care closer to home, reducing the need for long-distance travel. This multifaceted approach is crucial to ensure that residents of Willard have equitable access to the vital healthcare services they need, particularly in the face of a breast cancer diagnosis. The realities of **healthcare access** must be fully understood before **moving to Willard**.