28518, Beulaville, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.98 percent of residents in 28518 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 11.71 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28518 (Beulaville, NC)**

Navigating the healthcare landscape, particularly for a critical diagnosis like breast cancer, demands not only medical expertise but also accessible and reliable transportation. This analysis evaluates the commute to healthcare in ZIP code 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" based on transportation options, travel times, and accessibility. This score provides a critical perspective for residents and those considering moving to Beulaville, illuminating the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare access.

Beulaville, a charming rural community, presents unique transportation considerations. The primary mode of travel is personal vehicle, with highways and roads forming the arterial network. Public transit is limited, and ride-sharing services might be less readily available than in more urban areas. Medical transportation options are available, but their reach and cost are crucial factors. The Breast Cancer Score reflects these realities, providing a nuanced understanding of the transportation burden for those seeking breast cancer care.

**The Highways and Roads: A Personal Vehicle Perspective**

The cornerstone of transportation in Beulaville is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities, particularly those specializing in breast cancer treatment, are a significant factor. The primary route for accessing major medical centers involves traveling on US Highway 24, a key east-west artery. This highway connects Beulaville to Jacksonville, home to Onslow Memorial Hospital, a primary care facility.

Traveling south on US Highway 24, one can access the larger medical centers in Wilmington, approximately a 1.5-hour drive. This journey involves navigating US Highway 17, a major coastal highway, and potentially dealing with increased traffic, particularly during peak hours. Alternatively, heading north on US Highway 24 leads to Kinston, where Vidant Medical Center offers specialized services. The drive to Kinston is about 45 minutes.

Smaller roads, such as NC Highway 11 and NC Highway 24/50, provide alternative routes but often involve slower speeds and potential for rural road conditions. The Breast Cancer Score considers these driving times, factoring in potential delays due to traffic, weather, and the condition of the roads. Longer drive times can translate to increased stress, fatigue, and financial burdens associated with fuel and vehicle maintenance, all of which impact healthcare access.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

Public transit options in Beulaville are limited. The Onslow County Transit System provides some bus services, but routes and schedules are primarily designed for local travel and may not directly serve healthcare facilities in neighboring cities. Information regarding ADA accessibility on these routes is crucial for individuals with mobility challenges. The Breast Cancer Score accounts for the practicality of public transit, recognizing its limitations in this rural setting.

The absence of readily available public transit significantly impacts those without personal vehicles. Dependence on family, friends, or medical transportation services becomes the norm, potentially increasing the complexity and cost of accessing healthcare. The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges this disparity, highlighting the need for improved public transit options or alternative transportation solutions.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available in Beulaville, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability is often contingent on driver presence, and surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand could increase transportation expenses. The Breast Cancer Score incorporates the potential limitations of ride-sharing services, acknowledging that they may not always be a dependable solution.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies or non-profit organizations, play a crucial role in bridging the transportation gap. These services provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, often accommodating individuals with mobility limitations. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited. The Breast Cancer Score considers the accessibility, cost, and reliability of medical transportation services, recognizing their importance in ensuring healthcare access.

**Assessing the Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Approach**

The Breast Cancer Score is not a single number but a comprehensive evaluation of the transportation landscape. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average travel time to healthcare facilities specializing in breast cancer care.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, routes, and accessibility of public transit options.
* **Ride-Share Reliability:** The availability, cost, and dependability of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transportation services.
* **Accessibility:** The availability of ADA-compliant transportation options.
* **Cost:** The financial burden associated with transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, ride-sharing fees, and medical transportation costs.

The score is designed to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare access in Beulaville. A higher score indicates greater accessibility and a lower transportation burden, while a lower score signifies more significant challenges.

**Moving to Beulaville: Informed Decisions**

For those considering moving to Beulaville, the Breast Cancer Score offers valuable insights. It underscores the importance of assessing transportation needs and planning for healthcare access. Individuals with breast cancer or a higher risk of developing the disease should carefully evaluate the transportation options available and consider the potential impact on their healthcare journey.

Understanding the limitations of public transit, the potential costs of ride-sharing, and the availability of medical transportation services is crucial. Planning for longer drive times, especially for specialized care, is also essential. The Breast Cancer Score empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and transportation requirements.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The Breast Cancer Score for Beulaville highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the transportation challenges present obstacles for individuals seeking breast cancer care. Improving public transit options, expanding ride-sharing services, and ensuring affordable medical transportation are crucial steps towards enhancing healthcare access.

By acknowledging these challenges and working towards solutions, Beulaville can create a more supportive environment for those battling breast cancer. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing the current state of transportation and healthcare access, driving positive change, and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive the care they need. It underscores the need for continued efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and services, ensuring that access to healthcare is not a barrier for anyone in the community.