28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.00 percent of residents in 28528 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 32.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 12.20 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gloucester, NC (ZIP Code 28528)

Gloucester, North Carolina, a serene coastal community, presents a unique set of considerations for residents, particularly concerning healthcare access. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 28528, aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services. This score considers the multifaceted nature of transportation, a critical determinant of healthcare access, especially for individuals facing the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. For those contemplating moving to Gloucester, understanding these transportation dynamics is paramount.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Gloucester is interwoven with the realities of transportation. The geographical layout, the availability of public transit, and the prevalence of ride-sharing services all contribute to the ease or difficulty with which residents can access essential medical care. For individuals facing breast cancer, timely access to screenings, specialist appointments, and treatment facilities is not merely a convenience; it is a matter of life and death. This write-up delves into the practicalities of navigating the healthcare landscape, focusing on the transportation options available to residents of 28528.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Drive Times**

The primary mode of transportation in Gloucester, like many rural areas, is the personal vehicle. The drive times to healthcare facilities are significantly impacted by the local road network. The most direct route to major medical centers often involves navigating the highways and roads.

For residents of 28528 seeking specialized breast cancer care, the closest comprehensive facilities are located in Morehead City and New Bern. A typical drive to Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, a facility offering diagnostic imaging and some oncology services, involves primarily using US-70 East. This route, usually a scenic drive, can take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Gloucester.

Traveling to the larger regional medical centers in New Bern, such as CarolinaEast Medical Center, which offers comprehensive cancer treatment options, requires a longer commute. This journey typically involves using US-70 West, and depending on the starting point in Gloucester, the drive can range from 45 minutes to an hour. Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or on weekends, can significantly extend these drive times.

The condition of the roads themselves is also a factor. While US-70 is generally well-maintained, smaller roads within Gloucester may have varying conditions. Road closures due to weather events, such as hurricanes, which are common in this coastal region, can further disrupt access to healthcare. These factors must be considered when evaluating the overall accessibility of healthcare facilities.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Gloucester are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider in the area is the Crystal Coast Transportation Authority (CCTA). However, the CCTA's services are primarily focused on providing local transportation within Carteret County, with limited routes and schedules.

The CCTA operates fixed-route buses and a demand-response service, which requires advance booking. The fixed-route buses may not directly serve all healthcare facilities, and the demand-response service, while offering door-to-door transportation, may have limitations in terms of availability and scheduling, especially for appointments requiring specific time slots.

The CCTA's website provides information on routes, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features. Individuals with disabilities should carefully review the ADA provisions to ensure the available services meet their specific needs. However, the limited scope of public transit significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, especially for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Gloucester area, though their availability may be less consistent than in larger urban centers. The reliability of these services can vary depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the availability of drivers. For individuals needing regular transportation to and from medical appointments, relying solely on ride-sharing services can be challenging.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by companies specializing in non-emergency medical transport, provide an alternative for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services typically come at a higher cost than public transit or ride-sharing.

The availability of medical transportation services can vary, and it is essential to research and book these services in advance, particularly for appointments that require specific time slots. Companies like FirstLight Home Care and other local providers may offer medical transport services. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the financial implications of these services, as the cost of transportation can be a significant barrier to healthcare access.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Gloucester (28528) 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 key healthcare facilities, including those in Morehead City and New Bern, is a critical factor.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The frequency, routes, and ADA accessibility of the CCTA services.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The availability and cost of Uber and Lyft services.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of specialized medical transport services.
* **Road Conditions and Weather:** The potential impact of road closures and weather events on transportation access.

The Breast Cancer Score would be lower for individuals without access to a personal vehicle and higher for those who can drive or have reliable access to alternative transportation options. The score would also be negatively impacted by the limited public transit options and the potential challenges of relying solely on ride-sharing services.

**Conclusion: Navigating Healthcare in Gloucester**

For residents of Gloucester (28528), accessing breast cancer-related healthcare requires careful planning and consideration of the available transportation options. While the area offers a peaceful and scenic environment, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles present challenges.

Individuals contemplating moving to Gloucester should carefully assess their transportation needs and the potential impact on their healthcare access. Proactive planning, including researching transportation options, establishing relationships with healthcare providers, and exploring medical transport services, is essential for ensuring timely access to care. The Breast Cancer Score, a dynamic assessment of these factors, serves as a valuable tool for understanding the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about where to live and how to navigate the complexities of healthcare access in this beautiful coastal community.