28451, Leland, North Carolina COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 28451, Leland, North Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.33 percent of residents in 28451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 8.99 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Leland, NC (ZIP Code 28451)

For individuals managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the ability to access timely and reliable healthcare is paramount. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 28451 (Leland, North Carolina), assessing the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services, ultimately contributing to a "COPD Score" reflecting healthcare access. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, providing a comprehensive view for those considering moving to Leland or already residing there.

Leland, a rapidly growing suburb of Wilmington, presents a unique transportation challenge. While offering a more relaxed lifestyle than its urban counterpart, its infrastructure is still developing, particularly concerning public transit. The availability of diverse transportation options is crucial for COPD patients, as they often face limitations in mobility and endurance. The COPD Score, therefore, reflects the reality of navigating the area's transportation network to ensure timely access to vital healthcare.

**Drive Times: The Heart of the Matter**

For many, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation. The proximity of healthcare facilities is therefore critical. The primary artery for accessing Wilmington's medical centers from Leland is US-17, a major north-south highway. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

From central Leland, the drive to New Hanover Regional Medical Center (NHRMC), Wilmington's largest hospital, typically takes 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This drive involves navigating US-17 south, a route that can become heavily congested, particularly near the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Another significant healthcare provider is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center Orthopedic Hospital, which is closer to the center of Wilmington. The drive is similar, taking approximately 25 minutes, again relying on US-17. The availability of multiple routes, including the possibility of using NC-133 as an alternate, can mitigate some congestion.

For specialized care, such as pulmonology appointments or pulmonary rehabilitation, patients may need to travel to clinics located throughout Wilmington. Drive times to these clinics vary, but generally fall within the 20-40 minute range, depending on the clinic's location and traffic conditions.

**Public Transit: Limited but Present**

The Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority (Wave Transit) provides public transportation services in the Wilmington area. However, its presence in Leland is limited. Currently, Wave Transit Route 201, the Leland Connector, is the primary public transit option serving Leland. This route offers limited service, operating on a fixed schedule with infrequent stops.

The Leland Connector primarily connects Leland to downtown Wilmington, where transfers to other Wave Transit routes are possible. This means a COPD patient would need to take the Connector to Wilmington, then transfer to another route to reach a medical facility. This process can be time-consuming, potentially taking over an hour, and presents challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. Wave Transit vehicles are equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the infrequency of service and the need for transfers can still pose difficulties for COPD patients.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Leland and Wilmington. This offers an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of ride-sharing vehicles can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

For COPD patients, ride-sharing offers a convenient option, allowing them to avoid the stress of driving and parking. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services are specifically designed to assist individuals with medical needs. Several companies operate in the Wilmington area, including FirstCare Medical Transportation and MedTrans. These services provide transportation to and from medical appointments, often with specialized vehicles and trained personnel.

Medical transport can be particularly beneficial for COPD patients who require assistance with mobility or oxygen support. However, these services often require prior booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

**The COPD Score: A Holistic View**

The COPD Score for ZIP Code 28451 reflects a mixed picture of healthcare access. While drive times to major hospitals are relatively manageable, the limited public transit options and the reliance on private transportation present challenges.

The score is impacted by the following factors: the drive times to healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transportation, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options.

The score is further influenced by the fact that the transportation infrastructure is still developing, and the availability of transportation options can vary depending on the time of day and the location within Leland.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Landscape**

For individuals with COPD considering moving to Leland, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. While the area offers a desirable lifestyle, the accessibility of healthcare requires careful consideration.

The COPD Score highlights the importance of planning and preparation. Those who can drive or have access to a reliable vehicle will find it easier to access healthcare. For those who cannot drive, the limited public transit options and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are crucial.

Moving to Leland requires a proactive approach to healthcare access. Researching the location of healthcare providers, familiarizing oneself with the public transit routes, and exploring the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are essential steps.

By understanding the transportation options and planning accordingly, COPD patients can successfully navigate the healthcare landscape in Leland, ensuring timely access to the care they need. The COPD Score serves as a reminder that healthcare access is not just about the availability of medical services, but also about the ability to reach them.