31321, Pembroke, Georgia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 31321, Pembroke, Georgia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.57 percent of residents in 31321 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.30 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Evans Memorial Hospital with a distance of 15.56 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Accessing Healthcare in Pembroke, Georgia (ZIP Code 31321)**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Pembroke, Georgia (ZIP code 31321), this access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, is a complex tapestry woven with threads of transportation, distance, and available resources. This write-up aims to assess the challenges and opportunities for residents of this area, providing a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of receiving timely and appropriate medical care.

Pembroke, a small city nestled in Bryan County, presents unique transportation challenges. While offering a quieter pace of life, the area's relative isolation from major metropolitan centers can significantly impact healthcare access. The primary concern is the time and effort required to reach necessary medical appointments, especially for those with chronic conditions like hypertension, which demands consistent monitoring and treatment.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

For residents of 31321, the nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are primarily located in Savannah, approximately 30 to 45 miles away. The most direct route involves navigating the relatively well-maintained US-80 East, a major thoroughfare connecting Pembroke to Savannah. However, the journey is not without its potential complications. Traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours, can extend travel times, and the rural nature of the route means limited options for roadside assistance in case of a breakdown.

Alternatively, residents might utilize GA-119 North, a more scenic but potentially slower route, particularly when encountering local traffic. This road offers access to smaller towns and medical clinics along the way, but the facilities may not provide the same level of specialized care as those in Savannah. The final leg of the journey often involves navigating the city streets of Savannah, adding to the overall travel time and the stress of the commute.

For those living in the more remote areas of 31321, the drive can be even more challenging. Secondary roads like Black Creek Church Road and Old Groveland Road may be less well-maintained, potentially impacting vehicle safety and increasing travel times. The condition of these roads becomes a significant factor, particularly for individuals with mobility issues or those relying on older vehicles.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transportation options in 31321 are limited. Bryan County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The lack of public transportation is a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, do not own a car, or cannot afford the cost of private transportation. This includes seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes, all of whom may be disproportionately affected by hypertension.

The nearest public transportation options are available in Savannah. The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) system offers a network of bus routes throughout the city. However, reaching Savannah from Pembroke requires a ride-share or private transportation, adding to the overall cost and travel time. The CAT system does offer ADA-accessible buses, providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of direct routes from Pembroke to Savannah and the need for multiple transfers can make public transit a cumbersome option for medical appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Pembroke area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more rural locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. The expense adds to the financial burden of managing hypertension, which often involves medication costs and regular check-ups.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by private companies, are available in the area. These services provide transportation specifically for medical appointments and can be more reliable than ride-sharing. However, these services often come with higher costs, and availability can be limited. The need for advanced booking and potential wait times can also pose challenges, particularly for individuals with urgent medical needs.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access**

The availability of local medical facilities in Pembroke plays a critical role in healthcare access. While the city may have some primary care physicians and clinics, access to specialized care, such as cardiology services, often requires travel to Savannah. This necessitates careful planning and coordination of transportation, especially for those managing hypertension.

The distance to specialized medical facilities can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, potentially exacerbating the health outcomes of individuals with hypertension. The need to travel long distances can also increase the risk of missed appointments, which can further compromise healthcare management.

**The "Hypertension Score" for 31321**

Considering the factors discussed above, a "Hypertension Score" for 31321 would likely reflect moderate challenges in accessing healthcare. The score would be influenced by the following:

* **Drive Times:** The distance to Savannah, ranging from 30 to 45 miles, presents a significant time commitment, particularly during peak hours.
* **Public Transportation:** The absence of a local public transit system and the need to rely on ride-sharing or private transportation to reach Savannah limit healthcare access.
* **Ride-Share Availability:** The inconsistent availability and cost of ride-sharing services can pose a challenge for residents.
* **Medical Transportation:** The higher cost and potential limitations of medical transportation services can create barriers.
* **Local Medical Facilities:** The availability of primary care physicians and clinics in Pembroke is a positive factor, but the need to travel to Savannah for specialized care adds complexity.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Improving healthcare access in 31321 requires a multifaceted approach. Increasing the availability of affordable and reliable transportation options is paramount. This could include exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, advocating for the expansion of public transit to connect Pembroke with Savannah, and supporting the development of community-based transportation programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Promoting telehealth services can also play a crucial role in improving healthcare access. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing the convenience of medical appointments.

Furthermore, educating residents about the importance of managing hypertension and providing resources for self-monitoring and medication adherence can help empower individuals to take control of their health.

**Moving to Pembroke and Healthcare Access**

For those considering moving to Pembroke, the availability of healthcare access should be a key consideration. While the city offers a peaceful lifestyle, the distance to specialized medical facilities and the limited transportation options present challenges, especially for those with chronic health conditions like hypertension. Prospective residents should carefully assess their transportation needs and research available healthcare resources before making a move.

In conclusion, while Pembroke offers a desirable living environment, the current transportation infrastructure and healthcare access limitations pose challenges for residents managing hypertension. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents to ensure that all individuals in 31321 can receive timely and appropriate medical care.