27576, Selma, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 27576, Selma, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.09 percent of residents in 27576 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Johnston Health with a distance of 5.17 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Selma, NC (ZIP Code 27576)

The quaint town of Selma, North Carolina, nestled in Johnston County, beckons with a slower pace of life. For those considering a move, especially those managing hypertension, understanding the nuances of healthcare access is paramount. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities within and around ZIP code 27576, ensuring informed decisions about healthcare access. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture for those prioritizing their health.

The "Hypertension Score" is a composite measure reflecting the ease and efficiency of reaching essential healthcare services. Factors considered include travel time, mode of transportation availability, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and cost. A higher score indicates better access. This evaluation is crucial for individuals managing hypertension, as timely access to medical care, including medication refills, check-ups, and emergency services, is critical for managing the condition and preventing complications.

**Driving Directions and Drive Times**

The primary mode of transportation in Selma, as in most of rural North Carolina, is the automobile. Driving times to healthcare facilities are significantly impacted by traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours.

**Primary Healthcare:**

* **Selma Medical Center:** Located directly in Selma, this facility is readily accessible for residents. Drive times are typically minimal, ranging from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the exact location within the town. Navigation primarily involves local roads, avoiding major highway congestion.
* **Smithfield Medical Center:** A short drive away, this facility offers a wider range of services. The route generally involves taking US-70 Business East and then merging onto US-70 East. Drive times average 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic, especially during rush hour.
* **Clayton Medical Center:** Located further west, this center offers additional options. The journey involves taking US-70 Business West and then merging onto US-70 West. Drive times can range from 25 to 35 minutes, and it is important to factor in potential delays.

**Specialist Care and Hospitals:**

* **Johnston Health – Smithfield:** This is the primary hospital serving the area. Access is via US-70 East, with drive times averaging 20 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.
* **WakeMed – Raleigh:** For specialized care, the drive to Raleigh is often necessary. This involves taking I-95 North to I-40 East. Drive times can vary significantly, from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic and the specific location within Raleigh.
* **Duke Health – Durham:** For specialized care, the drive to Durham is often necessary. This involves taking I-95 North to I-40 West. Drive times can vary significantly, from 1 hour to over an hour and a half, depending on traffic and the specific location within Durham.

**Public Transportation**

Public transportation options in Selma are limited. This is a significant factor for individuals who do not drive or cannot drive.

* **Johnston County Area Transit System (JCATS):** JCATS offers a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service is available within Johnston County, including Selma, but it is not a fixed-route system. Availability and scheduling limitations can significantly impact healthcare access. It is essential to book rides well in advance, especially for appointments. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a priority, with ADA-compliant vehicles available.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services and medical transportation options provide alternative solutions, though their availability and cost can vary.

* **Ride-Sharing Services (Uber and Lyft):** These services are available in Selma, but their presence may be less consistent than in larger metropolitan areas. Availability can be impacted by driver availability and demand, potentially leading to longer wait times or higher fares.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** Several medical transportation companies operate in the area. These services are specifically designed for individuals needing assistance with transportation to medical appointments. They often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transportation.

**ADA Accessibility**

Accessibility is crucial for individuals with disabilities. JCATS offers ADA-compliant vehicles. Ride-sharing services also provide options for individuals with disabilities, but availability should be confirmed when booking. Medical transportation services typically offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

**Hypertension Score Assessment**

Considering the factors above, the "Hypertension Score" for Selma, NC (27576) is moderate. While Selma offers local healthcare options, access to specialist care and hospitals outside the immediate area requires driving, which can be time-consuming and subject to traffic delays. Public transportation is limited and requires advance planning. Ride-sharing services and medical transportation offer alternatives, but their availability and cost must be considered.

For individuals with hypertension, careful consideration of transportation options is essential. Those who drive have the most flexibility. For those who do not drive, careful planning and reliance on JCATS, ride-sharing, or medical transportation are necessary. The availability of medical transportation services is a significant advantage.

**Conclusion**

Moving to Selma offers a slower pace of life, but it's crucial to weigh the benefits against the challenges of healthcare access. The "Hypertension Score" highlights the importance of proactive planning. While local healthcare options exist, the reliance on driving and the limitations of public transportation necessitate careful consideration for individuals managing hypertension. Thoroughly researching and planning transportation to medical appointments is vital for maintaining optimal health and well-being. For those prioritizing easy healthcare access, exploring options closer to major medical centers might be a better choice. However, with careful planning and utilization of available resources, managing hypertension in Selma is certainly achievable.