27970, Roper, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 27970, Roper, North Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.34 percent of residents in 27970 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Washington County Hosp Inc with a distance of 7.84 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Roper, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27970)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, is a critical aspect of daily life. This write-up examines the transportation landscape within and around Roper, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27970), providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment based on the accessibility and efficiency of transportation options to medical facilities. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Roper, highlighting the practical realities of healthcare access within the community.

Roper, a small town nestled in Washington County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding transportation. The area's rural nature dictates a reliance on personal vehicles, with limited public transportation options. Understanding these limitations is paramount for residents, especially those with hypertension requiring regular medical appointments and medication refills.

**The Hypertension Score Framework:**

The "Hypertension Score" considers several factors: drive times to key healthcare providers, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transportation. Each category is weighted to reflect its impact on healthcare access, with a higher score indicating better accessibility.

**Driving the Distance: The Primary Transportation Mode**

For most Roper residents, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare is a personal vehicle. The most direct routes to medical facilities involve navigating the local roadways. The primary artery for travel is US-64, a vital east-west highway that connects Roper to larger towns and cities. Driving east on US-64 offers access to medical facilities in Plymouth, approximately a 15-20 minute drive.

Further east, US-64 intersects with US-17, providing access to more extensive healthcare options in Williamston (about a 30-40 minute drive) and beyond to Greenville, North Carolina (approximately a 1-hour drive). Greenville offers a broader range of specialists, hospitals, and advanced medical services.

Traveling west on US-64 leads to destinations like Columbia, NC, and eventually to the Outer Banks. While these areas offer some healthcare options, they are less likely to be primary destinations for Roper residents seeking routine care.

Other roads such as NC-32 and various county roads provide alternative routes, but these tend to be slower and less direct, especially during inclement weather. The condition of these roads and potential traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times and the overall "Hypertension Score."

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Roper are extremely limited. Washington County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. This severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a car.

There is currently no public bus system that operates in or around Roper. This lack of public transit significantly lowers the "Hypertension Score" for individuals who rely on alternative transportation.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in some areas, but their presence in Roper is uncertain. The availability of these services depends on driver density and demand. Even if available, ride-sharing can be expensive, potentially creating a barrier to healthcare access for those on a fixed income.

Medical transportation services, such as those offered by local ambulance services or specialized medical transport companies, are available for individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are often reserved for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized medical attention during transport. They can be costly and require pre-arrangement, making them less suitable for spontaneous or routine appointments.

**The Hypertension Score Calculation: A Synthesis**

Considering all the factors, the "Hypertension Score" for healthcare access in Roper, NC (27970) is relatively low. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport pose significant challenges.

The score is heavily influenced by the drive times to medical facilities in Plymouth, Williamston, and Greenville. The lack of public transportation further lowers the score, creating a substantial barrier for those without personal vehicles. The availability of ride-sharing services is uncertain, and the cost of medical transportation can be prohibitive.

**Implications for Moving to Roper:**

For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Roper, this analysis provides crucial insights. It underscores the importance of having a reliable vehicle or access to transportation. The distance to medical facilities and the limited public transit options require careful consideration.

Potential residents should factor in the cost of vehicle maintenance, fuel, and insurance. They should also research medical transportation options and assess the availability of ride-sharing services.

**Recommendations for Improving the "Hypertension Score":**

Several initiatives could improve the "Hypertension Score" for Roper residents.

* **Advocating for Public Transit:** Supporting efforts to establish or expand public transportation services, even if limited, would significantly enhance healthcare access. This could involve partnering with neighboring counties or exploring demand-response transit models.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing:** Encouraging the presence of ride-sharing services through incentives or partnerships could provide an alternative transportation option.
* **Expanding Medical Transportation:** Increasing the availability and affordability of medical transportation services, including partnerships with local healthcare providers, could help bridge the gap for individuals with mobility issues.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Supporting community health programs that provide transportation assistance or coordinate rides to medical appointments could also improve healthcare access.
* **Telehealth Adoption:** Promoting telehealth services, where possible, could reduce the need for in-person appointments and ease the burden of transportation.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Roper, NC (27970), requires careful planning and consideration of transportation options. While the area offers a peaceful and close-knit community, the limitations in transportation create challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding these realities is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Roper. By addressing the transportation barriers, the community can work toward improving the "Hypertension Score" and ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need.