28301, Fayetteville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28301, Fayetteville, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.79 percent of residents in 28301 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.50 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Fear Valley Medical Center with a distance of 3.72 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fayetteville's 28301

The heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina, pulses within the boundaries of ZIP code 28301. A vibrant community, it faces challenges common to many urban areas, including hypertension. Understanding how residents access healthcare, especially considering their transportation options, is crucial for improving health outcomes. This write-up analyzes the landscape of healthcare access, focusing on transportation as a critical determinant of a "Hypertension Score" for this specific area.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal medical metric. Instead, it serves as a conceptual framework, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential healthcare services related to hypertension management. This includes primary care physicians, cardiologists, pharmacies, and potentially, specialized programs for lifestyle modification and medication adherence. The easier the access, the higher the score. Conversely, transportation barriers significantly lower the score, impacting residents’ ability to control their blood pressure and manage their health.

One of the most significant factors influencing healthcare access is the availability of transportation. For those who drive, the network of highways and roads in 28301 is a mixed bag. Major arteries like Interstate 95 (I-95) provide rapid north-south connections, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend drive times. US Highway 401 (Raeford Road) and US Highway 301 (Elm Street) serve as critical east-west corridors, often experiencing heavy traffic. Smaller roads like Bragg Boulevard and Murchison Road add to the complexity, offering alternative routes but potentially slower travel.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary considerably. Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, a major healthcare provider, is accessible from many points within 28301, but the commute can be lengthy depending on traffic. Reaching specialist offices or urgent care clinics located further afield, for instance, in the northern or western parts of the city, can add significant travel time. The "Hypertension Score" would be negatively affected by long drive times, especially for individuals with limited mobility or those experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

Public transportation offers an alternative, but its impact on the "Hypertension Score" is nuanced. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) operates bus routes throughout the city. Several routes, including Route 1 (Raeford Road), Route 2 (Bragg Boulevard), and Route 7 (Murchison Road), traverse 28301, providing access to various healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of these routes, especially during evenings and weekends, may be limited.

Furthermore, the "Hypertension Score" needs to consider the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of FAST buses. While FAST strives to provide accessible transportation, the availability of ramps and lifts, along with designated seating, is critical for individuals with mobility limitations. The reliability of the system, including adherence to schedules and the availability of real-time tracking information, further impacts the score. Delays or missed connections can be particularly problematic for individuals needing timely medical attention.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Fayetteville, offering another transportation option. These services can provide convenient door-to-door transportation, potentially improving the "Hypertension Score" for those without personal vehicles or unable to use public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited incomes or on fixed budgets. The availability of ride-sharing during peak hours or in less populated areas of 28301 can also be a challenge.

Medical transportation services, often specializing in non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are also a factor. Companies like Logisticare or Access2Care might offer transportation for appointments, but these services often require pre-booking and may have limitations on the types of medical conditions they can accommodate. The "Hypertension Score" is influenced by the availability, affordability, and efficiency of these specialized transportation options.

The location of pharmacies is another crucial element. Pharmacies within walking distance or easily accessible by public transit contribute positively to the "Hypertension Score." The ability to quickly and conveniently pick up medications, refill prescriptions, and receive pharmacist consultations is vital for managing hypertension. Conversely, limited pharmacy access, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those living in areas with poor public transportation, lowers the score.

Considering the above factors, the "Hypertension Score" for 28301 is likely moderate. While the area benefits from a network of roads and the availability of public transit, challenges remain. Traffic congestion, limited public transit frequency, and the cost of ride-sharing can create barriers to healthcare access. The accessibility of pharmacies and the availability of specialized medical transportation also play a role.

For individuals considering moving to Fayetteville, understanding these transportation dynamics is essential. Researching the proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit options, and the cost of transportation services can help individuals assess their ability to manage their health. The "Hypertension Score" provides a lens through which to evaluate the accessibility of healthcare, making informed decisions about where to live and how to manage health needs.

Improving the "Hypertension Score" in 28301 requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes enhancing public transportation, potentially increasing the frequency of bus routes and expanding service hours. Promoting ride-sharing programs, offering subsidized transportation for low-income residents, and increasing the availability of pharmacies in underserved areas can also make a difference. Furthermore, healthcare providers can play a role by offering telehealth services and providing medication delivery options, further improving access to care and empowering residents to manage their hypertension effectively.