28315, Aberdeen, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28315, Aberdeen, North Carolina is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.36 percent of residents in 28315 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital with a distance of 5.05 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Aberdeen, NC (ZIP Code 28315)

The quest for optimal health, particularly managing conditions like hypertension, demands seamless access to healthcare. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape in Aberdeen, North Carolina (ZIP code 28315), evaluating its impact on healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, is crucial for residents and those considering moving to Aberdeen. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on the ease and efficiency of commuting to healthcare facilities.

Aberdeen, a town nestled in Moore County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges and opportunities. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are US Highway 1, a major north-south corridor, and US Highway 15-501, which intersects with US 1 in the heart of Aberdeen. These highways, while offering relatively quick commutes to larger towns and cities, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting the timely arrival of patients with hypertension to their appointments. Local roads, such as Main Street and Sandhill Road, serve as vital connectors within the town, providing access to local medical offices and pharmacies.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. For residents in Aberdeen, the closest major healthcare providers are located in Pinehurst and Southern Pines, both reachable by car. A trip to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst, a significant regional medical center, typically takes approximately 15-20 minutes via US 1 and NC-211, depending on traffic. Similarly, a visit to Pinehurst Medical Clinic, also in Pinehurst, involves a similar commute time. Southern Pines, home to several medical practices and specialists, is accessible within a 10-15 minute drive via US 1. These drive times, while generally manageable, can pose challenges for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or requiring frequent monitoring.

Public transportation options in Aberdeen are limited, which significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. The Moore County Transportation Authority (MCTA) operates a demand-response system, offering curb-to-curb service within Moore County. This service, while available, requires advance booking and may not be ideal for urgent medical needs. The MCTA does not have fixed-route buses that would provide consistent and predictable access to healthcare facilities. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a car or are unable to drive, particularly those with mobility limitations. The absence of readily available public transit options directly diminishes the ease of access to healthcare and negatively affects the Hypertension Score.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for public transportation. The MCTA strives to provide accessible transportation options, but the demand-response nature of the service may not always guarantee immediate availability for individuals with disabilities. The lack of fixed-route buses with features like ramps or lifts further restricts healthcare access for those with mobility challenges. For individuals considering moving to Aberdeen, this limitation in accessible public transit warrants careful consideration, particularly if they rely on public transportation for their healthcare needs.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Aberdeen, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and the MCTA. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, potentially impacting the affordability and reliability of transportation to healthcare appointments. During peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability, wait times can be prolonged, adding to the stress and anxiety of individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on ride-sharing services, while offering a degree of flexibility, does not fully compensate for the lack of comprehensive public transportation, and its variable nature further influences the Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, provide another layer of support. Companies like FirstHealth and other regional providers may offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from appointments. These services often cater to patients who cannot drive or require specialized assistance. However, the availability and cost of NEMT services can vary depending on insurance coverage and the specific needs of the patient. While these services can improve healthcare access, they are not a universal solution and may require prior planning and coordination.

The overall Hypertension Score for Aberdeen, NC (28315) reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities in Pinehurst and Southern Pines are positive aspects. However, the limitations in public transportation, particularly the lack of fixed-route buses and the reliance on demand-response services, significantly impact the score. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options provides some mitigation, but their variable nature and potential cost considerations cannot fully compensate for the deficiencies in public transit.

For individuals managing hypertension, the ideal scenario involves readily accessible and affordable transportation options. The current landscape in Aberdeen presents challenges, particularly for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle or require assistance with mobility. When considering moving to Aberdeen, prospective residents with hypertension should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of resources to ensure they can consistently and reliably access their healthcare providers.

To improve the Hypertension Score, the implementation of a more robust public transit system would be highly beneficial. This could include the introduction of fixed-route buses connecting Aberdeen with healthcare facilities in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Increased funding for the MCTA to expand its services and improve ADA accessibility would also be crucial. Furthermore, promoting awareness of available ride-sharing and medical transportation options, along with exploring partnerships to improve affordability, could further enhance healthcare access for residents.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Aberdeen, NC (28315) is moderate. While drive times to healthcare facilities are relatively short, the limitations in public transportation and the variable nature of ride-sharing services present challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Prospective residents and current residents alike should carefully consider these factors when evaluating healthcare access and the overall quality of life in Aberdeen. Investing in improved transportation infrastructure and services is essential to ensuring that all residents can readily access the healthcare they need.