28328, Clinton, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28328, Clinton, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.98 percent of residents in 28328 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 1.19 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clinton, NC (ZIP Code 28328)

Considering a move to Clinton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28328)? Beyond the charm of small-town living and the allure of affordability, it’s crucial to assess your access to essential healthcare services, especially if you manage a condition like hypertension. This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score" by evaluating the transportation landscape, a critical factor in timely medical care. This score, though not a formal medical assessment, highlights the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare providers, influencing your overall well-being.

The foundation of our analysis is **transportation**. The ability to reach your doctor, pharmacy, or specialist appointments is paramount. In Clinton, a predominantly car-dependent community, the availability and efficiency of various transportation options significantly impact your healthcare access. We'll delve into the specifics, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

Clinton, the county seat of Sampson County, is relatively compact, yet distances to healthcare facilities can still present challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility or without personal vehicles. The primary artery for moving around Clinton is US Highway 421, a major north-south route. Northbound, it connects to Fayetteville, offering a wider range of specialized medical services. Southbound, it leads towards Wilmington, another hub for advanced healthcare.

Interstate 95, a major east-west thoroughfare, lies a reasonable distance from Clinton, offering another avenue for reaching larger medical centers in cities like Raleigh or even Richmond, Virginia. However, the proximity to I-95 doesn't necessarily translate to direct healthcare access within Clinton itself. Local roads like NC Highway 24 and NC Highway 55 provide additional routes, connecting Clinton to surrounding towns and healthcare providers.

For those relying on personal vehicles, drive times are generally manageable within Clinton. Sampson Regional Medical Center, the primary hospital in the area, is centrally located, making it accessible within a few minutes for most residents. Doctor's offices and clinics are also generally within a 15-20 minute drive, depending on your specific location within the ZIP code. Traffic congestion is usually minimal, contributing to relatively predictable travel times.

However, relying solely on personal vehicles presents challenges. The cost of car ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance, can be a financial burden. Furthermore, individuals with mobility limitations, disabilities, or those who cannot drive face significant barriers to healthcare access. This is where alternative transportation options become crucial.

Public transportation in Clinton is limited. The City of Clinton and Sampson County do not have a comprehensive public transit system. This deficiency is a significant factor in our Hypertension Score assessment. While some demand-response services might exist, their availability and reliability are often limited, requiring advance booking and potentially longer wait times. This lack of robust public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of readily available public transit necessitates reliance on other options. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, operate in Clinton, though their availability may be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also add up, making it a less affordable option for frequent medical appointments. Booking a ride-share requires a smartphone and internet access, further excluding some residents.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. These services, often provided by private companies, are designed to transport individuals with medical needs, including those with mobility limitations or who require assistance getting to and from appointments. While medical transport services provide a vital lifeline, they can be expensive and may require advance booking, potentially leading to delays in accessing care.

The availability of pharmacies is another crucial element of healthcare access. Several pharmacies are located within Clinton, including chain pharmacies and independent pharmacies. The proximity of these pharmacies to residential areas and medical facilities generally ensures convenient access to medications. However, the need to drive to pick up prescriptions, even within a short distance, can still pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues or those without transportation.

The presence of home healthcare services can mitigate some transportation challenges. Home healthcare providers offer in-home medical care, including medication management, wound care, and physical therapy. These services can reduce the need for frequent trips to healthcare facilities, improving convenience and potentially lowering transportation costs. However, home healthcare services may not be suitable for all medical needs and are often dependent on insurance coverage.

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 28328, considering the available **transportation** options, is moderately concerning. While drive times within Clinton are generally manageable, the lack of robust public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to **healthcare access** for individuals without personal vehicles or with mobility challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles also impacts those with limited financial resources.

The relatively limited availability of transportation options can impact the overall management of hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and lifestyle modifications are critical for controlling blood pressure. Delays in accessing medical care or difficulties in obtaining medications can lead to uncontrolled hypertension, increasing the risk of serious health complications.

For individuals considering **moving to Clinton**, it's essential to carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. If you rely on public transit or have mobility limitations, it's crucial to factor in the challenges of accessing healthcare in this car-dependent community. Explore the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Consider the proximity of healthcare providers to your potential residence.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a definitive measure of health outcomes, but rather a reflection of the **transportation** infrastructure's impact on **healthcare access** within the community. It highlights the importance of proactive planning and careful consideration when assessing the suitability of Clinton, NC, for your healthcare needs. While Clinton offers many benefits, the limitations of the **transportation** system warrant careful evaluation, especially for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The availability of medical transport, though costly, is a critical lifeline for those with limited mobility. The absence of robust public transit remains a significant challenge.