28369, Orrum, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28369, Orrum, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.25 percent of residents in 28369 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 12.41 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Orrum, NC (ZIP Code 28369)

Orrum, North Carolina, nestled within the embrace of Robeson County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up, focusing on ZIP code 28369, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the transportation landscape and its impact on accessing essential medical services, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching care. This information is especially crucial for anyone considering moving to Orrum, ensuring they can proactively manage their health.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Orrum hinges on transportation. The ability to reach medical facilities, including primary care physicians, specialists, pharmacies, and emergency services, is paramount for effectively managing hypertension. This chronic condition necessitates regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, all of which are significantly impacted by the availability and efficiency of transportation options.

For those with personal vehicles, the primary arteries connecting Orrum to healthcare are the major highways and secondary roads. Interstate 95 (I-95), a north-south corridor, offers the most direct route to larger medical centers in cities like Fayetteville and Lumberton. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend drive times, especially for urgent appointments. US Highway 74, running east-west, provides another vital link, although it may require navigating smaller roads to reach specific healthcare providers.

Local roads, such as NC Highway 41 and NC Highway 130, serve as connectors to nearby towns and clinics. These roads, while offering closer proximity to some services, may be subject to varying road conditions and potential delays. Drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities from Orrum can fluctuate considerably, ranging from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic conditions. It's crucial to factor in these variables when planning medical appointments, especially for individuals with hypertension, where timely access to care is critical.

Public transportation options in Orrum are limited. Robeson County Area Transportation System (RCATS) provides some services, but the routes and schedules may not be conducive to frequent medical appointments. Information regarding specific routes serving Orrum and their frequency is essential. It’s also important to determine if RCATS vehicles are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair accessibility, which are vital for individuals with mobility limitations. The availability of accessible public transit directly impacts healthcare access for a significant portion of the population.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their presence and reliability in Orrum and surrounding areas can be inconsistent. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. This poses a significant challenge for individuals who rely on these services for transportation to medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent visits.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with specific needs. These services, provided by companies like First Medical Transportation or MedStar, cater to patients requiring non-emergency medical transport, including those who may need assistance getting in and out of vehicles or those who are unable to drive themselves. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs.

Considering the diverse transportation options and their limitations, we can now formulate a "Hypertension Score" for residents of Orrum (ZIP code 28369). This score reflects the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services related to hypertension management. The score will be based on factors such as:

* **Drive Times:** The average time to reach primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacies.
* **Public Transportation Availability:** The frequency, accessibility, and coverage of public transit routes.
* **Ride-Sharing Reliability:** The availability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation Services:** The availability, cost, and accessibility of medical transport options.
* **Road Conditions and Traffic:** The impact of road conditions and traffic congestion on travel times.

**Scoring Methodology:**

* **Excellent (Score: 1):** Easy access to a wide range of healthcare providers within a short drive, with reliable public transit and ride-sharing options.
* **Good (Score: 2):** Reasonable access to healthcare, with some limitations in public transit or ride-sharing availability.
* **Fair (Score: 3):** Moderate access to healthcare, with significant reliance on personal vehicles and limited public transit or ride-sharing options.
* **Poor (Score: 4):** Limited access to healthcare, with long drive times, unreliable transportation options, and potential barriers to accessing care.

**Applying the Score to Orrum (ZIP code 28369):**

Based on the information presented, the Hypertension Score for Orrum (28369) would likely fall within the "Fair" to "Poor" range (3-4). This assessment is based on the following:

* **Drive Times:** While some healthcare providers are within a reasonable driving distance, longer travel times to specialists and larger medical centers are likely.
* **Public Transportation:** Limited public transit options may restrict access for those who cannot drive.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The unreliability of ride-sharing services in this area poses a challenge.
* **Medical Transportation:** While medical transport services are available, they often require advance booking and come with associated costs.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access in Orrum:**

* **Enhance Public Transportation:** Advocate for increased frequency and expanded routes for RCATS, ensuring ADA accessibility.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing companies to improve service availability and affordability.
* **Support Medical Transportation:** Promote awareness of medical transportation services and explore options for financial assistance.
* **Encourage Telehealth:** Advocate for the adoption of telehealth services to provide remote access to healthcare professionals.
* **Community Outreach:** Organize community health initiatives to educate residents about hypertension management and available resources.

For individuals considering moving to Orrum and managing hypertension, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. Proactive planning, including identifying healthcare providers, assessing transportation options, and exploring available resources, is essential. By understanding the challenges and proactively addressing them, residents of Orrum can work towards ensuring they have the healthcare access they need to thrive. This requires a collaborative effort involving individuals, healthcare providers, local authorities, and community organizations, all working together to create a healthier and more accessible future.