The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28390, Spring Lake, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
63.31 percent of residents in 28390 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Womack Amc (Ft Bragg) with a distance of 5.69 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 28390, Spring Lake, North Carolina
Hypertension Score | 27 |
---|---|
People Score | 13 |
Provider Score | 64 |
Hospital Score | 30 |
Travel Score | 52 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 28390 | Spring Lake | North Carolina |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 2.68 | 2.68 | 2.14 |
1 Car | 24.32 | 24.32 | 19.36 |
2 Cars | 45.97 | 45.97 | 40.83 |
3 or More Cars | 27.03 | 27.03 | 37.67 |
Vehicular Access in 28390, Spring Lake, North Carolina
## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Spring Lake (ZIP Code 28390)
Spring Lake, North Carolina, nestled within ZIP Code 28390, offers a charming small-town atmosphere, drawing individuals and families seeking a more relaxed pace of life. However, the transition to a new community necessitates careful consideration of essential services, particularly healthcare access. For residents managing hypertension, the ability to readily and reliably reach medical appointments is paramount. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview of transportation options available within and around Spring Lake, evaluating their impact on healthcare access and ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" for this ZIP code.
The foundation of healthcare access lies in the ability to travel to medical facilities. In Spring Lake, the primary mode of transportation for many is personal vehicles. This presents both advantages and challenges. The town is relatively compact, making local trips manageable. However, dependence on a car can be problematic for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. Furthermore, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can impede timely arrival at appointments.
**Roadways and Drive Times:**
Accessing healthcare in Spring Lake revolves around a few key roadways. Interstate 95 (I-95) provides a major north-south artery, connecting Spring Lake to larger cities like Fayetteville to the south and Raleigh to the north. The drive to Fayetteville, where a significant concentration of medical facilities exists, is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
US Highway 401 (US-401), a primary north-south route through Spring Lake, offers direct access to local businesses and services, including some medical offices. The drive time on US-401 to local clinics is generally quite short, typically under 10 minutes. This ease of access is a significant advantage for residents.
For residents seeking specialized care or facilities outside of Fayetteville, such as those in Durham or Chapel Hill, the drive times increase substantially. These journeys, often exceeding an hour, necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential delays. This underscores the importance of evaluating the availability of local healthcare providers and the potential burden of long-distance travel.
Public transportation options in Spring Lake are limited, which poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides some bus service, but the routes and frequency are not extensive within Spring Lake itself.
While FAST does offer routes that connect Spring Lake to Fayetteville, the schedules may not align perfectly with medical appointment times. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility impairments. The reliability of public transit, including potential delays, must also be factored into the overall "Hypertension Score."
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Spring Lake area. However, their availability and affordability can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. This uncertainty can create challenges for individuals who rely on ride-sharing for healthcare access.
Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with healthcare needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and others provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for individuals who are unable to drive or utilize public transit. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some residents.
**Evaluating the "Hypertension Score":**
The "Hypertension Score" for Spring Lake (28390) is a complex metric, influenced by several factors related to transportation and healthcare access. The availability of personal vehicles provides a baseline level of access, particularly for local appointments. However, the limitations of public transit, the variability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transportation all contribute to potential challenges.
The proximity of Fayetteville, with its concentration of medical facilities, is a positive factor, but the drive time and potential traffic congestion must be considered. The availability of local clinics and providers within Spring Lake, accessible via US-401, is a significant advantage.
**Recommendations for Residents with Hypertension:**
For individuals with hypertension considering moving to Spring Lake, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Evaluating the availability of local healthcare providers and the potential for long-distance travel is crucial. Understanding the limitations of public transit and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transportation services is equally important.
Prioritizing healthcare access by selecting a residence close to medical facilities or accessible transportation routes is a wise strategy. Establishing a reliable transportation plan, whether it involves personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transportation services, is critical for ensuring timely access to appointments and medication refills.
**Conclusion:**
Spring Lake offers a desirable living environment, but healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension, requires careful consideration. The "Hypertension Score" for 28390 reflects the interplay of various transportation options, the proximity of medical facilities, and the potential challenges faced by residents. By proactively assessing transportation needs and developing a reliable plan for healthcare access, individuals with hypertension can successfully navigate the healthcare landscape in Spring Lake and enjoy a fulfilling life in their new community. The overall score, therefore, is a nuanced one, reflecting both the advantages and the limitations of the current transportation infrastructure, making it essential for individuals to prioritize their healthcare access when making decisions about moving to Spring Lake. The future of healthcare access in Spring Lake will depend on the continued investment in transportation infrastructure and the expansion of healthcare services within the community.
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