28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.05 percent of residents in 28445 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nmc Camp Lejeune with a distance of 21.11 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Holly Ridge, NC (ZIP Code 28445)

The quaint coastal town of Holly Ridge, North Carolina, nestled within the 28445 ZIP code, offers a slower pace of life, attracting those seeking respite from urban clamor. However, the tranquility of this community must be balanced against the practical realities of healthcare access, particularly for residents managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for individuals in Holly Ridge, with a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities for those needing regular medical attention. This is crucial for anyone **moving to Holly Ridge**, as understanding the **transportation** options is paramount to maintaining health and well-being.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Holly Ridge is the proximity to Wilmington, a city boasting a comprehensive medical infrastructure. However, the journey to receive care isn't always straightforward, especially for those with mobility limitations or without personal vehicles. The **healthcare access** equation hinges on the availability and efficiency of **transportation** options.

The primary artery connecting Holly Ridge to Wilmington is US-17, a bustling highway that can experience significant traffic congestion, especially during peak commuting hours. Driving time to New Hanover Regional Medical Center, the primary hospital in Wilmington, can fluctuate wildly, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day and any unforeseen delays. This extended travel time can be a significant burden for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent check-ups and medication management. The journey itself can elevate blood pressure, further complicating their condition.

Alternatively, those heading north might use NC-210, a more rural road. This route offers a potentially quicker, less congested alternative to US-17, particularly for residents in the northern areas of Holly Ridge. However, NC-210 is less developed, with fewer amenities and potentially slower speed limits, which can impact overall travel time. Navigating these roads is a critical consideration for anyone planning on **moving to Holly Ridge**.

Public **transportation** options within the 28445 ZIP code are limited. The Wave Transit system, which serves New Hanover County, does not directly service Holly Ridge. This leaves residents reliant on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation** providers for accessing healthcare. The absence of readily available public **transportation** poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for those who are unable to drive or who have limited financial resources.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a viable alternative, though their availability and cost can vary. While these services provide door-to-door **transportation**, the cost of frequent rides to Wilmington for medical appointments can quickly accumulate, placing a financial strain on individuals with chronic conditions. The reliability of these services also needs consideration. Demand can be high, especially during peak hours, potentially leading to delays or cancellations, which can be detrimental to patients with scheduled appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as FirstMed Transport and MedStar, specialize in providing non-emergency medical **transportation**. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. They offer various levels of service, from basic ambulatory **transportation** to wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often come at a higher cost than ride-sharing or personal vehicles, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

For individuals with severe mobility limitations, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements for public **transportation** become critical. While Wave Transit does not directly serve Holly Ridge, it does provide ADA-compliant services within New Hanover County. However, this necessitates the use of ride-sharing services or medical **transportation** to reach the nearest Wave Transit stops, adding another layer of complexity and cost to the **healthcare access** equation.

The availability of healthcare facilities within Holly Ridge itself is a crucial factor. While the town may have primary care physicians and urgent care clinics, specialized medical services, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and nephrology, are primarily concentrated in Wilmington. This necessitates longer travel times for patients requiring specialized care, further emphasizing the importance of reliable **transportation**.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Holly Ridge is further complicated by the potential for seasonal variations in traffic. During the peak tourist season, the influx of visitors can significantly increase traffic congestion on US-17 and other major roads, extending travel times to Wilmington and potentially delaying medical appointments. This is a significant consideration for individuals with hypertension, who may experience increased stress and anxiety during periods of heavy traffic.

The absence of sidewalks and bike lanes in many areas of Holly Ridge further limits **transportation** options. Walking or cycling to medical appointments is often impractical, especially for those with mobility limitations or living in more rural areas. This reliance on motorized **transportation** underscores the importance of considering the availability and cost of vehicles, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation** when evaluating **healthcare access**.

The **moving to Holly Ridge** decision should be made with a full understanding of the **transportation** challenges. The **healthcare access** landscape is complex, requiring careful consideration of individual needs and circumstances. The availability of personal vehicles, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the reliability of medical **transportation** providers are all critical factors.

In conclusion, while Holly Ridge offers a desirable lifestyle, the **transportation** challenges associated with accessing healthcare, particularly for those with hypertension, cannot be ignored. A comprehensive understanding of the available options, including drive times on US-17 and NC-210, the limitations of public **transportation**, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, and the availability of medical **transportation**, is essential for anyone planning on **moving to Holly Ridge**. Careful planning and proactive measures are necessary to ensure that residents can effectively manage their health and well-being within this charming coastal community.