28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.18 percent of residents in 28521 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 14.57 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28521 (Chinquapin, NC)**

Understanding the ease of accessing healthcare is paramount, especially for residents managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score," evaluates the transportation landscape in and around Chinquapin, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28521), a rural community, focusing on factors impacting healthcare access for individuals with hypertension. We will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Chinquapin, particularly those with pre-existing health concerns.

The Hypertension Score aims to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges and opportunities in accessing essential medical care. It considers the practical realities of navigating the transportation infrastructure, recognizing that delays and difficulties can significantly impact health outcomes. This score isn't merely about distance; it's about the lived experience of getting to a doctor's appointment, picking up medication, or attending vital follow-up care.

**Driving Times and Roadways**

The primary mode of transportation in Chinquapin is personal vehicles. The area's rural nature means that residents rely heavily on their cars for almost all errands, including healthcare visits. The major roadways serving the community are US Highway 117, NC Highway 24, and NC Highway 53. These highways are the arteries that connect Chinquapin to surrounding towns and cities where healthcare facilities are located.

For residents of Chinquapin, the nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are in Jacksonville, approximately 20 to 30 minutes away, depending on traffic and the specific location within the town. Reaching Wilmington, which offers more extensive medical services, involves a drive of about an hour and 15 minutes, predominantly via NC-24 and US-17. These drive times can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours or in the event of accidents.

Smaller towns like Wallace and Beulaville, which might offer primary care physicians or urgent care facilities, are closer, with drive times ranging from 10 to 20 minutes. However, the availability of specialized care in these locations is limited. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can also affect travel times and safety, especially for individuals with health conditions.

**Public Transportation Challenges**

Public transportation options in Chinquapin and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system that directly serves the town. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a car, are unable to drive due to health reasons, or cannot afford the costs associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle.

The absence of public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. These groups often face the greatest challenges in accessing healthcare. The lack of ADA-compliant transportation further exacerbates these difficulties for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in more urban areas. Availability can vary depending on the time of day, day of the week, and the demand for rides. This unpredictability can make it difficult to schedule and attend medical appointments, particularly for individuals who require timely access to healthcare.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, including First Transit and LogistiCare. These services typically require prior scheduling and may have specific eligibility requirements, such as Medicaid or other insurance coverage.

The availability of medical transport services is a critical component of healthcare access for individuals with hypertension. However, the limitations of these services, such as scheduling constraints and potential delays, can still pose challenges. The cost of medical transport, which may not always be fully covered by insurance, can also be a significant barrier for some residents.

**Impact on Healthcare Access**

The transportation landscape in Chinquapin presents significant challenges for individuals with hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create barriers to accessing timely and consistent healthcare. These barriers can have a detrimental impact on health outcomes.

Individuals with hypertension require regular medical check-ups, medication refills, and lifestyle counseling to manage their condition effectively. Delays or difficulties in accessing these services can lead to uncontrolled blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious health complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

The Hypertension Score for Chinquapin reflects the cumulative impact of these transportation-related challenges. It highlights the need for strategies to improve healthcare access, such as expanding public transportation options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and enhancing the coordination of medical transport services.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

Improving healthcare access in Chinquapin requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation, particularly routes that connect the town to healthcare facilities in Jacksonville and Wilmington, would significantly improve access for those without personal vehicles. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Increasing awareness of available medical transport services and simplifying the enrollment process for eligible individuals is another critical step. Furthermore, promoting telehealth options, such as virtual doctor's appointments and remote monitoring of blood pressure, can help mitigate the transportation challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Chinquapin, a thorough understanding of the transportation limitations is essential. Those with hypertension or other chronic health conditions should carefully assess their ability to access healthcare services before making a relocation decision. The Hypertension Score serves as a vital tool for evaluating the accessibility of healthcare and making informed choices about where to live and receive medical care. The score underscores the importance of transportation in healthcare access, especially for those moving to Chinquapin.