28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.00 percent of residents in 28528 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 32.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 12.20 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gloucester, NC (ZIP Code 28528)

Gloucester, North Carolina, nestled along the serene waters of the Intracoastal Waterway, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, the promise of coastal living must be balanced with the realities of healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare within ZIP code 28528. This is crucial information for anyone considering moving to Gloucester, especially those with existing health conditions.

The score considers factors like drive times to medical facilities, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. A lower score indicates greater accessibility and convenience in accessing healthcare, while a higher score suggests potential difficulties. We aim to illuminate the specific transportation landscape that impacts healthcare access for individuals managing hypertension in Gloucester.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation in Gloucester is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. Navigating the area's roadways is essential for attending medical appointments, picking up prescriptions, and accessing specialized care. The most significant artery is Highway 70, a vital east-west thoroughfare connecting Gloucester to larger population centers and medical hubs. Drive times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.

For residents in Gloucester, the closest primary care physicians and urgent care facilities are generally found in Morehead City, a drive of approximately 15-20 minutes via Highway 70. This drive, while manageable, can be impacted by traffic, particularly during tourist season or when there are accidents. Further specialized care, including cardiology and endocrinology services, often necessitates travel to larger hospitals in Morehead City or even to New Bern, a trip that can take an hour or more, depending on traffic and the route chosen. This longer drive utilizes Highway 70 and Highway 17, which becomes a significant consideration for those with mobility issues or limited stamina.

Secondary roads like Harkers Island Road and Gloucester Road provide access to local amenities and residential areas. However, these roads are generally slower and less direct, making them less desirable for frequent medical appointments. The condition of these roads, particularly after inclement weather, can also impact accessibility. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of vehicle maintenance and the financial burden of car ownership for residents, especially those with fixed incomes.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Carteret County, including Gloucester, are extremely limited. The primary public transit service is the Carteret County Transportation System (CCTS). CCTS operates a demand-response system, meaning that rides must be scheduled in advance. This is a crucial factor for residents managing hypertension, who may require regular, predictable transportation to medical appointments.

The CCTS offers limited routes and schedules, and service to Gloucester may be infrequent, requiring careful planning and potentially long wait times. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical consideration for individuals with mobility limitations. While the CCTS strives to provide accessible transportation, the limited resources and demand-response nature can create challenges for those with chronic conditions. The lack of a fixed-route system significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Alternatives**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability in Gloucester is not consistent. Ride-sharing services often operate on a demand basis, and wait times can vary significantly, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. This can be a significant concern for individuals with hypertension, who may require prompt and reliable transportation to medical facilities.

Medical transport services, such as Coastal Medical Transport or similar providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. While these services offer a valuable option, they can be expensive and may require advance booking, making them less accessible for urgent or unscheduled medical needs. The cost of medical transport, coupled with the limited availability of other transportation options, can create a significant financial burden for residents managing hypertension.

**Hypertension Score Assessment: A Composite View**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for transportation and healthcare access in Gloucester (ZIP code 28528) is moderately high. This reflects the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services. The drive times to medical facilities are generally manageable, but the lack of alternative transportation options creates a significant vulnerability for individuals with hypertension, especially those with mobility limitations or limited financial resources.

The score also considers the impact of seasonal variations, such as increased traffic during tourist season, and the potential for disruptions due to inclement weather. The need for careful planning and advance booking for transportation services adds to the complexity of accessing healthcare. For anyone moving to Gloucester, understanding these transportation challenges is critical to ensuring effective management of hypertension.

**Recommendations: Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve healthcare access for residents managing hypertension in Gloucester, several strategies could be considered. Expanding the CCTS routes and schedules, particularly to include more frequent service to medical facilities, would significantly improve access. Increasing the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is also crucial.

Advocating for the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area, potentially through incentives or partnerships with local healthcare providers, could also improve access. Promoting awareness of medical transport services and exploring options for financial assistance for those who need them could help alleviate the financial burden of accessing healthcare.

Finally, encouraging telehealth initiatives and remote monitoring programs could help reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management. The implementation of these strategies would contribute to a more supportive environment for individuals managing hypertension and enhance the overall quality of life for residents of Gloucester, North Carolina. The future of healthcare access in Gloucester hinges on addressing these transportation and accessibility challenges.