28787, Weaverville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 28787, Weaverville, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.99 percent of residents in 28787 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Mission Hospital And Asheville Surgery Ce with a distance of 9.51 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Weaverville, NC (ZIP Code 28787)

Weaverville, North Carolina, a charming town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for its residents, especially concerning healthcare access. This write-up, focused on ZIP code 28787, aims to provide a detailed assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on individuals managing hypertension, a condition requiring consistent medical attention and medication adherence. We will explore the options available for **transportation** to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing vital healthcare.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is timely and reliable access to medical care. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits necessitate a robust **transportation** infrastructure. In Weaverville, the geography presents a significant hurdle. The town's mountainous terrain and reliance on roadways create a complex web of travel considerations. This analysis will dissect these elements to provide a clear understanding for residents and those **moving to Weaverville**.

**Drive Times and Roadway Navigation**

The backbone of **transportation** in Weaverville is the automobile. Understanding drive times to healthcare providers is crucial. The closest major healthcare hub is Asheville, approximately 10 miles south. The primary route is Interstate 26 (I-26) south, a relatively efficient highway, but prone to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. From Weaverville, expect a drive time of 20-30 minutes to Mission Hospital, a comprehensive medical center in Asheville.

Alternatively, US Highway 25 (Merrimon Avenue) provides a more direct, albeit slower, route into Asheville. This road is heavily trafficked, especially during rush hour. Travel time via US-25 can range from 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, while offering breathtaking views, is not a practical route for regular medical appointments due to its winding roads and slower speed limits.

Within Weaverville, access to local medical practices is generally easier. The town has several family practices and clinics, reachable within a 5-10 minute drive for most residents. However, the availability of specialized care often necessitates travel to Asheville. Road conditions, including potential for inclement weather, particularly during winter months, can significantly impact drive times and the reliability of **transportation**.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Buncombe County operates the Asheville Transit System (ATS), offering limited public transit options in and around Weaverville. Route S2 (Weaverville/Asheville) is the primary bus line serving the area. This route provides service to downtown Asheville, connecting to other routes that serve various healthcare facilities. However, the frequency of the S2 is limited, with buses running approximately every hour during peak times and less frequently on weekends.

The S2 route is designed to be ADA-accessible, with features like ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited service frequency and the potential for lengthy travel times, especially when connecting to other routes, pose challenges for individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on public transit can significantly extend the time required to reach medical appointments, potentially impacting medication adherence and overall healthcare management.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Weaverville, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. These services can provide a more flexible and convenient option for accessing healthcare facilities, particularly for those unable to drive or lacking access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand.

Medical transport services, such as CareRide and others, are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with mobility and medication management. While medical transport services offer a valuable resource, they can be more expensive than other **transportation** options, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 28787 is a composite assessment reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare for individuals with hypertension. This score considers factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services.

* **Drive Time:** The reliance on personal vehicles, with drive times to Asheville ranging from 20-45 minutes, depending on traffic, suggests a moderate level of accessibility. The potential for traffic congestion and inclement weather adds to the complexity.

* **Public Transit:** The limited frequency of the S2 bus route and the potential for lengthy travel times to connect to other routes indicate a low level of accessibility for those relying on public transit.

* **Ride-Sharing:** The availability of Uber and Lyft provides a convenient alternative, but the fluctuating availability and potential cost considerations suggest a moderate impact on healthcare access.

* **Medical Transport:** The availability of medical transport services offers a valuable resource, but the cost and potential booking requirements suggest a moderate impact on accessibility.

Considering these factors, the Hypertension Score for ZIP code 28787 would be assessed as **Moderate**. While healthcare facilities are accessible, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport create challenges for individuals managing hypertension.

**Implications for Healthcare Access and Moving to Weaverville**

For individuals with hypertension considering **moving to Weaverville**, understanding the **transportation** landscape is critical. The availability of reliable **transportation** is essential for maintaining consistent medical care and medication adherence. Prospective residents should consider their ability to drive, access to a personal vehicle, and the availability of alternative **transportation** options.

The town of Weaverville and Buncombe County could improve healthcare access by exploring strategies to enhance public transit services, such as increasing the frequency of bus routes and expanding service hours. Partnerships with ride-sharing companies and medical transport providers could also improve access to care.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead**

Weaverville, with its scenic beauty and close-knit community, offers a desirable lifestyle. However, individuals with hypertension must carefully consider the **transportation** challenges when accessing healthcare. Understanding the drive times, the limitations of public transit, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is essential for ensuring consistent medical care. By proactively addressing these challenges and advocating for improved **healthcare access**, Weaverville can become an even more welcoming community for all its residents.