29520, Cheraw, South Carolina Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 29520, Cheraw, South Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.92 percent of residents in 29520 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mcleod Health Cheraw with a distance of 0.24 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Cheraw, SC (ZIP Code 29520)

The journey to managing hypertension, a silent threat affecting millions, often begins with understanding access to healthcare. In the charming town of Cheraw, South Carolina (ZIP code 29520), a comprehensive assessment of *transportation* options is crucial for residents grappling with this condition. This write-up delves into the intricacies of *healthcare access* in Cheraw, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, ultimately constructing a "Hypertension Score" to gauge the ease with which residents can obtain necessary medical care. For those *moving to Cheraw*, this information provides invaluable insights into navigating the local healthcare landscape.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Cheraw is the ability to reach medical facilities. For those with hypertension, regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency visits are paramount. The primary mode of *transportation* for most residents is by personal vehicle. Drive times, therefore, become a critical factor.

Cheraw Medical Center, a vital healthcare provider, is centrally located, making it a primary destination. Traveling from the outskirts of Cheraw, residents typically utilize US-1, a major thoroughfare that connects the town to surrounding areas. The drive from the northern reaches of the ZIP code, along US-1, to the medical center is generally under 15 minutes, assuming moderate traffic.

Venturing south, residents might utilize SC-9, which intersects with US-1, offering another route to healthcare. The drive time from the southern areas, particularly the more rural portions of the ZIP code, could extend to 20-25 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions.

East-west travel within Cheraw relies heavily on local roads like Market Street and Palmetto Street. These routes provide access to the medical center and pharmacies, typically resulting in drive times of 5-10 minutes for those living within the town's boundaries.

The availability of public *transportation* in Cheraw is limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town limits. This lack of public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for any public *transportation* system. The absence of such a system in Cheraw leaves vulnerable populations, including those with hypertension who may experience mobility issues, reliant on alternative *transportation* options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Cheraw, albeit with varying degrees of reliability. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during peak hours or in the more remote areas of the ZIP code. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some, especially those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources.

Medical *transportation* services are available in Cheraw, catering specifically to individuals requiring non-emergency medical transport. These services, often provided by companies like MedTrans or local ambulance services, offer a crucial lifeline for those unable to drive themselves or utilize ride-sharing.

However, these services often require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of medical *transportation* is also subject to the service's capacity and staffing levels, which could potentially delay access to care.

The "Hypertension Score" for Cheraw, 29520, is derived from these factors. The score considers drive times, the absence of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the cost and availability of medical *transportation*.

The drive times, while generally manageable for those with personal vehicles, are longer for those residing in the more remote areas. The lack of public *transportation* significantly diminishes *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles. The ride-sharing options, while present, are not a guaranteed solution. The medical *transportation* services, while available, are not universally accessible due to cost and availability constraints.

For those *moving to Cheraw*, the "Hypertension Score" serves as a vital guide. It underscores the importance of securing reliable *transportation*, whether through personal vehicle ownership, reliance on family and friends, or the use of ride-sharing services.

The score also highlights the need to factor in potential costs associated with medical *transportation*. Understanding the limitations of the local *transportation* infrastructure is crucial for proactive *healthcare access* management.

The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the ever-changing landscape of *transportation* and healthcare. The development of a local public *transportation* system, even a limited one, could significantly improve the score, making *healthcare access* more equitable for all residents.

Furthermore, initiatives that promote ride-sharing or subsidize medical *transportation* for low-income individuals would also enhance the score. These efforts would directly address the barriers to *healthcare access* faced by vulnerable populations.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Cheraw, 29520, is a reflection of the existing *transportation* infrastructure and its impact on *healthcare access*. While residents with personal vehicles generally have manageable access to healthcare, the lack of public transit and the limitations of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* pose challenges for many. For those *moving to Cheraw*, understanding these complexities is essential for ensuring effective management of hypertension and overall well-being. The score serves as a call to action, urging the community to explore innovative solutions that improve *healthcare access* for all residents, fostering a healthier and more equitable environment.