28344, Godwin, North Carolina Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 28344, Godwin, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

56.35 percent of residents in 28344 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital with a distance of 9.85 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Godwin, NC (ZIP Code 28344)**

The journey to healthcare in Godwin, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28344), is more than just a physical commute; it's a critical factor in the fight against lung cancer. Access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care can significantly impact outcomes. This analysis assesses the transportation landscape within and around Godwin, focusing on its impact on healthcare access, and provides a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities for residents.

Godwin, a small town nestled in Cumberland County, presents unique transportation challenges. Its rural setting and limited public transit options necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles. The "Lung Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options to paint a complete picture of healthcare access. For individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis, these factors can be the difference between life and death.

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

The primary roadways serving Godwin are crucial for accessing healthcare. Interstate 95 (I-95), a major north-south artery, offers the quickest route to larger medical centers, but its proximity to Godwin is somewhat limited. The average drive time to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, the closest major hospital, is approximately 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This journey typically involves traveling east on NC Highway 210, then merging onto I-95 South.

NC Highway 210, a key thoroughfare, provides direct access to Godwin and connects to other important routes. The condition of this road, and others, is important for the health of the roads. The drive to smaller clinics and specialist offices in Dunn and Fayetteville, also accessible via NC 210 and I-95, may vary from 15 to 45 minutes. The quality of these roads, the presence of traffic, and the availability of parking at medical facilities all play a role in the overall accessibility.

The drive times, while manageable, can be taxing for patients undergoing treatment, especially those experiencing fatigue or shortness of breath. The distance also presents a challenge for those with limited mobility or financial resources. The "Lung Cancer Score" acknowledges the importance of these roadways, their condition, and the potential strain they place on patients.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transportation options in Godwin are severely limited. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides bus service, but its routes and frequency are not designed to adequately serve Godwin. The FAST system primarily focuses on Fayetteville, and its routes do not extend directly into Godwin.

The lack of public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The absence of regular, reliable public transit necessitates reliance on other, potentially less accessible, modes of transportation. The "Lung Cancer Score" reflects the critical need for improved public transit options to serve the needs of Godwin residents.

The FAST system does offer ADA-accessible buses, which is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments. However, the limited route coverage in the Godwin area renders this feature largely irrelevant for many residents. The absence of a dedicated route into Godwin, or even frequent service on the outskirts, leaves many residents without a viable public transportation option.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Fayetteville area and can provide a transportation option for Godwin residents. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some individuals, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution for patients who require assistance. These services are typically reserved for those with medical needs that prevent them from driving or using other forms of transportation. The availability and cost of medical transport services are important considerations for the "Lung Cancer Score."

Medical transport services can be especially important for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, who may experience side effects that make driving unsafe. The ability to access these services, and the financial burden they impose, are significant factors in the overall healthcare access landscape.

**The "Lung Cancer Score" and its Implications**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for Godwin, NC (ZIP Code 28344), is a composite measure that considers drive times, public transportation limitations, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options. Based on the current transportation landscape, the score reflects a moderate level of healthcare access, with significant challenges.

The primary strengths of the transportation system are the relatively short drive times to major medical centers via I-95 and NC 210. However, the weaknesses are substantial: the absence of public transportation, the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services, and the limited availability of medical transport options. These factors combine to create barriers to healthcare access for many Godwin residents.

The "Lung Cancer Score" underscores the need for improvements in the transportation infrastructure and services available to Godwin residents. Increased public transportation, enhanced ride-sharing options, and readily accessible medical transport services would significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals battling lung cancer.

**Moving to Godwin: A Consideration of Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Godwin, the "Lung Cancer Score" should be a key consideration. The town's rural setting and limited transportation options may pose challenges for those with existing health conditions or those seeking convenient access to healthcare. Potential residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and assess the availability of healthcare services before making a move.

The proximity to Fayetteville and the availability of ride-sharing services offer some mitigation, but the lack of public transportation remains a significant concern. Individuals with lung cancer or other chronic illnesses should factor in the potential costs and logistical challenges of accessing healthcare when evaluating Godwin as a potential home.

**Conclusion: Paving the Road to Improved Healthcare Access**

Improving healthcare access in Godwin requires a multi-faceted approach. Investments in public transportation, partnerships with ride-sharing services, and enhanced medical transport options are crucial. Furthermore, community initiatives that provide transportation assistance to patients in need can make a significant difference.

The "Lung Cancer Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the current state of healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement. By addressing the transportation challenges, Godwin can pave the road to better healthcare outcomes for its residents, particularly those battling lung cancer. The future of healthcare access in Godwin hinges on collaborative efforts to build a more accessible and equitable transportation system, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive the care they need.