27504, Benson, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27504, Benson, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.41 percent of residents in 27504 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.15 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wakemed, Cary Hospital with a distance of 26.93 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27504

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Benson, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27504), necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of **healthcare access**. This includes a comprehensive analysis of the available **transportation** options, which directly impacts the ability of individuals to reach medical facilities. The aim is to provide a clear picture for those **moving to Benson**, highlighting the practical realities of accessing healthcare within and around this community.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to provide timely and efficient access to medical care. This write-up will assess the current state of **transportation** infrastructure and services in 27504, considering factors such as drive times, public transit availability, and alternative modes of transport like ride-sharing and medical transport. The final score will reflect the ease or difficulty residents face in reaching the healthcare they need.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

Benson, a town with a welcoming atmosphere, is strategically positioned, but healthcare access requires understanding the road network. The primary arteries for accessing medical facilities are the major highways and local roads that weave through the area. The most direct route to larger medical centers often involves navigating US-301, a vital north-south corridor. Depending on the destination, travel on I-95 might be necessary.

For those seeking specialized care or hospitals in nearby cities, the drive times are significant. Reaching larger medical centers in Raleigh, approximately 40 miles away, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours. Similarly, accessing facilities in Fayetteville, roughly 50 miles away, may require a similar time commitment. Local roads, such as NC-50 and NC-27, offer alternative routes, but they are often slower and can be congested during rush hour.

The availability of a personal vehicle is almost a necessity for timely healthcare access. While the town has a small-town charm, the distances to major medical facilities present a challenge for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. This underscores the importance of exploring alternative **transportation** options.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transit options in Benson and the surrounding areas are currently limited. The availability of bus routes is minimal, and the frequency of service is not conducive to regular healthcare appointments. The primary provider of public transit in the region is the Johnston County Area Transit System (JCATS), which provides limited routes.

JCATS services may offer connections to nearby towns and cities, but these routes are not designed specifically for medical appointments. The lack of frequent service, coupled with the potential for multiple transfers, significantly increases the travel time. The accessibility of JCATS buses for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) is a critical factor.

The absence of robust public transit is a major drawback for residents who rely on alternative modes of **transportation**. This limitation directly impacts the overall health score, as it restricts access to healthcare for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The development of improved public transit options is crucial for enhancing **healthcare access** in the area.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has provided an additional **transportation** option for residents of Benson. While these services are available, their reliability and cost can vary. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies, is not always guaranteed.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from healthcare appointments. These services often offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist passengers.

The cost of medical transport services can be a barrier for some residents. The availability of these services can be a lifeline for those who cannot drive or do not have access to other forms of **transportation**. However, the reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport highlights the deficiencies in the existing public transit infrastructure.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, the overall health score for residents of 27504 is moderately impacted. While the area benefits from a relatively low cost of living and a welcoming atmosphere, the limitations in **healthcare access** due to **transportation** constraints are undeniable.

The lack of robust public transit, coupled with the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport, presents challenges for many residents. The drive times to larger medical centers in Raleigh and Fayetteville can be significant, especially during peak hours.

The overall health score is negatively impacted by the limited public transit options, the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport, and the travel times to access healthcare facilities. The score reflects a need for improvements in **transportation** infrastructure to enhance **healthcare access** for all residents.

To improve the health score, several recommendations are crucial. Firstly, the expansion and enhancement of public transit services are essential. This could include increased frequency of bus routes, the introduction of new routes specifically designed to serve medical facilities, and the integration of ADA-compliant features.

Secondly, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized **transportation** for medical appointments could be beneficial. This would help reduce the financial burden on residents who rely on these services.

Thirdly, promoting awareness of existing medical transport services and providing financial assistance to those in need is crucial. This could involve educating residents about available resources and exploring grant opportunities to offset the cost of medical **transportation**.

Finally, attracting additional healthcare providers to the Benson area would reduce the need for long-distance travel. This could involve offering incentives to medical professionals to establish practices in the community.

By implementing these recommendations, the overall health score for residents of 27504 can be significantly improved. Enhancing **healthcare access** through improved **transportation** options will contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community for those **moving to Benson** and existing residents alike. The future of healthcare in Benson hinges on addressing these critical **transportation** challenges.