27871, Robersonville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27871, Robersonville, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.73 percent of residents in 27871 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Martin General Hospital with a distance of 10.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Robersonville, NC (ZIP Code 27871)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Robersonville, North Carolina (ZIP code 27871), focusing on the critical aspect of healthcare access. We'll examine the transportation infrastructure and available options that impact a resident's ability to reach medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for anyone considering **moving to Robersonville** or for current residents seeking to understand their healthcare accessibility. The score will reflect the ease or difficulty of navigating the area to receive necessary medical care.

The health score is not a simple numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities within the transportation landscape. It considers the availability, efficiency, and affordability of various modes of transport, as well as the proximity of healthcare facilities. A higher score indicates greater ease of access, while a lower score suggests potential difficulties.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation in Robersonville and the surrounding areas is the personal vehicle. The town is situated in a rural environment, and therefore, the reliance on cars is significant. The major roadways influencing healthcare access are primarily North Carolina Highway 125 (NC-125), which runs north-south, and US Highway 64 (US-64), a major east-west artery. These routes are essential for accessing healthcare facilities located in nearby towns and cities.

Drive times vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. For basic primary care, residents might find local clinics within Robersonville or a short drive away. However, for specialized care, hospitals, and emergency services, the commute becomes more significant. For instance, the drive to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, a regional hub for advanced medical services, typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic on US-64. This is a crucial consideration for individuals requiring specialized treatments or facing medical emergencies.

Accessing other healthcare providers in neighboring towns like Williamston or Washington, NC, will involve navigating NC-125 or US-64, with drive times ranging from 15-30 minutes. The condition of these roads, including potential congestion and the presence of traffic lights, can significantly impact the overall travel time and the stress levels of patients and their caregivers.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Robersonville are limited. Rural areas often face challenges in establishing and maintaining extensive public transportation networks. Currently, there is no dedicated public bus service operating directly within Robersonville or providing regular routes to major healthcare facilities. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for residents who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive due to age or disability, or who may have financial constraints.

While there might be limited demand-response transportation services, such as those provided by Martin County, the availability and frequency of these services may be restricted. These services often require advance booking and may have limited operating hours, making them less convenient for urgent medical needs or scheduled appointments. The absence of accessible public **transportation** options significantly lowers the overall health score for Robersonville residents. ADA compliance is another concern that needs to be considered.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, is limited in Robersonville and the surrounding rural areas. The presence of these services is often dependent on population density and demand, which is generally lower in rural communities. This means that residents may not be able to rely on ride-sharing for routine medical appointments or emergencies.

Medical transport services, on the other hand, are specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients requiring transportation to and from medical appointments. Several providers serve the area, including ambulance services for emergency situations and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) companies that offer transportation for scheduled appointments. These services are critical for individuals with mobility limitations, those who cannot drive, or those who require specialized medical assistance during transport.

Medical transport services often require advance booking and can be costly, adding to the financial burden of healthcare access. The reliability and availability of these services are crucial factors in determining the overall health score. The brands that serve the area include, but are not limited to, First Medical Transport and MedStar Ambulance.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed, the overall health score for healthcare access in Robersonville (27871) is moderate. While residents have access to primary care facilities and relatively short drives to some healthcare providers, the lack of robust public transit and limited ride-sharing options pose significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for long commutes to specialized care centers, especially in emergency situations, are concerning.

To improve the health score, several recommendations can be considered. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, even on a limited scale, would significantly enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations. This could involve establishing a demand-response service, partnering with neighboring counties to extend existing routes, or providing subsidized transportation for medical appointments.

Furthermore, promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and supporting the expansion of medical transport options would be beneficial. Community outreach programs to educate residents about available transportation resources and assistance programs could also improve healthcare access. The local government and healthcare providers can collaborate to develop initiatives that address the transportation barriers faced by residents.

Ultimately, the health score reflects the complex interplay of factors that determine a resident's ability to access healthcare. Addressing the transportation challenges in Robersonville requires a multi-faceted approach involving infrastructure improvements, community partnerships, and a commitment to ensuring that all residents have equal access to the medical care they need. This is a crucial consideration for those considering **moving to Robersonville**, as healthcare access is a fundamental component of overall well-being.