27878, Sharpsburg, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27878, Sharpsburg, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.46 percent of residents in 27878 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Nash General Hospital with a distance of 7.32 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27878 (Sharpsburg, NC)

Welcome to a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access for residents of Sharpsburg, North Carolina (ZIP code 27878). This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" considering various factors influencing a resident's ability to reach essential medical services. Understanding these nuances is crucial, especially for those considering moving to Sharpsburg and prioritizing their healthcare needs. We will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation landscape, focusing on drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions.

The Overall Health Score for 27878 is a composite measure reflecting the ease with which residents can access various healthcare facilities. This score considers the distance to hospitals, specialist clinics, urgent care centers, pharmacies, and other crucial medical resources. The score also weighs the availability and efficiency of transportation options, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. Factors like traffic congestion, road conditions, and the presence of ADA-accessible transportation are also incorporated.

One of the primary determinants of healthcare access is the time it takes to reach medical facilities. For residents of Sharpsburg, the most common route to larger healthcare centers involves navigating the local road network. Driving to Wilson Medical Center, a significant regional hospital, typically entails a journey of approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive primarily utilizes US-301, a major north-south thoroughfare, and occasionally involves short stretches on NC-58 and local roads. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the Overall Health Score.

Alternatively, residents might need to access facilities in Rocky Mount, a larger city offering a broader range of specialized medical services. This trip necessitates traveling on US-301 North and then connecting to US-64 East, a major east-west highway. The drive time to facilities in Rocky Mount can range from 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. This longer travel time, while still manageable, slightly diminishes the Overall Health Score compared to the shorter commute to Wilson.

Public transportation options in Sharpsburg are limited, which presents a significant challenge to healthcare access. The primary public transit provider in the region is Wilson Area Transit System (WATS). While WATS offers some routes within Wilson, these services are not directly available in Sharpsburg. Therefore, residents relying on public transit would need to arrange for a ride to Wilson to access WATS routes, adding considerable time and complexity to their journey to healthcare. This limitation significantly impacts the Overall Health Score.

WATS operates a fleet of buses, but information on specific route numbers and schedules to and from Sharpsburg is limited. However, WATS does offer ADA-accessible buses, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the available services. Despite this positive feature, the lack of direct service to Sharpsburg remains a major obstacle for those without private transportation.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Sharpsburg area. However, their availability and affordability can vary depending on the time of day and demand. While ride-sharing offers a potential alternative to private vehicles, it is not a consistently reliable option for healthcare access, especially for appointments scheduled in advance or during off-peak hours. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, further impacting the Overall Health Score.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are also available. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and private medical transport providers offer specialized services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. However, medical transportation services can be costly and often require advance booking, potentially limiting their accessibility for urgent medical needs.

The road conditions in and around Sharpsburg are generally well-maintained. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours on US-301, can impact drive times. Residents should factor in potential delays when planning their trips to healthcare facilities. Road closures due to construction or accidents can also disrupt travel, necessitating the use of alternative routes, which can further increase travel times.

The presence of pharmacies in Sharpsburg and nearby Wilson provides convenient access to prescription medications. However, access to specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and other specialist consultations, often requires travel to Wilson or Rocky Mount. This necessitates careful planning and consideration of transportation options.

For individuals considering moving to Sharpsburg, understanding the healthcare access landscape is paramount. While the proximity to Wilson Medical Center offers a significant advantage, the limitations in public transportation and the potential reliance on private vehicles or ride-sharing services should be carefully considered. The Overall Health Score for 27878 reflects a mixed picture. While the drive times to Wilson are relatively short, the lack of robust public transit and the potential cost of alternative transportation options slightly diminish the overall score.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score for Sharpsburg (27878) reflects a moderate level of healthcare access. Residents with private vehicles enjoy relatively easy access to Wilson Medical Center. However, those reliant on public transit or ride-sharing face significant challenges. The availability of medical transportation services provides an essential safety net for those with mobility limitations. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements when considering a move to Sharpsburg.