27892, Williamston, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27892, Williamston, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.39 percent of residents in 27892 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.81 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Martin General Hospital with a distance of 1.33 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Williamston, NC (ZIP Code 27892)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility in Williamston, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27892), considering various modes of transportation. It aims to assist individuals considering **moving to Williamston**, providing a comprehensive understanding of **healthcare access** and the challenges inherent in **transportation** within the area. The score reflects a composite of factors, including drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the ease – or difficulty – of reaching medical care in this rural setting.

Williamston, the county seat of Martin County, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare accessibility. Its rural nature and limited public transportation infrastructure necessitate reliance on personal vehicles for many residents. The score considers these realities and the potential impact on overall health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Williamston are US-17 and US-64. These highways connect Williamston to larger towns and cities with more extensive medical facilities. The nearest hospitals are located in Greenville and Washington, North Carolina.

Driving to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville, a Level I Trauma Center, is approximately a 40-45 minute drive, primarily via US-17 South. This is the most comprehensive healthcare facility within reasonable proximity. The road conditions are generally good, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours. The route is mostly two-lane, with occasional passing lanes.

Washington, NC, home to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital, offers a closer option, roughly a 30-35 minute drive via US-64 East. This hospital provides a range of services, though it may not offer the same breadth of specialized care as Vidant Medical Center. US-64 is a major thoroughfare, generally well-maintained.

Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities exist within Williamston, offering immediate care for minor ailments. However, for specialized treatments, diagnostic testing, and emergency services, residents often must travel to Greenville or Washington.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within Martin County are extremely limited. The county operates a demand-response system, primarily for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. This service requires advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs.

There is no fixed-route bus service connecting Williamston to Greenville or Washington. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. ADA accessibility features on the county's demand-response vehicles are available upon request, but the limited capacity and advance booking requirements can create delays.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is inconsistent. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which is lower in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for scheduled appointments or emergencies is risky, as wait times can be unpredictable.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. Ambulance services are primarily for emergencies. NEMT services offer transportation for scheduled appointments and may be covered by insurance, but they require prior authorization and may have limited availability. Companies such as First Medical Transportation and MedTrans offer NEMT services in the region.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations**

Based on the factors discussed, the Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Williamston (ZIP Code 27892) is considered **moderate**. While the presence of hospitals within a reasonable driving distance offers a degree of accessibility, the limitations in public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services present significant challenges.

The score is influenced by the following: the necessity of personal vehicles for many residents, the potential for traffic delays on major highways, the limited public transportation infrastructure, and the variability of ride-sharing availability.

Individuals considering **moving to Williamston** should factor in these transportation challenges when assessing their healthcare needs. Those reliant on public transportation or with limited mobility may find accessing specialized medical care difficult. Careful planning and reliance on personal vehicles, or potentially NEMT services, are often essential.

The healthcare landscape in Williamston is evolving. The local hospital and clinics provide essential services, but the reliance on external facilities for specialized care necessitates careful consideration of transportation options. The overall health outcomes for residents are directly impacted by the accessibility of these services.

**Recommendations**

For residents of Williamston, proactive planning is essential. Establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, understanding the availability of NEMT services, and identifying reliable transportation alternatives are crucial.

For those considering **moving to Williamston**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is recommended. Evaluating the distance to healthcare facilities, researching the availability of NEMT services, and considering the reliability of ride-sharing options are all essential steps.

The **transportation** challenges in Williamston highlight the importance of community initiatives aimed at improving **healthcare access**. Advocacy for expanded public transit options, collaboration with ride-sharing services to enhance availability, and support for NEMT providers are all vital steps in improving the **overall health** of the community. The score reflects the current situation and underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address the transportation barriers that impact healthcare access for residents of ZIP Code 27892.