27919, Belvidere, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 27919, Belvidere, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.05 percent of residents in 27919 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Chowan Hospital with a distance of 16.01 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 27919 (Belvidere, NC)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Belvidere, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27919), focusing on the critical element of transportation to healthcare facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services, offering a nuanced understanding for both current residents and those considering moving to Belvidere.

Belvidere, a rural community nestled in Perquimans County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The overall health score, therefore, reflects the realities of a location where transportation options are limited, and the nearest medical facilities may be some distance away. The score will be a composite, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the available options.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For many residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation to healthcare. The drive times to various healthcare facilities significantly influence the overall health score. The nearest hospital, **Sentara Albemarle Medical Center** in Elizabeth City, is approximately a 25-30 minute drive via **US-17 North**. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

Specialist appointments and other healthcare services often necessitate travel outside of Perquimans County. For example, a trip to **Vidant Medical Center** in Greenville, NC, a regional referral center, typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes via **US-17 South** and **US-64 East**. This longer drive time presents a significant barrier, especially for individuals requiring frequent appointments or those with mobility limitations.

The accessibility of urgent care facilities also contributes to the score. The closest urgent care centers are located in Elizabeth City. The drive time to these facilities, similar to the hospital, is approximately 25-30 minutes via **US-17 North**. The availability of urgent care provides a crucial safety net, offering immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening conditions.

These drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles and the potential for delays. The health score reflects this reliance, recognizing the limitations it places on healthcare access for those without reliable transportation.

**Public Transit: A Limited Alternative**

Public transportation options in Belvidere are extremely limited. Perquimans County does not have a dedicated county-wide public transportation system. The absence of regular bus routes or other public transit significantly impacts the health score. Residents without access to a personal vehicle face considerable challenges in accessing healthcare, especially those with disabilities or limited financial resources.

While there are no fixed-route buses, there might be some demand-response transportation programs, such as those offered by the **Albemarle Commission**. These programs, typically requiring advance booking, may provide transportation for medical appointments. However, the availability and coverage of these services are often limited, and they may not be suitable for urgent or spontaneous healthcare needs.

The lack of robust public transportation infrastructure significantly diminishes the overall health score. It highlights the need for alternative solutions and the potential for healthcare inequities within the community.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, can offer a degree of flexibility for transportation. However, the availability of these services in Belvidere is inconsistent. The rural nature of the area means that ride-share services may be less readily available, and wait times could be longer than in more urban areas. This unreliability impacts the health score, as it reduces the dependability of ride-sharing for healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a more specialized solution. Several companies, such as **Medicaid Transportation** and **Care Ride**, operate in the region. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transport. While these services are valuable, their availability and cost can be a factor.

The presence of ride-share and medical transportation options improves the health score to some degree. However, the limited availability and potential costs associated with these services still pose challenges for many residents.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations**

Any evaluation of public transit must consider accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The absence of a reliable public transit system in Belvidere severely limits healthcare access for individuals with mobility impairments. The potential for ride-share services to accommodate individuals with disabilities varies, and medical transportation services may be the only viable option for some.

The lack of accessible public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services significantly impact the health score for individuals with disabilities. This underscores the need for accessible transportation options to ensure healthcare equity within the community.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Belvidere (ZIP Code 27919) is moderate. The primary strengths are the relatively short drive times to the nearest hospital and urgent care facilities. However, the limitations of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the dependence on personal vehicles significantly reduce the score.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Advocate for expanded public transportation:** Explore the feasibility of establishing a county-wide public transit system or partnering with neighboring counties to provide transportation services.
* **Promote ride-sharing awareness:** Increase awareness of ride-sharing options and encourage ride-share companies to expand their services in the area.
* **Support medical transportation services:** Ensure that medical transportation services are accessible, affordable, and readily available to all residents.
* **Explore partnerships:** Collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to provide transportation assistance to patients in need.
* **Promote telehealth:** Encourage the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up care.

**Conclusion**

The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental determinant of community health. While Belvidere offers reasonable drive times to some healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges. Improving the overall health score requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on enhancing transportation options, promoting healthcare access, and addressing the needs of all residents, particularly those with limited mobility or financial resources. For those considering moving to Belvidere, a thorough understanding of these transportation and healthcare access factors is crucial for making an informed decision about their health and well-being.