28328, Clinton, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28328, Clinton, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.98 percent of residents in 28328 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 1.19 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28328**

Understanding the health landscape of a community requires a comprehensive assessment, considering not just the availability of medical facilities but also the ease with which residents can access them. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 28328, Clinton, North Carolina, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare through various transportation options. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear 'Overall Health Score' reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Clinton.

The 'Overall Health Score' for 28328 is a composite measure, factoring in drive times, public transportation viability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. Each category is weighted based on its impact on healthcare access, with drive times to essential services like hospitals and urgent care facilities carrying the most weight. The analysis considers the realities of daily life, acknowledging that transportation challenges can significantly impact health outcomes.

**Drive Time Analysis**

Clinton's location in Sampson County dictates that residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary arteries for healthcare access are U.S. Highway 421, U.S. Highway 701, and Interstate 40. Driving times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions.

The Sampson Regional Medical Center, the primary hospital serving the area, is conveniently located within Clinton. A drive from most points within 28328 to the hospital is typically less than 10 minutes, a significant advantage. However, specialized care often requires travel to larger medical centers in Fayetteville or Raleigh.

Driving to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, approximately 40 miles away, usually takes about an hour via I-40 and U.S. 401. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours. This drive time, while manageable, presents a potential barrier for those needing immediate care or frequent appointments.

For more specialized care, residents might need to travel to Raleigh, about 70 miles away. The drive, primarily via I-40, can take upwards of 1.5 hours, potentially posing a challenge for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. This highlights the importance of considering the availability of specialized medical services when assessing the overall health score.

**Public Transportation Assessment**

Public transportation options in Clinton are limited. The Sampson County Transportation Authority provides some services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, making them unsuitable for many healthcare-related trips. The availability of public transit, including its ADA accessibility, is a critical factor in the overall health score, particularly for those who cannot drive.

The lack of a robust public transit system creates a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. Those who are elderly, disabled, or low-income may face considerable difficulty accessing healthcare services, which can negatively impact their health outcomes.

The current public transportation infrastructure in 28328 necessitates improvements to enhance healthcare access. Expanding routes, increasing frequency, and ensuring ADA compliance are essential steps to improve the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Clinton, but their reliability and availability can vary. Demand fluctuates, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with limited driver availability. These services offer a valuable alternative to personal vehicles but are not always a dependable solution for urgent healthcare needs.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), provide specialized support for individuals who cannot drive or require assistance. These services are crucial for those with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from traveling independently.

Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedTransport provide NEMT services in the area. These services typically require advance booking and may have limitations regarding the types of medical conditions they can accommodate. The availability and cost of medical transport services significantly impact the overall health score.

**Factors Influencing the Health Score**

The 'Overall Health Score' is influenced by several factors beyond the immediate transportation options. The availability of healthcare providers within the community, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities, plays a crucial role. Shorter travel times to these facilities improve the score.

The socioeconomic status of the population also impacts the score. Low-income individuals may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare due to transportation costs, limited insurance coverage, and other financial constraints. Addressing these disparities is essential for improving the overall health of the community.

The presence of chronic diseases and the availability of preventative care services also influence the score. Communities with higher rates of chronic diseases and limited access to preventative care often have lower overall health scores.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the 'Overall Health Score' for 28328, several key initiatives are recommended. Expanding public transportation options, including increasing route frequency and ensuring ADA compliance, is a priority. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for healthcare appointments could also be beneficial.

Investing in community health programs that provide transportation assistance and address the social determinants of health is crucial. Promoting the development of healthcare facilities within the community, including primary care clinics and specialist offices, can reduce drive times and improve access.

Encouraging the adoption of telehealth services can also improve healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Telehealth can provide remote consultations, monitoring, and education, improving health outcomes.

**Conclusion**

The 'Overall Health Score' for 28328 reflects the accessibility of healthcare services within the community. While the proximity of Sampson Regional Medical Center is a significant advantage, limitations in public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles present challenges. The score emphasizes the need for improvements in public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services.

For those considering moving to Clinton, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. Assessing the availability of healthcare services, evaluating the feasibility of accessing them, and considering individual needs and circumstances are essential steps. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommended improvements, the community can improve the 'Overall Health Score' and ensure that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is directly linked to healthcare access, which is a key element when considering moving to Clinton.