28334, Dunn, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28334, Dunn, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.76 percent of residents in 28334 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital with a distance of 2.06 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28334 (Dunn, NC)

Understanding the overall health of a community involves far more than just the presence of doctors and hospitals. It necessitates a comprehensive assessment of healthcare access, a critical component of which is the ability to reach those vital services. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 28334 (Dunn, North Carolina), focusing on the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding transportation to healthcare facilities. For those considering moving to Dunn, this information will be invaluable.

The accessibility of healthcare in 28334 hinges on several key factors. These include the proximity of medical facilities, the availability and efficiency of transportation options, and the specific needs of the population, including those with disabilities or limited mobility. This evaluation considers all these elements to provide a nuanced perspective on the community's healthcare access.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

The primary arteries for transportation in and around Dunn are the major highways and local roads that shape the landscape of healthcare access. Interstate 95 (I-95) serves as a crucial north-south corridor, facilitating travel to larger medical centers in Fayetteville to the south and Raleigh to the north. US Highway 421, another significant route, connects Dunn with nearby towns and provides access to various healthcare providers. Other important roads include NC Highway 210, which links Dunn to surrounding communities, and US Highway 301, which offers alternative routes for local travel.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. Residents of 28334 have a range of choices. The closest options include the local hospitals and clinics within Dunn itself, ensuring relatively short commutes. For specialized care or more extensive treatment, residents often travel to Fayetteville, a journey that can take approximately 30 to 45 minutes via I-95, depending on traffic. Raleigh, offering a broader selection of medical specialists and hospitals, is about an hour to an hour and a half away, also primarily via I-95.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Dunn and the surrounding areas are limited, presenting a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The availability of public transit is a crucial factor in the overall health score, as it directly impacts the ability of vulnerable populations to reach essential medical appointments.

Currently, there are no established fixed-route public bus services operating directly within Dunn. Residents rely primarily on private transportation or ride-sharing services to reach healthcare facilities. This lack of public transit creates a barrier for those who cannot drive, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for transportation to healthcare appointments. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Medical transportation services are designed to address the specific needs of individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. These services often provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Several companies, such as First Transit and LogistiCare, operate in the region, offering specialized transportation options. However, the availability and coverage of these services may vary, and eligibility requirements often apply.

**ADA Accessibility: A Crucial Consideration:**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical aspect of healthcare access. The availability of wheelchair-accessible transportation, ramps, elevators, and other accommodations is essential for ensuring that all residents can reach medical facilities. While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers often offer accessible vehicles, the availability of these options must be reliable and readily available.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Equation:**

The overall health score for 28334 reflects the complex interplay of transportation options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the needs of the community. While Dunn has local medical providers, the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services for access to more specialized care or services in larger cities presents a challenge.

The lack of robust public transportation, especially the absence of fixed-route bus service, exacerbates the difficulties for those without personal vehicles. The availability of medical transport services and ride-sharing options provides some relief, but the cost and consistency of these services are important considerations.

**Improving the Score: Recommendations for Enhanced Healthcare Access:**

Improving the overall health score for 28334 requires a multi-pronged approach. Expanding public transportation options, including the potential for a fixed-route bus service, would significantly enhance healthcare access for all residents. Increased investment in ride-sharing programs or subsidies could make these services more affordable and accessible.

Furthermore, promoting the availability of wheelchair-accessible transportation and ensuring that all medical facilities are fully ADA-compliant is essential. Collaboration between healthcare providers, transportation agencies, and community organizations is crucial for developing innovative solutions to address transportation barriers.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action:**

The overall health score for 28334 reflects the challenges and opportunities surrounding healthcare access. While the community has local medical options, the dependence on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services for specialized care creates obstacles. Addressing these challenges requires a commitment to expanding transportation options, ensuring accessibility for all residents, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. For those considering moving to Dunn, a thorough understanding of these factors is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare needs. The future health of the community depends on the collective effort to improve healthcare access for all.