28348, Hope Mills, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28348, Hope Mills, North Carolina is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.00 percent of residents in 28348 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Fear Valley Medical Center with a distance of 5.16 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Hope Mills, NC (ZIP Code 28348)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Hope Mills, North Carolina, hinges significantly on their ability to access healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within ZIP code 28348, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which individuals can reach medical facilities. Factors such as drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability are considered, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access for those living in and considering **moving to Hope Mills**. The goal is to provide a realistic view of the challenges and advantages related to **transportation** and its impact on health outcomes.

Hope Mills, a charming town nestled near Fayetteville, presents a unique geographical context. While offering a relatively suburban lifestyle, its proximity to a larger city means residents often rely on travel to access a full spectrum of healthcare services. This necessitates a thorough examination of the available **transportation** infrastructure to determine the overall **healthcare access** score.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Hope Mills residents is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode heavily influences healthcare access. Driving times to medical facilities vary depending on the specific location and time of day, but generally, residents have several options.

For routine appointments and general medical needs, the Fayetteville area provides a wealth of choices. Traveling to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, a major regional hospital, typically involves a drive along **NC Highway 59** and **US Highway 401**. Depending on traffic, this commute usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes. The distance is relatively short, but traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times, impacting a patient's ability to reach appointments on time.

Specialty clinics and advanced medical services are often located further afield. Accessing these facilities might require travel on **Interstate 95** or **US Highway 301**. These journeys can easily exceed 30 minutes, potentially increasing stress and fatigue for patients, especially those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. The condition of these roadways, including potential construction zones, can also impact travel times and add to the overall burden.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Hope Mills are limited, impacting the overall healthcare access score. The Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST) provides bus services within the Fayetteville area, but its routes and frequency are not always convenient for residents of Hope Mills.

The FAST bus routes that serve Hope Mills primarily operate along **NC Highway 59** and **US Highway 401**. While these routes offer a connection to Fayetteville, they may not directly serve all medical facilities. The bus schedules can also be infrequent, leading to long wait times and potentially making it difficult to coordinate appointments.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on the buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. FAST generally provides accessible buses, but the reliability of these services and the ease of navigating the system are important considerations. The lack of a robust public transit system in Hope Mills contributes to a lower overall health score for those who do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation option, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. The availability of these services in Hope Mills is generally good, though prices can fluctuate based on demand and distance.

The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those with limited financial resources. The distance to medical facilities, as well as the frequency of appointments, can quickly accumulate substantial transportation expenses.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, are also available. These services typically provide transportation for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have specific medical requirements. Companies such as First Medical Transport and Med-Trans offer services in the Fayetteville area. However, these services are often more expensive than ride-sharing and may require prior scheduling.

The availability and affordability of medical transport services are crucial for ensuring that individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions can reach their healthcare appointments. The overall health score is negatively impacted if these services are limited or cost-prohibitive.

**Impact on Health Outcomes:**

The challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly those related to transportation, can have a significant impact on health outcomes. Difficulty getting to appointments can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed treatments, and a decline in overall health.

Individuals who experience transportation barriers may also be less likely to seek preventive care, such as routine check-ups and screenings. This can lead to the detection of health problems at a later stage, when treatment options may be more limited.

The stress and anxiety associated with navigating transportation challenges can also negatively impact mental health. The fear of missing appointments or the burden of arranging transportation can contribute to a sense of isolation and frustration.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of transportation options in Hope Mills (ZIP code 28348), the overall health score is moderately impacted. While residents have access to a range of medical facilities in the Fayetteville area, transportation barriers can significantly affect their ability to access these services.

The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit. The lack of convenient and affordable transportation options disproportionately impacts individuals who do not have access to a car, those with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations can be considered. Expanding the FAST bus routes and increasing their frequency would provide more accessible public transit options. Partnerships with ride-sharing services could offer discounted rates for medical appointments. Investing in medical transport services and ensuring their affordability would be crucial for those with mobility limitations.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and providing resources for home healthcare can reduce the need for frequent travel. Encouraging community initiatives to support transportation assistance, such as volunteer driver programs, could also improve healthcare access.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Hope Mills requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the transportation challenges faced by residents. By investing in a more robust and accessible transportation infrastructure, the community can improve the overall health score and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive the care they need. **Moving to Hope Mills** should include a thorough assessment of these transportation challenges and how they might affect the individual's healthcare needs. This detailed analysis will help potential residents assess the true impact on their health and well-being.