28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28384, Saint Pauls, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.78 percent of residents in 28384 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeastern Regional Medical Center with a distance of 12.38 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28384

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access essential resources, most notably healthcare. In Saint Pauls, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28384), understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical services is paramount to assessing the overall health landscape. This analysis provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" by examining the various transportation options available, the drive times to medical facilities, and the accessibility of these options for all residents. This information is particularly valuable for those considering moving to Saint Pauls, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and effective medical care.

The primary factor in determining healthcare access within 28384 is the availability of **transportation**. The area is predominantly served by personal vehicles, with limited public transit options. This reliance on personal vehicles can present significant challenges for individuals without access to a car, the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income families. The geographical layout of Saint Pauls and the surrounding areas further influences transportation dynamics.

Driving to healthcare facilities is a common practice in Saint Pauls. The most direct route to larger hospitals and specialized clinics often involves navigating the major thoroughfares. Residents typically utilize **I-95** for north-south travel, connecting them to larger medical centers in Fayetteville and Lumberton. **US-74** provides east-west access, leading to facilities in Whiteville and Wilmington. Accessing these highways is crucial, as they serve as the arteries for reaching advanced medical care.

Within Saint Pauls, local roads like **NC-20**, **NC-71**, and **NC-41** provide access to smaller clinics and primary care physicians. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially increasing drive times. The condition of these roads, including the presence of potholes or inadequate signage, can also affect travel safety and efficiency, particularly for emergency medical situations.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and the time of day. Reaching the nearest urgent care clinic within Saint Pauls might take only a few minutes, while a visit to a specialist in Fayetteville could require a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Travel to larger hospitals like Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville can take upwards of an hour during rush hour. These extended drive times can be detrimental during medical emergencies.

Public transportation options in 28384 are limited. The primary provider is the Robeson County Area Transit System (RCATS). However, RCATS service within Saint Pauls is infrequent, with limited routes and schedules. This lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier for residents who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The availability of wheelchair-accessible buses and other ADA features is crucial for individuals with disabilities, but the limited service frequency can still pose a challenge.

The absence of a comprehensive public transportation system necessitates exploring alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their availability and affordability can be inconsistent. The cost of ride-sharing can be a significant financial burden for some residents, potentially limiting their access to healthcare.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring non-emergency medical transportation. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local private ambulance services provide transportation to and from medical appointments. These services are often more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit, further exacerbating the challenges for those with limited financial resources.

The healthcare landscape in Saint Pauls includes a mix of primary care physicians, specialized clinics, and hospitals in surrounding areas. The availability of these facilities is a critical factor in the overall health score. While Saint Pauls has some local medical providers, residents often need to travel to larger cities like Fayetteville or Lumberton to access specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures.

The quality of care at these facilities is another important consideration. Factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, wait times, and patient satisfaction scores contribute to the overall health score. The ability to obtain timely appointments and receive high-quality medical care is essential for maintaining good health.

The socioeconomic status of residents also plays a significant role in healthcare access. Low-income families and individuals often face additional challenges, such as lack of health insurance, limited access to transportation, and difficulty affording medications. These factors can lead to delayed or missed medical appointments, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

The age of the population is another important demographic factor. Saint Pauls has a significant population of elderly residents, who often have greater healthcare needs and may face mobility challenges. The availability of accessible transportation options and age-friendly medical facilities is crucial for ensuring that these residents can receive the care they need.

The overall health score for 28384, considering transportation and healthcare access, is moderately impacted. The reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the need to travel to larger cities for specialized care create challenges for some residents. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some solutions, but their cost and availability can be barriers.

To improve the health score, several measures could be implemented. Expanding public transportation options, including more frequent routes and ADA-compliant vehicles, would significantly improve access for those without personal vehicles. Investing in road infrastructure to reduce congestion and improve safety would also benefit residents.

Promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and providing financial assistance for medical transportation could help alleviate the financial burden for some residents. Encouraging the establishment of additional medical facilities, including specialized clinics, within Saint Pauls would reduce drive times and improve access to care.

Community outreach programs that educate residents about available healthcare resources and transportation options could also be beneficial. Collaborating with healthcare providers and transportation services to create a more coordinated and accessible healthcare system would improve the overall health and well-being of the community.

For individuals considering moving to Saint Pauls, understanding the transportation and healthcare access landscape is essential. While the area offers a close-knit community and affordable living, potential residents should carefully consider the challenges associated with accessing healthcare, particularly if they do not have access to a personal vehicle or require specialized medical care. Planning for transportation needs and researching the availability of healthcare services are crucial steps in ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining good health. The overall health score, while moderate, can be improved through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure, expanded healthcare services, and community outreach programs.