28385, Salemburg, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28385, Salemburg, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.21 percent of residents in 28385 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sampson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.11 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28385 (Salemburg, NC)

The health and well-being of a community are intricately woven into the fabric of its accessibility. This report assesses the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 28385, focusing on the crucial element of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. Specifically, we will analyze the challenges and opportunities associated with reaching medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services available to those **moving to Salemburg**.

The landscape of Salemburg, North Carolina, is primarily rural, influencing the dynamics of healthcare access. The town itself is a small, close-knit community, but the nearest comprehensive medical services are located in surrounding towns and cities. This geographical reality necessitates careful consideration of **transportation** options for residents. The overall health score is significantly affected by the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare, as timely and reliable access to medical care is fundamental to maintaining good health.

Drive times are a primary concern. Residents of 28385 often rely on personal vehicles to reach medical appointments. The primary routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating highways and local roads. For instance, accessing the Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton typically involves traveling north on NC-24, a major thoroughfare, or utilizing smaller roads like US-421, which offers a more direct, though often slower, route. Expect a drive time of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Salemburg.

Traveling to Fayetteville, a larger city with a greater concentration of medical specialists and hospitals, requires a longer commute. Residents would likely utilize I-95, a major interstate highway, or take NC-24 east. The journey to Fayetteville can take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination and traffic conditions. These extended travel times can present challenges, particularly for those with mobility issues, chronic conditions, or limited access to reliable **transportation**.

Public transit options in Salemburg and the surrounding area are limited. Sampson County, where Salemburg is located, does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public **transportation** poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The absence of readily available public transit necessitates reliance on alternative options, further impacting the overall health score.

While formal public transit is lacking, some limited options may exist. The county may offer demand-response **transportation** services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services typically require advance booking and may have eligibility requirements. However, these services are often limited in scope and availability, which may not adequately meet the needs of all residents requiring **healthcare access**. These services are typically not ADA accessible, making them difficult to utilize for those with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can vary. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for individuals with low incomes or those requiring frequent medical appointments. This can limit **healthcare access** for those reliant on these services.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another option. Companies like Firstat Nursing Services and MedStar offer non-emergency medical **transportation** services in the region. These services often provide door-to-door assistance and can accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. However, these services can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans, further impacting the affordability of **healthcare access**.

The availability of these alternative **transportation** services provides some relief, but they do not fully compensate for the lack of public transit. The overall health score is negatively affected by the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited availability of public **transportation**, and the potential cost barriers associated with ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services.

The impact of these **transportation** challenges extends beyond the simple inconvenience of travel. Extended drive times can lead to missed appointments, delayed diagnoses, and reduced adherence to treatment plans. This can result in poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. For individuals **moving to Salemburg**, understanding these **transportation** limitations is critical for planning their healthcare needs.

The overall health score for residents of 28385 is, therefore, moderately impacted by **transportation** challenges. While the community benefits from its rural setting and close-knit nature, the lack of accessible public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant barriers to **healthcare access**. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers some support, but these options are often limited in availability and affordability.

To improve the overall health score, initiatives focused on enhancing **transportation** options are crucial. This could involve advocating for the expansion of public transit services, partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments, or supporting the development of community-based **transportation** programs. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and expanding access to healthcare providers within the community could help reduce the need for long-distance travel.

In conclusion, while Salemburg offers a peaceful and close-knit community, the **transportation** landscape presents significant challenges to **healthcare access**. The overall health score is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transit, and the limitations of alternative **transportation** services. For those **moving to Salemburg**, careful consideration of these factors is essential for ensuring access to timely and affordable healthcare. Addressing these **transportation** challenges through strategic initiatives is vital to improving the overall health and well-being of the residents of 28385.