28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28430, Cerro Gordo, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.72 percent of residents in 28430 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Columbus Regional Healthcare System with a distance of 13.50 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Cerro Gordo, NC (ZIP Code 28430)

Cerro Gordo, North Carolina, a small community nestled in Columbus County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering overall health. One crucial aspect impacting health is the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 28430, will delve into the complexities of transportation options to healthcare facilities, providing an "Overall Health Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty residents face in obtaining medical care.

The "Overall Health Score" for Cerro Gordo's healthcare access is a composite measure, factoring in drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. Each element is weighted based on its impact on residents' ability to reach healthcare providers, considering factors like distance, frequency of service, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The score will be presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 representing optimal access and 1 representing severely limited access.

**Drive Times: The Dominant Factor**

For residents of Cerro Gordo, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation to healthcare. The area's rural nature and limited public transit options necessitate reliance on automobiles. The primary routes to access healthcare facilities involve navigating the local road network.

The nearest significant healthcare providers are located in Whiteville, the county seat, approximately 10 to 15 miles away. This journey typically involves traveling along NC Highway 74/76 East, a major thoroughfare connecting Cerro Gordo to Whiteville. Traffic flow on this highway is generally moderate, but congestion can occur during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

Further afield, residents may seek specialized care in Wilmington, approximately 60 to 70 miles away. This trip involves utilizing NC Highway 74/76 East to Interstate 95 South, then transitioning to US Highway 74 East. The interstate portion offers higher speed limits, but potential traffic delays, especially around major cities like Lumberton, can significantly increase travel time.

The drive times, while manageable for routine appointments in Whiteville, pose a greater challenge for those requiring specialized care in Wilmington. The distance and potential for traffic congestion contribute to a lower score for this category.

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Cerro Gordo are extremely limited, significantly impacting the overall health score. Columbus County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transit severely restricts healthcare access for individuals who do not own vehicles, are unable to drive, or cannot afford the costs associated with personal car ownership.

While there is no fixed-route bus service, the Columbus County Transportation Department offers a demand-response service, providing transportation to medical appointments. However, this service is limited in scope, requiring advance booking and potentially facing scheduling constraints. The availability of this service is a crucial factor for those who cannot drive.

The absence of regular public transit significantly lowers the score, as it excludes a substantial portion of the population from readily accessing healthcare. The reliance on demand-response services, while helpful, does not provide the same level of convenience and flexibility as a more comprehensive public transportation network.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, though their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger urban centers. Availability can vary depending on the time of day and demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly for longer trips to Wilmington.

Medical transport services, such as MedTrans and First Choice Medical Transport, provide specialized transportation for patients with medical needs. These services often cater to individuals requiring assistance with mobility or those who need transport to dialysis appointments or other specialized treatments. While these services offer a valuable option, they are typically more expensive than ride-sharing or personal transportation.

The presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some mitigation for the lack of public transit, but their limitations in terms of availability and cost impact the overall score. These services represent a critical but often costly lifeline for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Cerro Gordo (ZIP code 28430) is **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the significant challenges residents face in accessing healthcare, primarily due to the lack of robust public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles.

The primary recommendation to improve the health score is to advocate for expanded public transportation options. This could involve exploring partnerships with neighboring counties to establish a regional transit system, or advocating for increased funding for the Columbus County Transportation Department. Such improvements would dramatically enhance healthcare access for all residents, particularly those who are transportation-disadvantaged.

Furthermore, efforts to promote ride-sharing and medical transport services, including initiatives to subsidize or lower the cost for low-income individuals, would also improve the overall health score.

**Moving to Cerro Gordo: Considerations for Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Cerro Gordo, the availability of healthcare access should be a significant factor in their decision. The limited transportation options necessitate careful planning and consideration of the distance to healthcare providers. Those who rely on public transportation or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate their ability to access medical care.

Individuals moving to Cerro Gordo should also research the availability of local healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care facilities. Familiarizing themselves with the transportation options available, including ride-sharing services and medical transport providers, is also crucial.

By understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access in Cerro Gordo, prospective residents can make informed decisions that prioritize their health and well-being. The community would benefit from a concerted effort to improve transportation infrastructure and increase the accessibility of healthcare services, ultimately improving the "Overall Health Score" and the quality of life for all residents. The future of Cerro Gordo’s health depends on the community's commitment to addressing these critical issues, ensuring that all residents have the ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.