28431, Chadbourn, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28431, Chadbourn, North Carolina is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.13 percent of residents in 28431 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Columbus Regional Healthcare System with a distance of 7.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Chadbourn, NC (ZIP Code 28431)

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of Chadbourn, North Carolina (ZIP code 28431), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services. The score considers various transportation options, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, recognizing that ease of access to healthcare significantly impacts overall well-being. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those **moving to Chadbourn**, enabling informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

The health score is derived from a weighted assessment of these transportation methods, considering their availability, convenience, and potential barriers to access. The lower the score, the better the access. This is a dynamic assessment, and the score can change based on updates to routes, services, and infrastructure.

**Drive Times: The Primary Transportation Mode**

For most Chadbourn residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The geography of the area necessitates reliance on roadways, and therefore, drive times are a critical determinant of healthcare access.

Chadbourn’s location presents a mixed bag. While the town itself has some local medical resources, specialized care often requires travel to larger towns and cities. The primary arteries for accessing healthcare are US-74/76, which provides relatively direct routes east and west, and US-701, which runs north and south.

To reach Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville, approximately 15 minutes away, the drive is generally straightforward. Using US-74/76 East, the route is well-maintained, though traffic can be a factor during peak hours. This short commute is a significant positive for Chadbourn residents, providing immediate access to a local hospital.

However, accessing more specialized care requires longer journeys. For example, a trip to New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, a major regional healthcare provider, involves a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes via US-74/76 East. This longer drive time necessitates careful planning, especially for those with chronic conditions or emergencies. The same route can be used to get to the beach, but the health of the residents is the focus of this analysis.

The drive to McLeod Health Loris in Loris, South Carolina, is about 45 minutes via US-701 South and SC-9 East. This offers another option for healthcare, particularly for residents closer to the state line. However, crossing state lines adds an extra layer of complexity, including insurance considerations.

The condition of the roads, while generally good, can be affected by weather events, potentially increasing travel times and posing safety risks. Therefore, the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation and the need for contingency plans in case of emergencies.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Chadbourn and the surrounding area are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system poses a significant challenge to healthcare access for those who do not own a car or cannot drive. This is a crucial factor affecting the health score, especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

The primary public transit option is the Columbus County Transportation System. This system offers demand-response services, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. While this service provides a lifeline for some, it is not a readily available, on-demand option. Scheduling limitations and potential wait times can make it challenging to access timely healthcare.

The system does not provide fixed-route services, meaning there are no designated bus stops or regular schedules. This lack of fixed routes limits the accessibility of healthcare facilities, particularly those located outside of the immediate Chadbourn area.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical consideration. The Columbus County Transportation System is required to provide ADA-compliant vehicles, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access transportation. However, the limited overall service frequency and the need for advance scheduling can still create barriers.

The absence of a comprehensive public transit system contributes to a lower health score, as it restricts healthcare access for a significant portion of the population. This highlights the need for improved public transportation infrastructure and services to enhance healthcare access in Chadbourn.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Supplementary Resources**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and reliability can be variable. While these services can provide a convenient alternative to driving, their presence is not as consistent as in larger metropolitan areas.

The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a barrier for some individuals, particularly those with low incomes or who require frequent medical appointments. Surge pricing, a common practice during peak hours or periods of high demand, can further increase the cost of transportation.

Medical transport services offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for appointments, dialysis, or other medical treatments.

Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including First Medical Transportation and MedTrans. These services often require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. While they offer a valuable service, their availability and coverage area may be limited.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services underscores the need for a more comprehensive and accessible transportation system to ensure equitable healthcare access for all Chadbourn residents.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

Considering all factors, the overall health score for commute to healthcare in Chadbourn, NC (ZIP code 28431) is moderate. While the proximity to Columbus Regional Healthcare System is a positive factor, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles for specialized care present challenges.

**Recommendations to Improve the Score:**

* **Expand Public Transit:** Increase the frequency and coverage of the Columbus County Transportation System. Explore the feasibility of implementing fixed-route services to connect Chadbourn with surrounding healthcare facilities.
* **Enhance Ride-Sharing Accessibility:** Partner with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation options for low-income residents and those with chronic conditions.
* **Improve Medical Transport Coordination:** Facilitate better coordination between medical transport providers and healthcare facilities to streamline appointment scheduling and transportation logistics.
* **Promote Community Health Initiatives:** Support community-based programs that provide transportation assistance, such as volunteer driver programs or carpooling initiatives.
* **Advocate for Infrastructure Improvements:** Advocate for road maintenance and improvements to ensure safe and efficient travel to healthcare facilities.

By addressing these recommendations, Chadbourn can significantly improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare services they need. This will also make the town more attractive for those **moving to Chadbourn**, as it will improve their quality of life.