28432, Clarendon, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28432, Clarendon, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.64 percent of residents in 28432 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Columbus Regional Healthcare System with a distance of 11.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Clarendon, NC (ZIP Code 28432)

Clarendon, North Carolina, a small town nestled in Columbus County, presents a unique landscape when considering overall health and, specifically, access to healthcare. This assessment delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare facilities within and around the 28432 ZIP code, providing an "Overall Health Score" that reflects the challenges and opportunities faced by its residents. This score considers drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Clarendon and prioritizing their healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Clarendon is influenced by several key factors. The remoteness of the area, coupled with limited public transportation, creates a reliance on personal vehicles. This dependence directly impacts the ease and speed with which residents can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care. The quality and availability of alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing and medical transport, further shape the score. Finally, the proximity and variety of healthcare providers within a reasonable distance contribute to the overall assessment.

**Drive Times: The Primary Transportation Method**

For most Clarendon residents, the automobile is the primary mode of transportation to access healthcare. The town's location, while offering a sense of rural tranquility, necessitates travel to reach most medical facilities. The primary arteries for navigating this area are US-701 and NC-211. US-701, a north-south route, connects Clarendon to Whiteville, the county seat, and beyond. NC-211 provides east-west access, linking Clarendon to neighboring towns and ultimately connecting to larger regional hubs.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the destination and the time of day. Whiteville, with its concentration of medical services, is a central point. Reaching Whiteville via US-701 typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Clarendon. This drive offers the potential for a relatively quick trip to a doctor's office or the Columbus Regional Healthcare System.

For specialized care or access to a wider range of medical professionals, residents often travel to larger cities like Wilmington, approximately an hour and a half away via NC-211 and US-74/76. This extended drive time presents a significant barrier, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations. The journey to Wilmington, while offering comprehensive healthcare options, can be a considerable burden, impacting the "Overall Health Score."

**Public Transportation: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in Clarendon and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. Columbus County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of public transportation significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or prefer not to drive. This deficiency severely impacts the "Overall Health Score," particularly for elderly residents and those with disabilities.

While there may be informal arrangements for transportation within the community, these are not reliable or readily available. The absence of a structured public transit system forces residents to rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services. This reality emphasizes the need for alternative transportation solutions to improve healthcare access and the overall health of the community.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Clarendon is variable. While these services may be accessible, their presence is not consistent, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability poses a challenge for those needing timely access to healthcare. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private companies or local ambulance services, provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services offer transportation to and from medical appointments, providing a more specialized and often safer option. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, making it inaccessible for some residents. The availability of these services and their affordability directly influence the "Overall Health Score."

**Healthcare Access: Proximity and Variety**

The proximity and variety of healthcare providers within a reasonable distance are critical components of the "Overall Health Score." Clarendon itself has limited medical facilities. Residents rely on the healthcare services available in Whiteville and the surrounding areas. The Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville offers a range of services, including primary care, emergency care, and some specialty services.

For specialized care, residents often travel to Wilmington, where a more comprehensive selection of medical specialists and facilities is available. The travel time to Wilmington, however, presents a significant obstacle. The availability of healthcare providers, their accessibility, and the travel time required to reach them all play a crucial role in determining the "Overall Health Score" for Clarendon.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and healthcare facilities. While the lack of a formal public transportation system in Clarendon is a significant concern, the ADA compliance of ride-sharing services and medical transport vehicles is a vital consideration. Ensuring that these services are accessible to individuals with disabilities is crucial for promoting equitable healthcare access. Furthermore, healthcare facilities must meet ADA standards to provide accessible environments for all patients.

**Moving to Clarendon: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Clarendon, understanding the healthcare access landscape is essential. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the potential for lengthy travel times to access specialized care are crucial factors to consider. Prospective residents should assess their individual healthcare needs and determine whether the available transportation options and healthcare facilities meet their requirements. Careful planning and consideration of healthcare access are vital for a smooth transition and ensuring overall well-being when moving to Clarendon.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Clarendon, NC (ZIP Code 28432) is moderately impacted by the challenges of transportation. While the drive to Whiteville offers relatively quick access to some healthcare services, the lack of public transportation, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on longer drives for specialized care negatively impact the score. The cost of medical transport and the limited healthcare options within Clarendon further contribute to the overall assessment. Improving public transportation, expanding ride-sharing availability, and increasing the accessibility of medical transport services would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve the quality of life for Clarendon residents. For those moving to Clarendon, a thorough evaluation of their healthcare needs and a plan for transportation are essential for ensuring their well-being.