28441, Garland, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28441, Garland, North Carolina is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.07 percent of residents in 28441 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 32.94 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28441

The health and well-being of residents in Garland, North Carolina, ZIP code 28441, are intricately linked to their ability to access healthcare. This analysis delves into the accessibility of medical services, considering the crucial element of transportation. We will examine drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to formulate an "Overall Health Score" for the community. This score will reflect the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical care, a critical factor for anyone contemplating moving to Garland.

The primary mode of transportation for many in 28441 is personal vehicles. The town’s location in rural Bladen County necessitates reliance on cars for most errands, including healthcare appointments. The most direct route to larger medical facilities often involves navigating the winding roads that characterize the region.

Driving to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics involves considering several factors. The closest significant healthcare hub is located in Elizabethtown, the county seat. Reaching Bladen County Hospital typically requires a drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes via NC-210 East. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience increased traffic during peak hours, potentially extending travel times.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Fayetteville, approximately 40 to 50 minutes away. This journey typically involves taking NC-210 East to I-95 South, then connecting to various roads leading to medical centers. The interstate, while offering higher speeds, is susceptible to congestion, particularly during rush hour and on weekends. These drive times are crucial when considering healthcare access.

Public transportation options in 28441 are limited. Bladen County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. The lack of readily available public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. This absence disproportionately affects seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families.

While dedicated public transit is unavailable, there are some options for transportation. The county offers a limited demand-response system for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This service, known as the Bladen County Transportation System, requires advance booking and is primarily intended for medical appointments and essential errands. However, its capacity is limited, and availability can be restricted. The lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score."

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is inconsistent. Availability fluctuates depending on driver density and demand. Residents in 28441 may experience longer wait times and potentially higher fares compared to more urban areas. The reliability of ride-sharing, particularly for urgent medical needs, is a significant concern.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for patients requiring assistance with transportation. Several providers, including private ambulance companies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services, operate in the region. These services cater to individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments. However, these services often come at a higher cost, and their availability can be limited, especially during peak demand.

The "Overall Health Score" for 28441 is influenced by the interplay of these transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the fluctuating availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to the overall accessibility of healthcare.

The "Overall Health Score" is further impacted by the geographical distribution of healthcare providers. While Bladen County Hospital in Elizabethtown offers essential services, residents may need to travel to Fayetteville or other cities for specialized care. This necessitates longer travel times and increases the burden on individuals, especially those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

The availability of healthcare professionals in 28441 also plays a crucial role. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers within the community reduces the need for extensive travel. However, the rural nature of the area may lead to a shortage of healthcare professionals, forcing residents to seek care outside the immediate vicinity. This scarcity directly impacts the "Overall Health Score."

The economic factors also influence the "Overall Health Score." The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and ride-sharing fares, can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income individuals. The lack of affordable transportation options can lead to delayed or missed appointments, negatively impacting health outcomes.

The availability of insurance coverage is another critical factor. Individuals without health insurance may face financial barriers to accessing healthcare, making it more difficult to afford transportation to medical appointments. The interplay between insurance coverage and transportation options significantly affects the "Overall Health Score."

The "Overall Health Score" for 28441 is a complex metric, reflecting the interplay of various factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to the overall accessibility of healthcare. The geographical distribution of healthcare providers, the availability of healthcare professionals, economic factors, and insurance coverage further influence the score.

Considering all these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for 28441 is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options create challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides alternative options, but their cost and availability can be limiting.

For individuals contemplating moving to Garland, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is crucial. While the community offers a sense of rural tranquility, the need to travel for healthcare appointments should be carefully considered. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and explore available resources to ensure they can access the medical care they require. The "Overall Health Score" serves as a valuable tool for evaluating the community's healthcare accessibility.