28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28445, Holly Ridge, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.05 percent of residents in 28445 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pender Memorial Hospital with a distance of 22.45 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Holly Ridge (ZIP Code 28445)

The picturesque coastal town of Holly Ridge, North Carolina, nestled within the 28445 ZIP code, beckons with its tranquil beauty and burgeoning community. But beyond the charming façade lies a critical consideration for prospective residents: access to healthcare. This comprehensive analysis unveils the realities of commuting to medical facilities, providing an 'Overall Health Score' based on transportation options, drive times, and available resources. This score serves as a vital tool for anyone contemplating moving to Holly Ridge, ensuring informed decisions regarding their well-being.

The 'Overall Health Score' for Holly Ridge, 28445, is influenced by a variety of factors, primarily centered around the ease and efficiency of accessing healthcare. This includes the availability of different transportation modes, the time commitment involved in reaching medical facilities, and the presence of specialized services within a reasonable distance. A higher score reflects better healthcare access, while a lower score indicates potential challenges.

**Driving the Healthcare Narrative:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Holly Ridge is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's layout and the dispersed nature of medical facilities necessitate reliance on roadways. The primary artery connecting Holly Ridge to surrounding areas is **Highway 17**, a major thoroughfare that dictates the commute to most healthcare providers. Traveling north on Highway 17 provides access to facilities in Jacksonville, while heading south leads to Wilmington.

Drive times, of course, are variable. The journey to Jacksonville, home to **Onslow Memorial Hospital**, typically requires a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic. Wilmington, a larger metropolitan area boasting a greater diversity of healthcare options, is accessible via a 45-60 minute drive along Highway 17. These times, though, are subject to fluctuations due to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours and seasonal tourism. The **Intracoastal Waterway Bridge** south of Holly Ridge can also experience bottlenecks.

Secondary roads, such as **Sneads Ferry Road** and **Old Folkstone Road**, offer alternative routes, but they often involve longer travel times and are less direct. The condition of these roads can also be a factor, particularly after inclement weather. The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is generally adequate, though it can become more challenging during peak hours.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options within the 28445 ZIP code are extremely limited. The **Onslow County Transportation System (OCTS)** provides some degree of public transit, but its routes and schedules are not specifically designed for healthcare access from Holly Ridge. Services may be available, but require significant advance planning and often involve transfers, potentially extending travel times considerably.

Furthermore, the OCTS, while striving to meet the needs of all residents, may not always have readily available ADA-accessible vehicles for those with mobility impairments. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score,' especially for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the Holly Ridge area. However, their availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited population density. Relying solely on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments can be risky, as wait times and surge pricing may add to the burden.

Specialized medical transportation services offer a more reliable solution for individuals with specific needs. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **First Medical Transportation** provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for patients who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities, those lacking transportation, or those who require stretcher or wheelchair assistance. However, these services may require prior authorization and scheduling, and the cost can be a significant factor.

**Healthcare Access: A Closer Look:**

The 'Overall Health Score' is also influenced by the types of healthcare facilities available within reasonable proximity. While Holly Ridge itself offers some primary care practices and urgent care facilities, specialized medical services often necessitate travel to Jacksonville or Wilmington.

Jacksonville offers a more concentrated healthcare environment with Onslow Memorial Hospital providing a range of services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, and specialized clinics. Wilmington, with its larger population base, boasts a wider array of medical specialists, hospitals, and advanced treatment options. **New Hanover Regional Medical Center** (now part of Novant Health) and **Cape Fear Valley Health** are major healthcare providers in Wilmington.

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, is a crucial factor in the 'Overall Health Score.' Residents of Holly Ridge may need to travel significant distances to access these specialized services, impacting their overall well-being.

**The 'Overall Health Score' and Moving to Holly Ridge:**

For prospective residents considering moving to Holly Ridge, the 'Overall Health Score' is a critical element in the decision-making process. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in healthcare access must be carefully considered.

The score is affected by the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for lengthy drive times to access specialized medical care. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services can mitigate some of these challenges, but their reliability and cost must be factored in.

The 'Overall Health Score' for Holly Ridge, 28445, is moderately positive. While the town benefits from its proximity to larger cities with robust healthcare systems, the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for travel delays can pose challenges. Individuals with chronic health conditions or those without access to transportation should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and explore all available options before making a move.

**Recommendations:**

* Prospective residents should research the specific healthcare needs and the availability of providers in the area.
* Consider the potential travel times to various medical facilities and factor in traffic conditions.
* Explore the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.
* If public transit is a necessity, investigate the OCTS routes and schedules and determine their suitability for healthcare access.
* Consult with existing residents and healthcare professionals to gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in Holly Ridge.

By carefully considering these factors, prospective residents can make an informed decision about whether Holly Ridge is the right place to call home, ensuring their healthcare needs are adequately met. The 'Overall Health Score' serves as a valuable tool in this process, promoting informed decision-making and contributing to a healthier community.