28455, Nakina, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28455, Nakina, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.52 percent of residents in 28455 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Columbus Regional Healthcare System with a distance of 15.90 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28455 (Nakina, NC)

Navigating the healthcare landscape is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, especially when considering a move to a new community. This assessment provides an “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in ZIP code 28455, encompassing the town of Nakina, North Carolina. It considers the accessibility of medical facilities, factoring in transportation options, drive times, and the availability of public transit and ride-sharing services. This score aims to offer prospective residents a clear picture of the healthcare environment, aiding in informed decisions about moving to Nakina.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Nakina is the availability of transportation. The town's relative isolation, nestled within rural Columbus County, presents unique challenges. Residents often rely on personal vehicles for most errands, including medical appointments. The condition of the roads and the distance to healthcare providers significantly impact the time and effort required to obtain medical care.

The primary arteries connecting Nakina to healthcare facilities are NC-905 and NC-701. These state highways, while well-maintained, can experience traffic, especially during peak hours. NC-905 provides a direct route to Whiteville, the county seat, where the Columbus Regional Healthcare System is located. NC-701 offers access to the larger city of Wilmington, approximately an hour’s drive away, and provides access to a wider array of specialized medical services.

Drive times vary depending on the destination and the time of day. The drive to Whiteville, approximately 15 miles, typically takes around 20-30 minutes. The journey to Wilmington, a distance of roughly 50 miles, can range from 50 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location of the medical facility within the city. These drive times are crucial when considering the urgency of a medical need.

Public transportation options are limited in Nakina. The Columbus County Transportation Authority (CCTA) operates a demand-response service, primarily offering transportation to residents for medical appointments, shopping, and other essential errands. However, this service requires advance booking and may not always be readily available. Furthermore, the CCTA service may not have extensive routes or schedules, which can limit its usefulness for urgent medical needs. ADA-accessible vehicles are available, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent as in larger urban centers. Availability may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. This can pose a significant challenge for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle or are unable to drive themselves to appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing services should be carefully considered when assessing healthcare access.

Medical transportation services are another crucial component of the healthcare ecosystem. Several companies, such as MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR), provide ambulance services for emergency situations. These services are typically dispatched through the 911 system and are designed to transport patients to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are also available, offering transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who are unable to drive themselves. These services can be particularly valuable for those with mobility limitations or chronic health conditions.

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Nakina reflects the transportation challenges. While the presence of highways provides access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transportation and ride-sharing services can create barriers. The drive times to healthcare providers, especially to specialized facilities in Wilmington, can be significant.

The score also considers the availability of medical transportation services, which can mitigate some of the transportation challenges. However, the reliance on these services adds another layer of complexity and potential cost to accessing healthcare. The limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services further contribute to the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Nakina, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. The Overall Health Score serves as a guide, highlighting the importance of planning for transportation to medical appointments and the potential need for reliance on personal vehicles or medical transportation services. Healthcare access in Nakina is not as readily available as in larger urban areas, but it is manageable with careful planning and awareness of the available resources.

The score also acknowledges the importance of preventative care and the availability of primary care physicians within the immediate vicinity. Regular check-ups and early intervention are critical for maintaining good health, and the proximity of primary care providers can significantly impact the overall health of residents.

Ultimately, the Overall Health Score for Nakina is a reflection of the interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and the unique characteristics of a rural community. While the town offers a peaceful and close-knit environment, prospective residents must carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and transportation options before making the move. This assessment provides a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about their well-being.