28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28456, Riegelwood, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.56 percent of residents in 28456 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center with a distance of 22.06 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Riegelwood, NC (ZIP Code 28456)

Understanding the overall health score for residents of Riegelwood, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28456) necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access, heavily influenced by transportation options. This assessment considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for anyone considering moving to Riegelwood or seeking to improve their healthcare journey.

Riegelwood, a small community nestled in Columbus County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The rural nature of the area, while offering tranquility, often translates to longer travel distances for essential medical appointments. This reality significantly impacts the overall health score, demanding a careful evaluation of available transportation solutions.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Riegelwood residents is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The road network, while functional, dictates the time it takes to reach healthcare facilities. The primary artery connecting Riegelwood to the broader region is **NC Highway 87**, a vital route for accessing nearby towns and cities. Traveling south on NC-87 leads to Whiteville, the county seat, where Columbus Regional Healthcare System offers a range of medical services. The drive time to Whiteville typically ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and specific destination.

Heading north on NC-87 provides access to larger urban centers like Elizabethtown, approximately a 30-to-40-minute drive. Elizabethtown boasts Cape Fear Valley Health facilities, including primary care clinics and specialized services. The journey often involves navigating through rural landscapes, which can sometimes be impacted by weather conditions.

Other key roads include **NC Highway 211**, which provides an alternate route, and various local roads that connect Riegelwood to neighboring communities. The condition of these roads varies, with some sections potentially requiring extra caution, particularly during inclement weather. The drive times to specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, located in larger cities like Wilmington (approximately an hour's drive via NC-87 and US-74/76) or Fayetteville (about a 1.5-hour drive via NC-87 and I-95), can significantly impact overall health outcomes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Riegelwood are extremely limited. Columbus County does not have a robust public transit system, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This lack of public transit is a critical factor in the overall health score, particularly for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

While there is no regularly scheduled bus service, the county may offer demand-response transportation services through a program like "Columbus County Transportation." These services typically require advance booking and may have limited operating hours and geographical coverage. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and routes is crucial for individuals with mobility challenges. However, the reliance on these services often necessitates careful planning and can add significant time and complexity to healthcare appointments.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader region, but their presence in Riegelwood is often sporadic and unreliable. The availability of these services depends on driver density, which tends to be lower in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be risky, as wait times and cancellations are potential issues.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services, such as MedTrans or local ambulance companies, typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance for those with mobility limitations. However, these services often come at a higher cost than other transportation options, and their availability can be limited.

**Impact on the Overall Health Score:**

The combination of long drive times, limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services significantly impacts the overall health score for Riegelwood residents. The challenges in accessing healthcare can lead to delayed or missed appointments, impacting preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall health outcomes.

Individuals considering moving to Riegelwood must carefully consider these transportation limitations. The ability to maintain a personal vehicle is crucial for accessing healthcare, and families with limited mobility or financial resources should thoroughly investigate available support services. The local community and healthcare providers can work together to improve healthcare access, such as by promoting carpooling programs, increasing awareness of medical transport options, and advocating for expanded public transit services.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To enhance the overall health score in Riegelwood, several key strategies are essential. Increasing public awareness of existing transportation resources is crucial. Partnerships between healthcare providers and local organizations to coordinate transportation assistance for patients could be beneficial. Advocating for grant funding to support the expansion of public transit or the implementation of a community shuttle service specifically designed to transport residents to medical appointments could be transformative.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, can help mitigate the challenges of long travel distances. Healthcare providers can also explore options for offering mobile clinics or outreach programs that bring healthcare services directly to the community.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for Riegelwood is inextricably linked to the availability and accessibility of transportation options. While the community's rural setting offers a peaceful lifestyle, it also presents significant challenges to healthcare access. By understanding the limitations of drive times, the scarcity of public transit, and the variability of ride-sharing and medical transport, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. Moving to Riegelwood requires careful consideration of these factors. Proactive efforts to improve transportation infrastructure, promote healthcare access initiatives, and leverage telehealth technologies are vital to enhancing the overall health and well-being of the community.