28518, Beulaville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28518, Beulaville, North Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.98 percent of residents in 28518 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 11.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Beulaville, NC (ZIP Code 28518)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Beulaville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28518), focusing specifically on the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for those considering moving to Beulaville.

Beulaville, a charming town nestled in Duplin County, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access. Its rural setting necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for many, impacting the overall health score. The availability of alternative transportation options, such as public transit and ride-sharing, is limited, further influencing the score. This assessment aims to provide a clear understanding of the transportation landscape for healthcare needs, ultimately informing decisions about health and well-being.

**Drive Time Dynamics: Navigating the Roads to Wellness**

The primary means of transportation in Beulaville is the personal vehicle. The surrounding roads, including US Highway 24 and NC Highway 11, serve as the lifelines connecting residents to essential medical services. Drive times are a crucial factor in the overall health score, as longer travel distances can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

For routine check-ups and general medical needs, residents typically travel to nearby towns like Kenansville or Wallace. The drive to Kenansville, the county seat, along NC Highway 24, is generally a short and manageable journey, typically taking under 15 minutes. Wallace, accessible via NC Highway 11, offers a wider range of medical services, including specialists. The drive to Wallace averages around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic and specific destinations.

More specialized care often necessitates travel to larger cities like Jacksonville or Wilmington. Jacksonville, home to Onslow Memorial Hospital, is approximately a 45-minute drive via US Highway 24 and NC Highway 11. Wilmington, offering a comprehensive array of healthcare facilities, including New Hanover Regional Medical Center, is a longer journey, typically requiring a drive of around 1 hour and 15 minutes via NC Highway 24 and US Highway 17.

These drive times, while generally reasonable for routine care, can become significant barriers during emergencies or for individuals with mobility limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the potential for longer travel distances to specialized care, negatively impacts the overall health score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Beulaville and the surrounding areas are severely limited. Duplin County does not have a widespread public bus system. This lack of public transit significantly diminishes the overall health score, particularly for individuals who do not own vehicles, those unable to drive, or those with limited mobility.

While there may be occasional demand-response services or transportation programs for specific populations, these are typically not a reliable or readily accessible option for the general public. The absence of a robust public transit system underscores the dependence on personal vehicles and exacerbates healthcare access challenges for vulnerable populations. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any public transit services further limits accessibility for those with disabilities.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Beulaville is limited. While these services might be sporadically available, their reliability and affordability cannot be guaranteed. The rural nature of the area and the relatively low population density contribute to the infrequent presence of ride-sharing drivers. This scarcity further complicates healthcare access, especially for those without personal transportation.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals requiring assistance getting to medical appointments. Several medical transport companies serve the Beulaville area, providing non-emergency and emergency transportation. These services, including ambulance services and specialized medical transport providers, offer varying levels of care and support.

However, the cost of medical transport can be a significant barrier for many, particularly those with limited financial resources or inadequate insurance coverage. The availability of these services does improve the overall health score, but their cost and potential limitations in accessibility must be considered.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis of Factors**

The "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Beulaville (ZIP code 28518) is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential for longer drive times to specialized care negatively affect the score. While medical transport services and, potentially, ride-sharing services offer some support, their limitations in terms of cost and availability further influence the score.

For individuals considering moving to Beulaville, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is crucial. Those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations should carefully consider the challenges of accessing healthcare in this rural setting. The availability of healthcare access is a critical factor in overall well-being.

The overall health score is further affected by the availability of local healthcare providers. While Beulaville has some local clinics and medical offices, the range of specialized care is limited. This necessitates travel to other towns and cities, which adds to the transportation burden. The overall health score is, therefore, a reflection of the interplay between transportation challenges and the availability of local healthcare resources.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Improving healthcare access in Beulaville requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening public transportation infrastructure, even with limited resources, could significantly improve the health score. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, expanding the availability of local healthcare services, including specialists and urgent care facilities, would reduce the need for long-distance travel. Educating residents about available medical transport options and assisting with insurance coverage for these services would further enhance healthcare access.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Beulaville reflects the challenges of accessing medical services in a rural setting. While the community has access to healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles, limited public transit, and the potential for longer travel times to specialized care impact the overall score. Understanding these factors is crucial for individuals considering moving to Beulaville and for policymakers seeking to improve healthcare access for all residents. The ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access, including addressing transportation challenges, are essential for fostering a healthy and thriving community.