28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.18 percent of residents in 28521 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vidant Duplin Hospital with a distance of 14.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28521 (Chinquapin, NC)

This analysis assesses healthcare accessibility within ZIP Code 28521, Chinquapin, North Carolina, providing an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options and associated challenges. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents and those considering moving to this rural community. Access to timely and appropriate healthcare significantly impacts overall well-being, and transportation limitations can create formidable barriers.

The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. The landscape of healthcare access is complex, particularly in rural areas, and this assessment aims to illuminate the realities of navigating the healthcare system in Chinquapin.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in Chinquapin is personal vehicle. The most direct routes to healthcare facilities involve navigating the rural roads and highways that crisscross the area. The nearest significant healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialized clinics, are located in Jacksonville, approximately 20-30 miles away. This journey primarily involves traveling on NC-24, a major east-west thoroughfare, and then utilizing US-17, a north-south artery, to reach Jacksonville.

The drive time to Jacksonville can fluctuate depending on traffic, especially during peak hours or when there are accidents. These variations in drive time can significantly impact healthcare access, particularly in emergency situations.

For residents in the northern part of 28521, the drive to Jacksonville may involve traversing smaller, less maintained roads, potentially increasing travel time and adding to the stress of seeking medical care. In contrast, residents in the southern part of the zip code may find themselves closer to NC-24, offering a slightly more direct route.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 28521 are extremely limited. The Onslow County Transit System provides some services, but its routes and schedules are not designed to cater to the healthcare needs of Chinquapin residents. The system primarily focuses on serving the more populated areas of Jacksonville and Camp Lejeune.

The existing routes, if they extend into the vicinity of Chinquapin, may have infrequent schedules, requiring lengthy wait times and potentially multiple transfers. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and stops in Chinquapin is questionable. This lack of robust public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Jacksonville, but their presence in Chinquapin is less reliable. The availability of these services depends on driver availability and demand, and response times can be significantly longer in rural areas. This uncertainty makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for urgent medical needs.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for patients requiring transportation to and from medical appointments. Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedStar Transportation operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services often require advance booking and can be costly.

These specialized services are essential for patients with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. However, the availability and affordability of these services in 28521 can be a challenge, potentially delaying or preventing access to necessary medical care.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

The "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in 28521 is **moderately low**. The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options.

**Key factors contributing to the score:**

* **Long drive times:** The distance to healthcare facilities in Jacksonville necessitates significant travel time.
* **Limited public transit:** The lack of reliable public transportation severely restricts access for those without vehicles.
* **Uncertainty of ride-sharing:** The availability and response times of ride-sharing services are unpredictable.
* **Cost and availability of medical transport:** Specialized medical transport services can be expensive and may require advance booking.

**Recommendations:**

1. **Advocate for Expanded Public Transit:** Residents should advocate for Onslow County Transit System to extend its routes and schedules to better serve Chinquapin. This could involve lobbying local officials and participating in public forums.
2. **Explore Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Local organizations could partner with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted or subsidized rides to medical appointments.
3. **Promote Medical Transport Awareness:** Increase awareness of available medical transport services and assist residents in accessing them. This could involve providing information at community centers and healthcare facilities.
4. **Support Telehealth Initiatives:** Encourage the adoption of telehealth services to provide remote access to healthcare, reducing the need for travel.
5. **Community Resource Development:** Establish a local community resource center to assist residents with transportation needs, including coordinating rides and providing information about available services.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Chinquapin requires careful consideration of healthcare access. While the area offers a peaceful rural environment, the transportation challenges present significant hurdles to receiving timely and appropriate medical care. By understanding these challenges and actively working to improve transportation options, the community can enhance the overall health and well-being of its residents.