28581, Stacy, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28581, Stacy, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.98 percent of residents in 28581 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 30.99 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carteret General Hospital with a distance of 20.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Stacy, NC (ZIP Code 28581)

Stacy, North Carolina, a community nestled along the serene coastline, presents a unique tapestry of challenges and opportunities when assessing its overall health score, particularly concerning healthcare access. This analysis delves into the intricacies of transportation options available to residents of ZIP code 28581, evaluating their impact on the ability to reach necessary medical services. The ability to get to a doctor, a hospital, or a pharmacy is a fundamental aspect of health, and the ease or difficulty of this journey significantly influences the well-being of the community.

The geographic isolation of Stacy, combined with its rural character, shapes the landscape of healthcare access. Unlike urban centers with robust public transit and readily available ride-sharing services, Stacy relies heavily on personal vehicles. This dependence creates a significant barrier for those without access to a car, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the limitations of available transportation, paints a complex picture of healthcare access within this coastal community.

The primary arteries connecting Stacy to healthcare providers are the highways and roads. Residents typically rely on **NC Highway 70** to reach larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. This highway, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak travel times, potentially delaying access to urgent medical care. **NC Highway 24**, another crucial route, offers an alternative path, but its winding nature and potential for slower speeds can also impact travel times. Local roads, such as **Cedar Island Road** and **Sea Breeze Drive**, provide access to nearby communities, but their narrow lanes and lack of sidewalks pose challenges for pedestrians and cyclists, further limiting transportation options.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the overall health score. The nearest hospital, Carteret Health Care in Morehead City, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive, depending on traffic and the specific route taken. This travel time can be a significant hurdle, particularly during emergencies. Primary care physicians and specialists are often located in Morehead City, Beaufort, and Havelock, adding to the commute time and potentially creating a burden for residents needing frequent medical appointments. The time spent traveling to receive healthcare directly impacts the overall health score.

Public transportation options in Stacy and the surrounding areas are limited. There is no established public bus system that directly serves Stacy, which means residents are left to rely on their own means of transportation. This lack of public transit is a major disadvantage for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of accessible public transportation also poses challenges for individuals with disabilities, as they may face difficulties in reaching medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger cities. Availability can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for low-income residents, further exacerbating healthcare access disparities. The reliance on ride-sharing services highlights the need for a more robust and accessible transportation infrastructure.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer an alternative solution. Companies like MedStar and AMR (American Medical Response) operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent situations. The cost of medical transportation can also be a significant factor, potentially limiting its accessibility for some residents.

The overall health score for Stacy, NC (ZIP code 28581) is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation and healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for many residents. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, can further hinder access to timely and appropriate medical care.

For individuals considering moving to Stacy, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Prospective residents should factor in the potential travel times to healthcare providers, the availability of transportation options, and the associated costs. Careful consideration of these factors is essential to ensure that individuals can maintain their health and well-being.

The community's health score is also influenced by the availability of preventative care services, pharmacies, and mental health support within the immediate area. The presence of local pharmacies and the availability of telehealth options can help mitigate some of the transportation challenges. However, the absence of comprehensive healthcare services within Stacy necessitates reliance on external providers, further emphasizing the importance of accessible transportation.

Improving healthcare access in Stacy requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, including the potential for a demand-response transit system, could significantly improve the mobility of residents. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Supporting the development of telehealth services and expanding the availability of local pharmacies could further enhance healthcare access.

The overall health score for Stacy, NC (ZIP code 28581) reflects the complex interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and community well-being. While the area offers a unique coastal lifestyle, residents face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure and healthcare services is crucial to improving the health and well-being of the community. The future of Stacy's health hinges on finding innovative solutions to bridge the transportation gap and ensure that all residents have access to the care they need.