Overall Health Score

28611, Collettsville, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

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Health Scores

Travel Score in 28611, Collettsville, North Carolina

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28611, Collettsville, North Carolina is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.02 percent of residents in 28611 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Caldwell Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.89 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 28611, Collettsville, North Carolina

Overall Health Score 40
People Score 36
Provider Score 54
Hospital Score 58
Travel Score 30

Closest Hospital - CALDWELL MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 28611 Collettsville North Carolina
No Cars 0.00 0.00 2.14
1 Car 0.00 0.00 19.36
2 Cars 24.59 24.59 40.83
3 or More Cars 75.41 75.41 37.67

Vehicular Access in 28611, Collettsville, North Carolina

Travel Score Review of 28611, Collettsville, North Carolina

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Collettsville, NC (ZIP Code 28611)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. This assessment focuses on transportation options within and surrounding Collettsville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28611), evaluating their impact on healthcare access. We will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services to formulate an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical attention. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering **moving to Collettsville**, as understanding these logistical realities is crucial for maintaining well-being.

Collettsville, nestled in the heart of Caldwell County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. Its rural character, while offering serenity, often translates to limited public transportation and longer travel distances. This assessment will delve into the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the available **transportation** infrastructure.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation in Collettsville is the personal vehicle. Understanding drive times to essential healthcare facilities is paramount. The closest major medical center is Caldwell UNC Health Care in Lenoir, approximately 15-20 miles away. The most direct route typically involves taking **NC-90** east, a scenic but often winding road. Traffic is generally light, but the route can be affected by weather conditions, particularly during winter.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further. **US-321** provides a major artery to Hickory, about 30-40 miles south, where additional medical facilities, including Catawba Valley Medical Center, are located. This route is generally well-maintained, but peak traffic hours can extend travel times, especially near Hickory. Accessing healthcare in Morganton, about 30 miles west, also requires travel on **NC-90** and potentially **US-64**, presenting similar considerations regarding traffic and road conditions.

The drive times, while manageable, highlight the dependence on personal vehicles. Residents without reliable transportation, or those with mobility limitations, face significant challenges. The distance to the nearest hospital, combined with the potential for inclement weather, can create barriers to timely healthcare access.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transit options in Collettsville are extremely limited. Caldwell County does not currently have a comprehensive public bus system that directly serves Collettsville. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

While there are no fixed bus routes, Caldwell County Transportation offers a demand-response system, providing curb-to-curb service for eligible residents. This service, however, is primarily for medical appointments, work, and essential errands. Reservations must be made in advance, and availability is often limited. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of this service is a crucial factor, ensuring that individuals with mobility impairments can utilize it. However, the limited scope and availability of this service underscore the need for improved public transit options.

The absence of robust public transportation significantly impacts the **healthcare access** landscape in Collettsville. This deficiency necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services, potentially increasing the financial burden and logistical complexities of seeking medical care.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the greater Hickory and Lenoir areas, but their presence in Collettsville is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density, and wait times can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some residents.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer crucial support for those requiring assistance. These services cater to patients with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the specific needs.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services further emphasizes the challenges of accessing healthcare in Collettsville. While these options provide essential support, they are often more expensive and less readily available than traditional public transportation.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors above, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in Collettsville (ZIP code 28611) is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of public transportation, the limited availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant barriers for many.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Advocate for Enhanced Public Transportation:** Lobby for increased funding and the development of a more comprehensive public transit system, including fixed routes and expanded demand-response services. This would significantly improve **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles.
* **Explore Partnerships with Ride-Sharing Services:** Facilitate partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for patients.
* **Promote Medical Transport Awareness:** Increase awareness of available medical transport services and assist residents in navigating insurance coverage and financial assistance programs.
* **Invest in Infrastructure Improvements:** Maintain and improve the condition of local roads, including **NC-90** and **US-321**, to ensure safe and efficient travel.
* **Consider Telemedicine Expansion:** Encourage the adoption of telemedicine services by local healthcare providers to reduce the need for travel for routine appointments and consultations.

For individuals **moving to Collettsville**, it is imperative to consider the **transportation** challenges and plan accordingly. Assessing personal transportation capabilities, exploring available resources, and advocating for improvements are essential for ensuring optimal healthcare access and overall well-being. The community's health is directly linked to its ability to connect residents with the care they need, and addressing these transportation barriers is crucial for building a healthier future for Collettsville.

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Health Scores Near 28611, Collettsville, North Carolina

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