28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28628, Glen Alpine, North Carolina is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

85.71 percent of residents in 28628 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Blue Ridge Healthcare Hospitals, Inc with a distance of 6.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28628

This assessment examines the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of Glen Alpine, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28628), considering various modes of transportation. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease with which individuals can access necessary medical care, ultimately influencing the desirability of *moving to Glen Alpine* and promoting informed decision-making. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

Glen Alpine, nestled in Burke County, presents a unique transportation landscape. Its proximity to larger towns and cities like Morganton, Hickory, and Marion shapes healthcare access. The town's relative rurality influences the availability and efficiency of transportation options. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation in Glen Alpine is personal vehicles. Accessing healthcare often involves navigating a network of highways and local roads. Major thoroughfares impacting healthcare access include Interstate 40 (I-40), US Highway 70, and NC Highway 18. These routes connect Glen Alpine to major healthcare providers in the region.

Driving times to healthcare facilities vary depending on location and traffic conditions. For instance, accessing facilities in Morganton, such as UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital, generally involves a drive of approximately 10-15 minutes via US-70. Hickory, with its more extensive healthcare infrastructure, is accessible via I-40, typically requiring a 20-30 minute drive. Marion, another potential destination for healthcare, is reached through US-70 and NC-18, with drive times ranging from 25-35 minutes.

Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times. Accidents or road construction can further exacerbate delays. The condition of roads and highways also plays a crucial role. Well-maintained roads enhance safety and reduce travel time, while poorly maintained ones can pose risks and increase travel time. The overall quality of the road infrastructure in and around Glen Alpine is a critical determinant of healthcare access.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Public transportation options in Glen Alpine are limited. Burke County does not currently have a comprehensive public bus system. Residents rely primarily on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services for *transportation*. This lack of readily available public transit presents a significant challenge for individuals without access to personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, and low-income populations.

While there is no dedicated public bus system within Glen Alpine, the county may offer limited transportation services for specific needs, such as medical appointments. However, the availability and scope of these services may be restricted. The absence of a robust public transportation network can negatively impact the overall health score by limiting healthcare access for certain demographics.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Glen Alpine, though their availability may be less consistent compared to larger metropolitan areas. The cost and reliability of ride-sharing services can also vary. These services offer an alternative *transportation* option, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Medical transportation services provide specialized *transportation* for individuals with medical needs. These services often cater to patients requiring assistance with mobility or those needing transport to and from medical appointments. Several medical transport providers serve the Glen Alpine area.

Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedTrans Corporation offer non-emergency medical *transportation*, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are vital for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot drive themselves. However, the availability, cost, and scheduling of these services are crucial factors influencing their impact on the overall health score. The efficiency and responsiveness of medical transport providers directly impact healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access and Facilities:**

Glen Alpine itself does not have a hospital. Residents rely on healthcare facilities in neighboring towns and cities. UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital in Morganton is a primary healthcare provider for the area. Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory offers a broader range of specialized services.

Access to primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services is essential for a high overall health score. The proximity of healthcare facilities, the availability of appointments, and the quality of care provided are all critical factors. The ease with which residents can access these services, considering *transportation* limitations, directly impacts their health outcomes.

**ADA Accessibility:**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of healthcare access. Healthcare facilities must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that all individuals can access their services. This includes features like wheelchair ramps, accessible parking, and accessible examination rooms.

The availability of accessible *transportation* options is equally important. Ride-sharing services and medical transport providers should offer accessible vehicles to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Public transportation, if available, should also be ADA-compliant. The overall health score must consider the accessibility of both healthcare facilities and *transportation* services.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Glen Alpine (28628) is influenced by several factors. Drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability of public *transportation*, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the efficiency of medical transport providers all play a role. The quality of road infrastructure, the availability of ADA-compliant services, and the proximity of healthcare facilities also significantly impact the score.

The score will reflect the challenges faced by residents without access to personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. The score will be lower if public *transportation* is limited, ride-sharing availability is inconsistent, and medical transport services are expensive or difficult to schedule. Conversely, the score will be higher if drive times are short, healthcare facilities are readily accessible, and various *transportation* options are available.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing healthcare access in Glen Alpine requires a nuanced understanding of the *transportation* landscape. While the town benefits from its proximity to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns, the lack of robust public *transportation* presents a challenge. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternative solutions, but their availability and affordability must be considered.

The overall health score for Glen Alpine (28628) reflects the balance between these factors. While the town offers access to healthcare, *transportation* limitations can impact access for specific demographics. The score should be considered by individuals *moving to Glen Alpine*, as it provides valuable insight into the ease with which they can access healthcare services.