28638, Hudson, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28638, Hudson, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.57 percent of residents in 28638 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Caldwell Memorial Hospital with a distance of 5.29 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28638 (Hudson, NC)**

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for ZIP Code 28638, focusing on the critical aspect of commute times and transportation options to medical facilities. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals and families considering moving to Hudson, NC, as it offers a realistic perspective on healthcare access within the area.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on the ease with which residents can reach medical professionals. This includes not only the physical proximity of healthcare providers but also the efficiency and availability of transportation options. This analysis examines these factors to provide a comprehensive view of healthcare access in Hudson.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

The primary mode of transportation in Hudson, NC, is the personal vehicle. The road network, while generally well-maintained, dictates the speed and ease of reaching healthcare facilities. Residents of 28638 typically rely on a combination of local roads and highways to access medical care.

For residents in the heart of Hudson, the most direct route to Caldwell UNC Health Care in Lenoir, a major healthcare provider, involves navigating local roads like Main Street and Connelly Springs Road before merging onto US-321. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive typically takes between 15 to 25 minutes. This is a crucial factor for individuals requiring urgent or regular medical attention.

Other healthcare options, such as urgent care clinics and specialist offices, are scattered throughout the surrounding areas. Accessing these facilities often involves traveling on secondary roads, which can add to the commute time. The condition of these roads, as well as the potential for traffic congestion, can significantly impact the overall healthcare access score.

For residents in the more rural areas of 28638, the commute to healthcare providers can be considerably longer. The reliance on US-321 and other highways for longer distances can increase travel time, particularly during peak hours. The availability of reliable and well-maintained roads is therefore a critical factor in determining the overall health score.

**Public Transportation**

Public transportation options in Hudson and Caldwell County are limited. This significantly impacts the healthcare access score, particularly for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, including the elderly, disabled, or low-income residents.

There is no dedicated public bus system that directly serves the healthcare facilities in the area. This lack of public transit options can create a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or afford other transportation alternatives.

The absence of readily available public transportation necessitates the exploration of other options, such as ride-sharing services or medical transport providers. However, the cost and availability of these alternatives can vary, further impacting the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Hudson, NC, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. This can create challenges for individuals needing to schedule medical appointments or access urgent care services.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited financial resources. The expense of regular ride-sharing trips to medical facilities can add to the financial burden of healthcare, negatively impacting the overall health score.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from healthcare facilities. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements, making them less accessible for urgent or spontaneous medical needs.

The availability and affordability of these alternative transportation options are therefore crucial in mitigating the limitations of public transportation and personal vehicles. The overall health score is heavily influenced by the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of these services.

**ADA Accessibility**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration in evaluating healthcare access. The lack of public transportation options with ADA-compliant features poses a significant challenge for residents with mobility impairments.

The availability of accessible parking, ramps, and elevators at healthcare facilities is essential for ensuring that all residents can access medical care. The presence of these features directly impacts the overall health score, highlighting the importance of inclusive healthcare infrastructure.

**Healthcare Access Score Calculation**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 28638 is calculated based on several factors:

* **Drive Times:** The average commute time to the nearest healthcare facilities, including Caldwell UNC Health Care and urgent care clinics.
* **Public Transportation:** The availability and frequency of public transportation options, including ADA accessibility.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** The availability, reliability, and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.
* **Road Conditions and Traffic Congestion:** The condition of roads and the potential for traffic delays.
* **ADA Accessibility:** The availability of accessible features at healthcare facilities.

Each factor is weighted based on its impact on healthcare access. The final score reflects the overall ease and efficiency with which residents of 28638 can reach medical care.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 28638 is moderately affected by the limitations in public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles. While drive times to major healthcare providers are generally reasonable, the lack of robust public transit options and the potential for traffic congestion can create challenges for some residents.

Individuals and families considering moving to Hudson, NC, should carefully consider these factors when evaluating the community's healthcare access. While the area offers access to quality medical care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options should be taken into account.

The ongoing development of transportation infrastructure and the potential expansion of public transit services could significantly improve the overall health score in the future. This would further enhance the quality of life for all residents of 28638.