Overall Health Score

28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

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Health Scores

Travel Score in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.63 percent of residents in 28654 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wilkes Regional Medical Center with a distance of 6.34 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Overall Health Score 7
People Score 34
Provider Score 17
Hospital Score 23
Travel Score 36

Closest Hospital - WILKES REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 28654 Moravian Falls North Carolina
No Cars 1.83 1.83 2.14
1 Car 8.28 8.28 19.36
2 Cars 39.10 39.10 40.83
3 or More Cars 50.78 50.78 37.67

Vehicular Access in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina

Travel Score Review of 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28654 (Moravian Falls, NC)

Welcome to Moravian Falls, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28654), a community nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you consider moving to this tranquil locale, it’s crucial to assess its impact on your overall health. This comprehensive analysis focuses on the critical aspect of healthcare access, specifically evaluating the transportation options available to reach medical facilities. We’ll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, providing a detailed 'Overall Health Score' to inform your decision.

The health score for 28654 hinges significantly on the ease with which residents can access healthcare. Proximity to medical services, combined with efficient transportation, directly influences preventative care, timely treatment, and overall well-being. In this evaluation, we’ll consider the various transportation modalities available, offering a nuanced perspective on healthcare accessibility.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Moravian Falls is the personal vehicle. The road network, while scenic, presents certain challenges. Residents rely heavily on **Highway 421** and **Highway 18** to navigate the region. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours and are subject to weather-related delays, especially during winter months.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger towns and cities. **Wilkesboro**, the county seat, is a short drive away, typically requiring a 15-20 minute commute via Highway 421. **Statesville**, offering a wider array of medical specialists, is approximately a 45-60 minute drive, primarily via Highway 421 and then onto I-77. **Winston-Salem**, a major medical hub, necessitates a drive of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, utilizing Highway 421, I-77, and then I-40.

The winding nature of the roads, particularly in the mountainous areas surrounding Moravian Falls, can extend travel times. Furthermore, the availability of emergency services, like ambulances, is influenced by these driving distances. While emergency response times are generally adequate, the geographical layout necessitates careful consideration of potential delays in critical situations.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 28654 are limited. The primary provider is the **Wilkes Transportation Authority (WTA)**. The WTA offers fixed-route bus services within Wilkes County. However, these routes are infrequent and primarily serve the towns of Wilkesboro, North Wilkesboro, and some surrounding areas. These buses are not designed to service the more rural areas of Moravian Falls.

The WTA does offer a **demand-response service**, which requires advance booking. This service provides transportation to individuals who cannot use the fixed-route system due to disability or other limitations. However, the demand-response service is limited by its availability and the need for pre-scheduling. The WTA vehicles are ADA-accessible, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can utilize the services.

The lack of robust public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive. Residents reliant on public transit may face considerable challenges in attending appointments, especially for regular check-ups or specialized care. The limitations of public transportation significantly impact the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in the region but may have limited availability in Moravian Falls itself. Availability is highly dependent on driver presence and can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Specialized medical transport services are available. **Medicaid** recipients may be eligible for transportation assistance through the state's **Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)** program. This program provides transportation to and from medical appointments for eligible individuals. However, eligibility criteria and the availability of NEMT services can vary.

Several private medical transport companies operate in the area, offering services such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transportation. These services are generally more expensive than ride-sharing and may require advance booking. The availability of these services contributes positively to the health score, particularly for those with mobility limitations.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Access:**

The primary healthcare provider serving 28654 is **Wilkes Medical Center**, located in Wilkesboro. This facility offers a range of services, including emergency care, primary care, and some specialty services. Access to Wilkes Medical Center is generally considered good, with a relatively short drive time for most residents.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel to **Wake Forest Baptist Health – Wilkes Medical Center**, located in North Wilkesboro, or to hospitals in Statesville or Winston-Salem. These facilities offer a broader range of specialists and advanced medical technologies. The longer travel times to these facilities, however, can pose a challenge.

The availability of pharmacies and other healthcare-related services in Moravian Falls itself is limited. Residents often need to travel to Wilkesboro or North Wilkesboro for these services, further emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for 28654 is moderately positive, but with significant caveats. The relatively short drive to Wilkes Medical Center is a positive factor, enhancing healthcare access. However, the limited public transportation options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the longer drive times to specialized medical facilities negatively impact the score.

The reliance on personal vehicles creates a barrier for those without access to a car or who are unable to drive. The lack of readily available public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services significantly diminish healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Moving to Moravian Falls offers the allure of a tranquil lifestyle. However, prospective residents should carefully consider their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Individuals with chronic health conditions, mobility limitations, or those who rely on public transportation should carefully assess the challenges of accessing healthcare in this area.

In conclusion, while 28654 offers a generally acceptable level of healthcare access, the limitations in transportation options necessitate careful planning and consideration. The health score is contingent on individual circumstances, highlighting the importance of personal evaluation when considering a move to this beautiful, yet geographically challenging, community. The integration of more robust public transportation, or the expansion of ride-sharing services, would significantly enhance the overall health score of Moravian Falls.

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Health Scores Near 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina

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Health Scores in 28654, Moravian Falls, North Carolina