28676, State Road, North Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 28676, State Road, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.11 percent of residents in 28676 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.77 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.61 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 28676

Navigating the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 28676, nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, presents a unique challenge. This write-up assesses the overall health score, focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access, specifically examining transportation options available to residents. The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport, painting a picture of the ease or difficulty residents face when seeking medical attention.

The very geography of 28676, characterized by rolling hills and rural landscapes, immediately influences the transportation dynamic. The nearest significant medical facilities are located in surrounding towns, necessitating travel by car for most residents. The primary arteries for this transportation are **US Highway 321** and **State Road 18**. Depending on the specific location within the zip code and the destination, drive times to hospitals and clinics can fluctuate significantly.

For example, a resident living in the more remote areas of 28676 might face a 30-45 minute drive to reach the nearest hospital, even under ideal traffic conditions. This timeframe drastically increases during peak hours, bad weather, or in the event of an emergency. This extended travel time contributes to a lower overall health score, as it can delay critical medical interventions.

Public transportation options are limited in 28676. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals without personal vehicles, seniors, or those with disabilities. While the specific routes and schedules are subject to change, the current public transit infrastructure is sparse. This lack of accessibility can create significant barriers to healthcare, particularly for those who rely on public transportation.

The absence of public transportation forces many residents to depend on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on those who may not have access to one. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance can become a significant financial strain, especially for low-income individuals.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in this region, offering a potential solution for some residents. However, their availability and affordability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas. The cost of a ride-share to a medical appointment can be substantial, and the wait times may be longer than in more urban environments. This inconsistency further impacts the overall health score.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs, are a crucial component of healthcare access. These services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers, are available in the area. However, the cost of these services can be high, and the availability may be limited, especially during peak demand.

The presence of these medical transport services is a positive factor, but their limitations impact the overall health score. The availability and affordability of these services are critical factors in determining the accessibility of healthcare for those who need them most.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 28676 is significantly influenced by the availability of transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential for inconsistent ride-share services create challenges for residents seeking medical care. These factors contribute to a lower overall health score.

To improve healthcare access, several interventions could be considered. Expanding public transportation options, including fixed-route buses and demand-response services, would be a significant step forward. This expansion could improve the overall health score by providing affordable and reliable transportation for those who need it most.

Furthermore, partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-share companies could help to reduce the cost of transportation for patients. Subsidized ride-sharing programs or discounted fares could make healthcare more accessible for low-income individuals. These initiatives could significantly improve the overall health score.

The implementation of community-based transportation programs, such as volunteer driver programs or carpooling initiatives, could also provide valuable support. These programs could help to fill the gaps in transportation services, particularly for those who live in remote areas.

The impact of *moving to State Road* and the subsequent influence on the healthcare access landscape is critical. Residents living in areas near State Road 18, for instance, may have quicker access to medical facilities located in the direction of the road. However, those residing in the more remote areas of 28676, even if they are near State Road, may still face significant travel times to reach healthcare providers.

The healthcare landscape in 28676 is also influenced by the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth can reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments. The expansion of telehealth services could improve healthcare access, particularly for those who have difficulty traveling to medical facilities.

The overall health score for healthcare access in 28676 is moderate, with significant challenges related to transportation. The dependence on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access.

To improve the overall health score, it is crucial to address the transportation challenges. Expanding public transportation options, partnering with ride-share companies, and implementing community-based transportation programs could significantly improve healthcare access.

The location of a resident within the zip code, particularly their proximity to major roads such as US Highway 321 and State Road 18, greatly influences their healthcare access. Residents closer to these arteries have a better chance of faster access to medical facilities.

The availability of telehealth services and the implementation of community health programs also play a crucial role in shaping the overall health score. Addressing the transportation challenges and promoting telehealth services are essential steps toward improving healthcare access in 28676.

In conclusion, improving the transportation infrastructure, expanding telehealth services, and fostering community health initiatives are vital to boosting the overall health score for healthcare access in 28676. This requires a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations.