29069, Lamar, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29069, Lamar, South Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.18 percent of residents in 29069 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center with a distance of 9.98 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lamar, SC (ZIP Code 29069)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access quality healthcare. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Lamar, South Carolina (ZIP code 29069), focusing on the crucial element of transportation. Understanding the challenges and opportunities in **transportation** is paramount for evaluating **healthcare access** within this rural community. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for current and prospective residents, especially those **moving to Lamar**.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a numerical grade but a qualitative assessment reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services. Factors considered include the proximity of healthcare facilities, the reliability and availability of various **transportation** modes, and the potential barriers faced by individuals with mobility limitations or financial constraints. The goal is to illuminate the realities of healthcare access in Lamar, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

### Geographic Context and Healthcare Landscape

Lamar, nestled in Darlington County, is a predominantly rural community. The nearest major healthcare facilities are located in Darlington and Florence, requiring travel by car or other means of **transportation**. The availability of local healthcare providers within Lamar itself is limited, placing a greater emphasis on the efficiency and reliability of **transportation** to external facilities.

The primary healthcare providers serving the region include McLeod Health Darlington, located approximately 10 miles from Lamar. Florence, about 30 miles away, hosts a more extensive array of medical services, including McLeod Regional Medical Center. These distances, while manageable, highlight the importance of efficient and accessible **transportation** options.

### Driving Times and Road Conditions

Driving remains the most prevalent mode of **transportation** for accessing healthcare in Lamar. The primary routes to Darlington and Florence are via US-15, SC-34, and US-52. Travel times can vary depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.

To McLeod Health Darlington, the drive typically takes 15-20 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This journey involves navigating primarily well-maintained roads, but potential delays can arise during peak hours or due to unforeseen incidents.

The trip to Florence, home to a wider range of healthcare options, requires a longer commute, approximately 40-50 minutes. This drive involves sections of US-52, a major thoroughfare, and can be subject to heavier traffic, particularly during rush hour. The road conditions are generally good, but the longer distance necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

### Public Transit: Limited Options

Public **transportation** options in Lamar are severely limited. Darlington County does not have a comprehensive public transit system. This absence significantly impacts individuals without access to personal vehicles, making **healthcare access** a considerable challenge.

While there is no fixed-route bus service, the Pee Dee Area Transportation Authority (PDATA) offers demand-response services. These services require advance booking and are primarily designed for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and those with limited **transportation** options. However, availability and scheduling constraints can pose significant hurdles.

PDATA vehicles are equipped with ADA features, including wheelchair lifts, to ensure accessibility for individuals with mobility limitations. However, the limited service area and the need for prior arrangements can restrict its utility for spontaneous or urgent healthcare needs.

### Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Darlington and Florence areas, but their presence in Lamar is inconsistent and unreliable. The availability of drivers is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. Relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments can be risky, as unpredictable wait times and potential cancellations could jeopardize timely access to care.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), offer specialized options for individuals with specific needs. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. NEMT services cater to individuals who require assistance with **transportation** to medical appointments but do not require emergency medical care.

Several NEMT providers operate in the region, including First Transit and LogistiCare. These services typically require prior authorization and may have specific eligibility criteria. While NEMT provides a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive, access is often subject to scheduling constraints and prior approval processes.

### Financial Considerations and Healthcare Access

The cost of **transportation** can significantly impact **healthcare access**, especially for low-income residents. The expenses associated with driving, such as fuel, vehicle maintenance, and parking fees, can create financial barriers to accessing healthcare services.

The absence of readily available public transit exacerbates this problem, forcing individuals to rely on more expensive options like ride-sharing or medical **transportation**. The cost of these services can be prohibitive for some, leading to delayed or missed appointments and potentially compromising their health outcomes.

### Overall Health Score Assessment

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options in Lamar, the "Overall Health Score" is considered **Challenging**. While the availability of healthcare facilities in nearby Darlington and Florence provides access to care, the limitations in **transportation** pose significant obstacles.

The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to **healthcare access** for many residents. Individuals without access to a car, those with mobility limitations, and those facing financial constraints are particularly vulnerable.

The limited local healthcare options further compound the challenges, increasing the reliance on external facilities and the importance of efficient **transportation**. Addressing these **transportation** deficits is crucial to improving the health and well-being of the Lamar community.

### Recommendations for Improvement

To enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve **healthcare access** in Lamar, several interventions are recommended:

* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Lobby for the expansion of public **transportation** options, including fixed-route bus service or increased demand-response services, to connect Lamar with healthcare facilities in Darlington and Florence.
* **Promote ride-sharing accessibility:** Encourage ride-sharing companies to increase their presence in Lamar, potentially through incentives or partnerships with local organizations.
* **Expand NEMT services:** Facilitate greater access to NEMT services by streamlining eligibility requirements and improving scheduling flexibility.
* **Support local healthcare initiatives:** Encourage the establishment of additional healthcare providers within Lamar, such as primary care clinics or telehealth services, to reduce the reliance on external facilities.
* **Address financial barriers:** Explore initiatives to subsidize **transportation** costs for low-income residents, such as providing vouchers for ride-sharing or NEMT services.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the community can work towards improving **healthcare access** and fostering a healthier environment for all residents of Lamar, South Carolina, including those **moving to Lamar**.