29405, North Charleston, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29405, North Charleston, South Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

78.75 percent of residents in 29405 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital with a distance of 5.07 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29405

This analysis provides an overall health score for healthcare access within ZIP Code 29405, a region of North Charleston, South Carolina. It considers various transportation modalities and their impact on residents' ability to reach medical facilities. The score reflects the ease, efficiency, and equity of accessing healthcare, crucial factors influencing overall community health. Understanding these dynamics is particularly important for individuals and families *moving to North Charleston*, as it directly impacts their well-being.

The health score is a composite of several factors, including drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options. Each element is assessed based on its practicality, affordability, and inclusivity, with a focus on serving the diverse needs of the community. This assessment aims to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare access within the ZIP Code, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Drive Times and Roadway Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for many residents in 29405 is personal vehicles. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the quality of roadways and the distance to healthcare facilities. Major thoroughfares impacting healthcare access include Interstate 26 (I-26), a crucial artery connecting North Charleston to surrounding areas. Travel times on I-26 are often subject to congestion, especially during peak hours, potentially delaying access to urgent care.

Connecting to I-26 are major roads like Rivers Avenue and Montague Avenue. Rivers Avenue, a heavily trafficked corridor, provides direct access to several medical facilities, including Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital, though traffic can significantly extend travel times. Montague Avenue offers access to urgent care clinics and specialist offices, but its traffic flow can also be problematic.

Smaller roads, such as Dorchester Road and McMillan Avenue, serve as vital connectors to these major routes. These roads, while generally less congested, can still present challenges, particularly during inclement weather. The presence of traffic lights and intersections also contributes to travel time variability. Access to healthcare is, therefore, a function of the road network's efficiency and the time of day.

**Public Transit Accessibility:**

The Charleston Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) provides public transit services within the region. Several bus routes serve 29405, offering an alternative to personal vehicles. However, the frequency and reach of these routes are critical determinants of healthcare accessibility. Route 10, for instance, runs along Rivers Avenue, providing access to several medical facilities. Route 11 serves areas further west, offering access to healthcare providers.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities. CARTA has made efforts to ensure accessibility across its fleet. However, the overall coverage of public transit remains a challenge. Limited service hours, particularly during evenings and weekends, can restrict access to healthcare appointments and emergency services. Long wait times between buses can also be a deterrent.

The efficiency of public transit is also influenced by factors like traffic congestion, which can delay buses and disrupt schedules. The distance between bus stops and healthcare facilities is another consideration, as walking can be challenging for some individuals. While public transit offers a valuable option, its effectiveness in promoting *healthcare access* is limited by these factors.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Options:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an on-demand transportation option. These services are readily available in 29405 and can provide convenient access to healthcare facilities. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some residents, especially those with limited financial resources. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can further exacerbate this issue.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, offer a specialized solution. Companies like MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are essential for individuals who cannot use public transit or drive themselves. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, especially for frequent appointments.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are critical factors in ensuring equitable *healthcare access*. These services bridge the gap for individuals who cannot utilize personal vehicles or public transit, promoting their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 29405 is moderate. While there are multiple transportation options available, each presents limitations. Drive times can be lengthy due to traffic congestion, especially on major roadways like I-26 and Rivers Avenue. Public transit offers a viable alternative, but its coverage and frequency are limited, and travel times can be extended. Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide valuable options, but their cost can be a barrier for some residents.

To improve the health score and enhance healthcare access, several recommendations are proposed. Firstly, infrastructure improvements are needed to alleviate traffic congestion on major roadways. This includes expanding road capacity and implementing traffic management strategies. Secondly, CARTA should expand its bus routes and increase service frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends. Improving the connectivity between bus stops and healthcare facilities is also vital.

Thirdly, promoting awareness of ride-sharing and medical transport options, including their affordability and availability, is crucial. This could involve partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation companies to offer discounted rates or subsidized services. Finally, community health initiatives can play a significant role in improving healthcare access. This includes providing transportation assistance programs for low-income residents and educating the community about available resources.

By addressing these issues, the community can improve its health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is particularly important for those *moving to North Charleston*, as it will help them to navigate the healthcare system and maintain their well-being. The ongoing efforts to improve transportation and healthcare access will contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community.