29426, Adams Run, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29426, Adams Run, South Carolina is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

31.12 percent of residents in 29426 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bon Secours-St Francis Xavier Hospital with a distance of 19.40 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29426 (Adams Run, SC)

Assessing the overall health of a community requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of healthcare facilities but also the ease with which residents can access them. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 29426, encompassing Adams Run, South Carolina, and evaluates its "Overall Health Score" by examining the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access. This is crucial for anyone considering moving to Adams Run.

The ability to reach medical care promptly and efficiently is a fundamental determinant of a community's health. Factors such as drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services all play a vital role in shaping healthcare access. This write-up aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these factors for Adams Run residents, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities they face in accessing healthcare.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Adams Run is a rural community, and its healthcare access is significantly influenced by its reliance on personal vehicles. The primary roadways serving the area are the scenic **Highway 174** and the more direct **Highway 165**. These roads are essential arteries for residents traveling to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and urgent care facilities are a critical component of the Overall Health Score. The closest major hospital, Roper St. Francis Mount Pleasant Hospital, is approximately a 45-minute to an hour’s drive, depending on traffic. This is a considerable distance, particularly in emergencies. The drive typically involves navigating Highway 174 to Highway 161, then onto the **Mark Clark Expressway (I-526)** and finally to the hospital.

Urgent care facilities, like those in the West Ashley area, are generally accessible within a 30- to 45-minute drive. This involves traveling on Highway 174 or Highway 165, and then navigating through city streets. The roads are well-maintained, but traffic congestion during peak hours can significantly extend travel times, potentially delaying access to crucial medical attention.

The state of the roads themselves also impacts healthcare access. Highway 174, while picturesque, can be narrow and winding in certain sections. Highway 165 is generally straighter, but both roads are susceptible to weather-related closures or delays, particularly during hurricanes or heavy rainfall. These factors must be considered when evaluating the overall health score.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Adams Run are limited, presenting a significant challenge for residents who do not own vehicles or are unable to drive. The Charleston Area Regional Transportation AuthorityRegional Transportation Authority (CARTA) does not currently offer direct bus routes into Adams Run. The closest CARTA routes are found in the neighboring towns of Hollywood and Meggett, requiring residents to drive to these locations to access public transit.

The lack of robust public transportation severely impacts healthcare access for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of accessible and affordable public transit options is a major detractor to the Overall Health Score for Adams Run.

CARTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating. However, the lack of direct routes into Adams Run limits the usefulness of these features for residents in this area.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Charleston area, including Adams Run. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer an alternative for those who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation options. These services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those requiring specialized assistance.

Several medical transportation providers serve the Charleston area, including companies that offer non-emergency medical transport. These services typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit. The availability and cost of these services are factors to consider in the Overall Health Score.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The Overall Health Score for Adams Run, ZIP code 29426, is significantly impacted by the challenges related to transportation and healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential inconsistencies in ride-sharing services create barriers for residents seeking medical care.

The long drive times to hospitals and urgent care facilities, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, can be particularly concerning in emergency situations. The lack of affordable and accessible transportation options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments and poorer health outcomes.

The Overall Health Score is also influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within the community. While Adams Run may have some local clinics or primary care physicians, the need to travel to Charleston or other surrounding areas for specialized care, such as specialists or hospital-based services, further emphasizes the importance of transportation.

**Recommendations and Conclusion:**

Improving the Overall Health Score for Adams Run requires addressing the transportation challenges that impact healthcare access. Several strategies could be implemented to enhance the situation:

* **Advocating for Expanded Public Transit:** Lobbying for the extension of CARTA routes to include Adams Run would significantly improve healthcare access for residents.
* **Supporting Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates or subsidized transportation for medical appointments could help reduce costs.
* **Promoting Medical Transportation Services:** Raising awareness about the availability of medical transportation services and providing financial assistance to those in need could improve access.
* **Encouraging Telehealth:** Promoting the use of telehealth services, where appropriate, could reduce the need for travel to medical appointments.

In conclusion, the Overall Health Score for Adams Run, ZIP code 29426, is negatively impacted by transportation limitations. While the community offers a peaceful and desirable living environment, the challenges related to healthcare access must be carefully considered. Addressing these transportation issues is crucial for improving the health and well-being of Adams Run residents, making it a more attractive place to live, especially for those considering moving to Adams Run. The ability to efficiently and reliably access healthcare is a fundamental pillar of a healthy community, and improvements in this area are essential for enhancing the Overall Health Score.