The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29448, Harleyville, South Carolina is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
43.50 percent of residents in 29448 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Roper St Francis Hospital-Berkeley Inc with a distance of 21.04 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 29448, Harleyville, South Carolina
Overall Health Score | 4 |
---|---|
People Score | 24 |
Provider Score | 4 |
Hospital Score | 32 |
Travel Score | 32 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 29448 | Harleyville | South Carolina |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 4.18 | 4.18 | 2.29 |
1 Car | 7.59 | 7.59 | 19.76 |
2 Cars | 46.17 | 46.17 | 41.52 |
3 or More Cars | 42.06 | 42.06 | 36.42 |
Vehicular Access in 29448, Harleyville, South Carolina
## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Harleyville, SC (ZIP Code 29448)
The health and well-being of any community are inextricably linked to its ability to access quality healthcare. In Harleyville, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29448), a rural town nestled in Dorchester County, this critical connection is significantly shaped by the availability and efficiency of transportation options. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, examining the various modes of transportation available to residents seeking medical care, highlighting potential challenges, and ultimately offering insights into the community's overall health landscape. Considering a move to Harleyville? Understanding these factors is crucial.
Harleyville, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The town’s relative isolation, coupled with limited public transportation infrastructure, necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. This reality impacts the overall health score, particularly for those without personal transportation, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. The distance to healthcare facilities, the condition of local roadways, and the availability of alternative transportation options all play a significant role in determining the ease and efficiency with which residents can access essential medical services.
The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Harleyville are the major highways and roads. Interstate 26 (I-26) is the dominant route, providing the most direct access to hospitals and medical centers in surrounding cities. The drive to Summerville, approximately 20 miles southeast, via I-26, typically takes around 30 minutes, offering access to Summerville Medical Center and various specialist practices. Heading west on I-26, the drive to Orangeburg, roughly 35 miles, provides access to Regional Medical Center. The travel time, however, can be significantly affected by traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours.
Additionally, South Carolina Highway 78 (SC-78) serves as a crucial secondary route, connecting Harleyville to nearby towns and providing access to smaller medical facilities and clinics. The condition of SC-78 is generally good, but it is a two-lane road, increasing travel time and susceptibility to delays. Smaller local roads, such as US-178, provide access to local pharmacies and general practitioners, but these routes are often less direct and can be subject to potholes and other road hazards. These factors impact the overall health score.
Public transportation options in Harleyville are extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents. The Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority (LCRTA) provides some bus services within Dorchester County, but routes are infrequent and do not directly serve Harleyville. The LCRTA's routes primarily focus on connecting larger towns and cities, with limited service to more rural areas. This lack of robust public transportation necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services. The absence of accessible public transit directly impacts the overall health score.
Furthermore, the LCRTA's routes may not always be fully ADA-compliant, adding another layer of difficulty for individuals with disabilities. The lack of consistent and accessible public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, hindering their ability to attend doctor's appointments, pick up prescriptions, and access other essential healthcare services. The absence of reliable public transportation is a major factor in assessing the overall health score.
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Harleyville area, offering an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for low-income individuals, making it an inaccessible option for many residents. These factors impact the overall health score.
Medical transportation services, such as MedTrans and American Medical Response (AMR), offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services are often more expensive than other transportation options and may require advance booking, limiting their accessibility for urgent medical needs. These considerations impact the overall health score.
The availability of these specialized services, while crucial for some, does not negate the need for a more comprehensive and accessible transportation infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, and medical transport services highlights the challenges faced by Harleyville residents in accessing healthcare. These challenges contribute to the town's overall health score.
The quality of healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas also impacts the overall health score. Summerville Medical Center, located approximately 20 miles from Harleyville, provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and diagnostic testing. Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg offers similar services. These facilities are generally well-equipped and staffed, but the distance and transportation challenges can still hinder timely access to care.
The availability of local pharmacies and clinics within Harleyville helps to mitigate some of the transportation challenges. However, these facilities may not offer the full range of services available at larger hospitals and medical centers. The availability of local resources is an important factor in the overall health score.
In conclusion, the overall health score for commuting to healthcare in Harleyville, SC (ZIP Code 29448) is moderately impacted by transportation limitations. While the town benefits from access to major highways like I-26 and SC-78, the lack of robust public transportation, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the reliance on personal vehicles create significant challenges for many residents. The distance to healthcare facilities, the cost of transportation, and the accessibility of services all contribute to the overall health score.
Improving the overall health score would necessitate strategic investments in transportation infrastructure. This could include expanding public transportation routes to serve Harleyville more directly, improving the accessibility of existing routes, and providing financial assistance to low-income residents to utilize ride-sharing services. Encouraging the development of more local healthcare facilities, such as clinics and pharmacies, would also improve healthcare access.
For individuals considering moving to Harleyville, it is crucial to carefully consider the transportation challenges and their potential impact on healthcare access. Understanding the limitations of public transportation, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the distance to healthcare facilities is essential for making an informed decision. The overall health score reflects the complex interplay between transportation, healthcare access, and the well-being of the community.
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