29832, Johnston, South Carolina Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 29832, Johnston, South Carolina is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.76 percent of residents in 29832 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Edgefield County Healthcare An Affiliate Of Self R with a distance of 7.90 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 29832**

The health and well-being of a community are intricately linked to its access to healthcare. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 29832 (Johnston, South Carolina), focusing on the critical aspect of transportation to medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for those living in and considering moving to Johnston.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary arteries serving Johnston and connecting it to healthcare providers are US-25, SC-19, and SC-39. These roadways are vital for residents seeking medical attention, and the travel time on these thoroughfares significantly impacts the overall health score.

For routine appointments and general care, the closest options are in Johnston itself, including the Johnston Medical Clinic. Drive times to these local facilities are generally minimal, contributing positively to the score. However, for specialized care or emergency situations, residents often need to travel to larger medical centers in nearby towns like Aiken or Edgefield.

A drive to Aiken, home to the Aiken Regional Medical Centers, typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions on US-25 and SC-19. Edgefield, with its smaller medical facilities, is a shorter drive, usually around 15 to 20 minutes via SC-19. These longer drive times, especially in emergencies, can negatively affect the health score.

**Public Transportation**

Public transportation options in the area are limited, which poses a challenge for those without personal vehicles. There is no established public bus system operating directly within Johnston. Residents needing to access healthcare via public transit would likely need to rely on services offered in neighboring cities, which may require multiple transfers and significantly extend travel times.

The absence of readily available public transportation is a significant factor in the overall health score. This lack of options disproportionately affects those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of ADA-compliant features on any existing routes further exacerbates this issue.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Johnston area, providing an alternative transportation option. However, their availability and affordability can vary, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, impacting their ability to access healthcare.

Specialized medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in the area. These services are designed to transport individuals with mobility challenges or other medical needs to and from healthcare appointments. Companies like Logisticare and ModivCare often provide these services through contracts with insurance providers.

While these medical transport options are a valuable resource, their availability and scheduling can sometimes be limited, potentially delaying access to care. The need to pre-arrange transportation can also add complexity to the process, especially for urgent medical needs.

**Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 29832 is moderate, with areas of both strength and weakness. The presence of local medical facilities is a positive factor, providing convenient access for routine care. However, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing for specialized care or emergency situations create challenges.

The longer drive times to larger medical centers in Aiken and Edgefield, coupled with the potential for traffic delays on US-25, SC-19, and SC-39, can negatively impact the score, particularly in emergency situations. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers some relief, but their cost and scheduling limitations must be considered.

**Factors Impacting the Score**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score. The proximity of local medical facilities is a significant positive, as is the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. However, the absence of a robust public transportation system and the longer drive times to specialized care facilities detract from the score.

The demographics of the population also play a role. An aging population or a high percentage of individuals with disabilities may require more frequent medical appointments and may be more reliant on alternative transportation options.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the overall health score, several measures could be considered. Investing in a public transportation system, even a limited one, would significantly enhance healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Expanding the availability of ride-sharing services or subsidizing their cost for low-income residents could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting the use of telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine check-ups or follow-up care. Increasing awareness of medical transport services and streamlining their scheduling processes could also improve healthcare access for those with mobility challenges.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 29832 reflects a community with both strengths and weaknesses. While local medical facilities provide convenient access for routine care, the limited transportation options and longer drive times to specialized facilities pose challenges.

For those considering moving to Johnston, understanding these factors is crucial. While the area offers a close-knit community and a slower pace of life, it's essential to weigh the healthcare access considerations against other factors. By addressing the transportation challenges and promoting innovative solutions, the community can improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the care they need.