ADDRESSING PROBLEMS PRESENTED BY TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS IN CLEVELAND COUNTY

This paper aims to outline the problems presented by transportation barriers throughout Cleveland County, North Carolina, while also providing program and policy solutions to increase access to vital healthcare services, nutrition resources, and other county services. Cleveland County is a geographically diverse county lacking formal public transportation, leaving vulnerable populations at risk for limited healthcare access, food insecurity, and other communication barriers. Older adults living in the most rural parts of the county face the greatest risks associated with transportation barriers, and serve as a priority population when developing program interventions. A thorough policy analysis highlighted county-wide broadband access as the best solution to increasing connection to vital community resources, namely telehealth and nutrition resources. Furthermore, when addressing food insecurity throughout Cleveland County, mobile food pantries will allow for food delivery to individuals most isolated by transportation barriers. Keywords: social determinants of health, neighborhood and built environment, food insecurity, Cleveland County, North Carolina, transportation.Master of Public Healt