35549, Carbon Hill, Alabama Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 35549, Carbon Hill, Alabama is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.36 percent of residents in 35549 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.04 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Walker Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 13.95 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Carbon Hill, Alabama (ZIP Code 35549)

Moving to a new town, especially with a health condition like asthma, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. This analysis, the “Asthma Score,” examines the transportation landscape in and around Carbon Hill, Alabama (ZIP Code 35549), focusing on how easily residents can reach essential medical services. This is crucial, as reliable transportation directly impacts the ability to manage asthma, ensuring timely access to medication, appointments, and emergency care.

Carbon Hill, nestled in Walker County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting, while offering a slower pace of life, can complicate healthcare access. The Asthma Score weighs the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It's a comprehensive assessment, designed to provide a realistic picture of the transportation infrastructure for individuals with asthma considering a move to this area.

The primary means of transportation in Carbon Hill and the surrounding areas is the personal vehicle. Navigating by car is essential. Residents typically rely on **U.S. Highway 78** and **Alabama State Route 118** for travel. These highways connect Carbon Hill to larger towns and cities, where specialized medical care is more readily available. Drive times are a critical factor, and the Asthma Score will analyze how long it takes to reach the nearest hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.

For routine check-ups and general medical needs, the closest facilities are likely to be in Carbon Hill itself or in nearby towns like Jasper. Reaching the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, a key healthcare provider, typically involves a drive along Highway 78. Depending on traffic, this journey can take between 20 to 30 minutes. This is a manageable timeframe for most routine appointments, but it can become problematic during emergencies or in adverse weather conditions.

Specialist care, however, often necessitates travel to Birmingham, approximately 60 miles away. This journey, primarily via Highway 78 and Interstate 22, can take up to an hour and a half, depending on traffic conditions. This extended travel time is a significant consideration for individuals with asthma, especially during exacerbations. The Asthma Score will factor in the potential challenges of traveling such distances when experiencing breathing difficulties.

Public transportation options in Carbon Hill are limited. Walker County does not have a robust public transit system. There is no local bus service within Carbon Hill or between Carbon Hill and other cities. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This is a crucial aspect of the Asthma Score, highlighting a significant barrier for some residents.

While traditional public transit is lacking, there are alternative transportation options. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may operate in the area, though availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in rural locations. The Asthma Score will investigate the reliability and cost-effectiveness of ride-sharing services in Carbon Hill, as this can be a crucial lifeline for those without other transportation options.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with medical needs. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and Priority Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability and cost of these services in Carbon Hill, as they can be essential for individuals who require assistance with transportation.

The availability of pharmacies is another critical element of healthcare access. Carbon Hill has local pharmacies that provide essential medications, including asthma inhalers and other necessary prescriptions. The Asthma Score will consider the proximity of these pharmacies and the ease with which residents can access them. This includes factors like drive times, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the availability of home delivery services.

Healthcare access extends beyond just reaching a doctor's office. It encompasses the ability to manage asthma effectively, which includes access to pharmacies, respiratory therapists, and asthma educators. The Asthma Score will evaluate the availability of these resources in and around Carbon Hill. This ensures that residents have the support they need to manage their condition effectively.

The Asthma Score will also consider the impact of environmental factors on asthma management. Air quality, pollen counts, and weather conditions can all affect asthma symptoms. The score will examine the local environmental conditions and how they might impact individuals with asthma. This includes assessing the availability of information about air quality and pollen levels, as well as the presence of any local initiatives aimed at improving air quality.

Moving to a new area with asthma requires careful planning. The Asthma Score is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the transportation and healthcare landscape in Carbon Hill. It considers the availability of various transportation options, the proximity of healthcare facilities, and the environmental factors that can impact asthma management. This information will empower individuals with asthma to make informed decisions about their healthcare access when considering a move to Carbon Hill.

The Asthma Score will also factor in the potential for future developments in transportation and healthcare access. This includes considering any planned road improvements, expansions of public transit, or the introduction of new healthcare services. This forward-looking approach ensures that the Asthma Score provides a relevant and up-to-date assessment of healthcare access in Carbon Hill.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for ZIP Code 35549 reveals a mixed picture. While Carbon Hill offers a slower pace of life and a sense of community, its rural setting presents challenges regarding healthcare access. Reliance on personal vehicles is paramount, with drive times to essential medical facilities being a significant factor. Limited public transit and the potential for inconsistent ride-sharing availability highlight the need for careful planning. However, the presence of medical transport services and local pharmacies provides some support. Individuals with asthma considering a move to Carbon Hill must carefully weigh these factors, ensuring they can effectively manage their condition and receive timely medical care.