35574, Kennedy, Alabama Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 35574, Kennedy, Alabama is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.91 percent of residents in 35574 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Fayette Medical Center with a distance of 12.32 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Kennedy, Alabama (ZIP Code 35574)

The crisp air of Kennedy, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Lamar County, offers a certain charm. However, for individuals managing asthma, the allure of rural living must be tempered with a realistic assessment of healthcare access. This "Asthma Score" write-up provides a detailed analysis of transportation options available to residents of ZIP code 35574, focusing on the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, particularly for those considering moving to Kennedy.

The core challenge lies in the geographical isolation. Kennedy is a small town, and specialized medical care, crucial for asthma management, is often located in larger cities. This necessitates a careful evaluation of transportation options, considering drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing or medical transport services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the accessibility landscape, enabling informed decisions about healthcare access.

**The Highway to Health: Driving and Drive Times**

For many, the primary mode of transportation will be a personal vehicle. The major thoroughfare serving Kennedy is **U.S. Highway 278**, which runs east-west. This highway connects Kennedy to larger towns and cities, but traffic can vary, especially during peak hours. Heading east on 278 leads towards Fayette, approximately a 20-minute drive. Fayette offers some basic medical services, including a local hospital, but specialized pulmonology or allergy care may be limited.

Further afield, **Interstate 22** provides a crucial link to Birmingham, a major medical hub. Accessing I-22 from Kennedy requires navigating local roads, adding to the overall travel time. The drive to Birmingham, roughly 100 miles, can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. This journey is significant, especially during an asthma exacerbation, when every minute counts. The route to Birmingham involves navigating **Highway 17** and then connecting to I-22.

For those seeking care in Tuscaloosa, a similar drive time is expected, though the route requires navigating **Highway 17** and then **Highway 82**. This drive is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Both Birmingham and Tuscaloosa offer a comprehensive range of specialists and hospitals, providing critical healthcare access for asthma sufferers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in Lamar County is extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within Kennedy or the surrounding areas. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations.

While there are no fixed-route buses, there may be some limited transportation options available through local social service agencies or non-profit organizations. These services often cater to seniors or individuals with disabilities, providing transportation to medical appointments. However, these services typically require advance booking and may have limited availability. The lack of robust public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Kennedy is uncertain. The availability of these services is often dependent on demand and driver density, which can be limited in rural areas. Residents should not rely solely on ride-sharing for healthcare access.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients requiring non-emergency medical transportation, may be available. These services typically involve specialized vehicles equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges and may offer door-to-door service. However, these services can be expensive and may require prior arrangements. Researching local medical transport providers is crucial for those who cannot drive or lack access to personal transportation.

**Navigating the Healthcare Landscape: Considerations for Asthma Sufferers**

For individuals with asthma, the distance to specialized medical care is a critical factor. The potential for an asthma exacerbation can necessitate immediate medical attention. The drive times to hospitals and pulmonologists, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges with ride-sharing services must be carefully considered.

When moving to Kennedy, prospective residents with asthma should:

* **Confirm the availability of ride-sharing services:** Check the coverage area of Uber and Lyft.
* **Research medical transport providers:** Identify and contact local companies specializing in medical transportation.
* **Establish a relationship with a primary care physician:** A local physician can provide initial care and referrals to specialists.
* **Develop an emergency plan:** Include transportation options and emergency contact information.
* **Consider the location of pharmacies:** Determine the proximity of pharmacies that carry asthma medications.
* **Assess the accessibility of healthcare facilities:** Ensure that chosen healthcare facilities are accessible for individuals with disabilities.

**Conclusion: A Transportation Score for Kennedy**

The "Asthma Score" for transportation in Kennedy, Alabama (35574) is moderate, with significant challenges. While driving is the most practical option, the long distances to specialized care, the absence of reliable public transit, and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. Prospective residents with asthma must meticulously plan their transportation needs, explore all available options, and prioritize establishing a robust healthcare network. The decision to move to Kennedy requires a careful weighing of the benefits of rural living against the potential challenges of healthcare access. The commitment to proactive planning is essential for ensuring the well-being of individuals managing asthma in this charming, yet geographically isolated, community.