35672, Town Creek, Alabama Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 35672, Town Creek, Alabama is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.83 percent of residents in 35672 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lawrence Medical Center with a distance of 12.97 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Town Creek, Alabama (ZIP Code 35672)

The air hangs heavy with the promise of humidity in Town Creek, Alabama, a small community nestled in the heart of Lawrence County. For individuals managing asthma, understanding the nuances of healthcare access is paramount. This "Asthma Score" write-up explores the transportation landscape within and around ZIP Code 35672, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions, ultimately informing decisions about healthcare access and the feasibility of moving to Town Creek.

The primary artery of transportation in Town Creek is **Highway 24**, a two-lane road that winds its way through the town, connecting it to larger population centers. Driving to the nearest major medical facilities, the Decatur Morgan Hospital in Decatur, Alabama, is a significant consideration. This drive, primarily via **Highway 24** and then **Highway 31**, typically takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Rush hour, particularly in the mornings and late afternoons, can extend this commute.

For those without personal vehicles, public transit options are limited. Lawrence County itself does not have a dedicated public transportation system. The nearest regional public transit options would be in Decatur, approximately a 30-45 minute drive. These options, if available, would likely involve bus routes operated by the City of Decatur. It is critical to investigate the specifics of these routes, their schedules, and their accessibility features, such as ramps and lifts for individuals with disabilities (ADA compliance), to determine their suitability for asthma sufferers.

The absence of robust public transit highlights the reliance on personal vehicles in Town Creek. This necessitates a careful evaluation of the individual's ability to drive or the availability of reliable transportation from family, friends, or neighbors. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees at medical facilities must also be factored into the overall "Asthma Score."

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Decatur and surrounding areas. However, their presence in Town Creek itself is less certain. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is therefore risky. It is crucial to confirm service availability and pricing before making any healthcare plans.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another potential solution. Several companies provide these services, including those specializing in non-emergency medical transport. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who lack personal transportation. Researching the availability and pricing of medical transport in the Town Creek area is essential. Consider the types of vehicles offered (e.g., wheelchair-accessible vans) and the level of medical assistance provided during transport.

The "Asthma Score" for Town Creek must also incorporate the distance to pharmacies and urgent care facilities. While Town Creek may have a local pharmacy, the availability of specialized asthma medications or equipment may be limited. The nearest urgent care facilities are likely located in Decatur. This adds another layer of transportation consideration, emphasizing the need for a reliable means of reaching these essential services.

The time of day and day of the week also influence the "Asthma Score." Emergency situations demand immediate access to medical care. The ability to quickly reach an emergency room, especially during off-peak hours or on weekends, is a critical factor. The drive to Decatur Morgan Hospital, the closest major hospital, becomes even more significant during these times.

The overall "Asthma Score" for Town Creek is influenced by the interplay of these factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the uncertainty of ride-sharing services all contribute to a potentially challenging environment for asthma sufferers. The drive times to medical facilities, pharmacies, and urgent care centers are significant. The availability and affordability of medical transportation services become critical for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle.

For individuals considering moving to Town Creek, a thorough assessment of these transportation factors is essential. Researching the availability of healthcare access, including specialist appointments and emergency services, is critical. Contacting local healthcare providers and pharmacies to inquire about their services and transportation options is highly recommended.

In conclusion, while Town Creek offers a peaceful environment, the challenges of transportation and healthcare access must be carefully considered by individuals managing asthma. The "Asthma Score" serves as a framework for evaluating these factors, highlighting the importance of planning, research, and a reliable transportation strategy to ensure access to essential medical care. Careful consideration of these factors, including drive times on **Highway 24** and **Highway 31**, the potential for public transit from Decatur, and the viability of ride-sharing or medical transport, is paramount to successfully navigating healthcare in this community.