36322, Daleville, Alabama Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 36322, Daleville, Alabama is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.63 percent of residents in 36322 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medical Center Enterprise with a distance of 8.36 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Daleville (ZIP Code 36322)

Daleville, Alabama, nestled in the heart of the Wiregrass region, presents a unique set of circumstances for individuals managing asthma. The serene landscape, while visually appealing, can harbor environmental triggers. Understanding transportation options is paramount for ensuring timely healthcare access. This Asthma Score write-up analyzes the available transportation infrastructure within ZIP Code 36322, evaluating its impact on healthcare accessibility for asthma sufferers.

The primary concern revolves around the efficiency and reliability of transportation. Asthma attacks can strike unexpectedly, demanding immediate medical attention. Delays in reaching a healthcare facility can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious complications. Therefore, assessing the ease of movement to medical providers becomes critical. This analysis focuses on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transportation options, all within the context of Daleville's infrastructure.

Driving remains the most prevalent mode of transportation in Daleville. The primary thoroughfare is **Highway 84**, a vital east-west artery. Accessing healthcare facilities in Enterprise (approximately 10 miles west) and Ozark (approximately 15 miles east) via Highway 84 is generally straightforward. However, rush hour traffic, particularly around the Enterprise area, can significantly extend travel times. Secondary roads, like **Highway 134** and **Highway 27**, offer alternative routes, though they are often less direct and may involve navigating rural areas.

The drive time to the nearest emergency room, located at Medical Center Enterprise, typically ranges from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Daleville. This time frame can be critical during an asthma exacerbation. A patient experiencing a severe attack needs rapid intervention. Delays, even of a few minutes, can negatively affect health outcomes. Therefore, assessing the reliability of this drive time is crucial.

Public transportation options in Daleville are limited. The Wiregrass Area Transit System (WATS) provides some bus services, but the routes and schedules are not optimized for healthcare access. WATS primarily serves the Enterprise and Dothan areas, with limited service within Daleville itself. The lack of frequent routes and the potential for long wait times render public transit a less viable option for individuals experiencing an asthma attack.

Furthermore, the WATS system may not be fully equipped to accommodate individuals with severe asthma symptoms. The availability of ADA-compliant features, such as wheelchair accessibility and priority seating, is important. However, the lack of dedicated oxygen support or trained personnel on board buses poses a significant challenge for asthma sufferers. The absence of direct routes to healthcare facilities further compounds the difficulties.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Daleville area. These services offer a more flexible and convenient alternative to public transit. However, the availability of drivers can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. Surge pricing during peak demand periods may also pose a financial burden for individuals needing urgent medical care. The reliability of ride-sharing, therefore, is not guaranteed.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. These services typically provide trained personnel and vehicles equipped with medical equipment, including oxygen and other life-saving supplies. Several medical transport providers operate in the Wiregrass region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport companies. However, the response time of these services can vary depending on the severity of the emergency and the availability of resources.

For individuals considering moving to Daleville, the availability and accessibility of healthcare transportation should be a significant factor. Prospective residents with asthma should carefully evaluate the drive times to healthcare facilities, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the response times of medical transport providers. They should also consider the potential limitations of public transit and the need for personal vehicles.

The Asthma Score for Daleville, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While drive times to emergency care are generally acceptable, the limitations of public transit and the variable reliability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The availability of medical transport services provides a critical safety net, but response times must be considered.

The overall transportation landscape in Daleville presents certain hurdles for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options can make it difficult to access timely medical care, particularly during an asthma attack. The ability to quickly reach a healthcare facility is paramount.

The **Highway 84** corridor is the lifeline for healthcare access, and any disruption to this route could have serious consequences. The lack of robust public transit options exacerbates the reliance on private vehicles. The potential for traffic congestion and the unpredictable nature of ride-sharing services further complicate the situation.

For individuals with severe asthma or those who experience frequent exacerbations, living in Daleville may require careful planning and preparation. This includes maintaining a reliable vehicle, establishing a clear emergency plan, and ensuring easy access to medical transport services.

In conclusion, while Daleville offers a pleasant living environment, the transportation infrastructure presents some challenges for asthma sufferers. The Asthma Score for ZIP Code 36322 highlights the need for careful consideration of transportation options, especially in the event of an asthma attack. Prioritizing healthcare access and understanding the limitations of the available transportation systems is essential for ensuring the well-being of individuals with asthma in Daleville.