36401, Evergreen, Alabama Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 36401, Evergreen, Alabama is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.96 percent of residents in 36401 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Evergreen Medical Center with a distance of 0.98 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Evergreen, Alabama (ZIP Code 36401)

The air hangs heavy in the humid embrace of South Alabama, a reality that residents of Evergreen, ZIP Code 36401, know intimately. For those managing asthma, this atmosphere, coupled with potential environmental triggers, necessitates vigilant healthcare access. This write-up assesses the "Asthma Score" for this community, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities. Understanding these pathways is crucial for anyone considering moving to Evergreen, ensuring they can proactively manage their respiratory health.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Evergreen is the Conecuh County Hospital, the primary destination for most medical needs. Its location, nestled within the town's heart, dictates the transportation landscape. While the hospital offers essential services, specialized care often requires travel to larger regional centers, amplifying the significance of reliable transportation.

The most common mode of transportation is, undoubtedly, personal vehicles. Evergreen's layout encourages this, with sprawling residential areas and limited public transit. The primary artery for movement is US Highway 83, a north-south thoroughfare. Traveling south on US-83 leads to larger towns with expanded medical services, notably Brewton, approximately 30 miles away. This drive typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Further afield, Mobile, a major medical hub, is approximately 120 miles south, reachable primarily via US-83 to Interstate 65. This journey, crucial for specialized care, can take upwards of two hours, making it a significant commitment. The condition of US-83 is generally good, but the volume of traffic increases closer to I-65, particularly during peak hours.

East-west travel relies on Alabama State Route 41, connecting Evergreen to neighboring communities. This route, while offering alternative routes, is less direct and may involve winding roads. The drive to Monroeville, the county seat of Monroe County, is about 25 miles west, a journey of approximately 35 minutes. This route provides access to additional healthcare facilities, but the availability of specialized care remains limited.

Public transportation in Evergreen is, unfortunately, sparse. There is no established bus system within the town. This lack of public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations or financial constraints. This deficiency directly impacts the Asthma Score, as it restricts healthcare access for a vulnerable segment of the population.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in Evergreen, but their reliability and availability are variable. Demand in a rural area is often low, potentially leading to longer wait times or limited service, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. This uncertainty necessitates a reliance on alternative transportation options, especially for urgent medical needs.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance. Several companies cater to non-emergency medical transport, providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. These services, while offering a crucial lifeline, come at a cost, potentially adding a financial burden to healthcare access. Researching and securing these services in advance is essential for those with asthma and limited mobility.

The Asthma Score is significantly impacted by the availability of specialized medical transport. Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedStar Ambulance service the area. These services are vital for individuals requiring assistance to and from medical appointments, particularly those with severe asthma exacerbations. However, the response time and availability of these services can vary, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning and awareness.

For those considering moving to Evergreen with asthma, careful consideration of transportation options is paramount. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential hurdles. Proximity to healthcare facilities, the condition of roads, and the availability of medical transport services are crucial factors to evaluate.

The Asthma Score for Evergreen, Alabama, is therefore moderate. While the Conecuh County Hospital provides immediate care, specialized services require travel. The lack of robust public transportation and the variable availability of ride-sharing services necessitate reliance on personal vehicles or pre-arranged medical transport. This situation underscores the importance of individual planning, including securing reliable transportation, establishing relationships with healthcare providers, and understanding the available resources.

Ultimately, the Asthma Score is not merely a number but a reflection of the community's ability to support its residents' respiratory health. For those with asthma, a move to Evergreen requires proactive measures to ensure seamless healthcare access, including careful consideration of transportation options and a commitment to managing their condition within the context of the local environment.