31527, Jekyll Island, Georgia Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 31527, Jekyll Island, Georgia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.63 percent of residents in 31527 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Georgia Health System- Brunswick Campus with a distance of 8.51 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Jekyll Island, GA (ZIP Code 31527)**

The salty air of Jekyll Island, Georgia, a haven for vacationers and residents alike, presents a unique challenge when considering **healthcare access**. For those with asthma, understanding the ease of commuting to medical appointments is paramount. This "Asthma Score" write-up delves into the **transportation** landscape surrounding ZIP Code 31527, evaluating drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This is particularly relevant for individuals or families **moving to Jekyll Island**, as it directly impacts their quality of life and ability to manage their condition.

The primary consideration for **transportation** in this area is the reliance on personal vehicles. Jekyll Island itself is relatively small, with most amenities and services clustered together. However, accessing specialized medical care often necessitates traveling off-island, primarily to Brunswick, GA. The primary route is via the Jekyll Island Causeway, which connects to US-17.

Driving times to healthcare facilities in Brunswick are generally manageable, but can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons. During off-peak hours, the drive to Southeast Georgia Health System's Brunswick Campus, a major healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-30 minutes via the Jekyll Island Causeway and US-17. The route is straightforward, but the two-lane nature of portions of US-17 can lead to delays.

During peak season, particularly weekends and holidays, traffic congestion on the Causeway and US-17 can easily double or triple these drive times. This is a critical factor for asthma sufferers, as prolonged exposure to vehicle exhaust and stress associated with traffic can trigger asthma attacks. The potential for delayed arrival at medical appointments could also compromise timely treatment.

Beyond Brunswick, specialized care may require travel to Savannah, GA. This journey, primarily via I-95, is considerably longer, typically taking 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. I-95 is a major interstate, and traffic can be heavy, particularly around Savannah. This longer commute presents a greater challenge for individuals with asthma.

Public **transportation** options are limited in the area, which presents a significant hurdle for those who do not drive or prefer not to. The Golden Isles Convention & Visitors Bureau offers a free trolley service on Jekyll Island, but this service is primarily geared toward tourists and does not extend off-island to Brunswick or Savannah.

The Coastal Regional **Transportation** Authority (CRTA) provides public bus service in Brunswick and Glynn County. However, these routes have limited service to Jekyll Island. The CRTA Route 10, for example, operates to and from Jekyll Island, but the frequency of service is limited. Furthermore, access to these buses may require a transfer in Brunswick, adding to the overall travel time and potentially increasing exposure to environmental triggers.

The CRTA buses are ADA-accessible, with ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited frequency and potential for transfers still present challenges for those with asthma, particularly during periods of heightened symptom severity.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, providing an alternative **transportation** option. However, availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas outside of Brunswick. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services are available in the area. These services cater specifically to individuals with medical needs, providing transportation to and from appointments. Companies like First Response Ambulance and MedStar provide non-emergency medical transport, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services offer a more reliable and comfortable option for those with asthma, particularly if they have mobility issues or are experiencing a flare-up. However, these services often come with a higher cost than other **transportation** options.

The availability of medical **transportation** is a crucial element of **healthcare access** for asthma sufferers. These services can provide a safe and reliable means of getting to appointments, reducing the stress and potential exposure to triggers associated with other modes of **transportation**.

For individuals **moving to Jekyll Island** with asthma, a comprehensive assessment of **transportation** options is essential. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic delays, and the limited public transit options all pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services offers some relief, but at a potential cost.

The "Asthma Score" for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 31527, therefore, is moderate. While healthcare facilities are accessible, the dependence on personal vehicles, the potential for traffic delays, and the limited public **transportation** options create potential obstacles. Individuals with asthma should carefully consider these factors when evaluating their **healthcare access** needs and making decisions about **moving to Jekyll Island**. Proactive planning, including identifying reliable **transportation** options and establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, is crucial for managing asthma effectively in this unique environment.