36543, Huxford, Alabama COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 36543, Huxford, Alabama is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 36543 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atmore Community Hospital with a distance of 13.97 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Huxford, Alabama (ZIP Code 36543)

The air hangs heavy with humidity in Huxford, Alabama, a small community nestled in the heart of Escambia County. For residents managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), the simple act of breathing can be a daily struggle. But beyond the physical challenge of the disease lies another hurdle: **healthcare access**. This write-up explores the **transportation** landscape in ZIP code 36543, assessing its impact on COPD patients' ability to reach vital medical appointments and treatments, ultimately contributing to a “COPD Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system. Considering the potential of **moving to Huxford**, understanding these factors is crucial.

The primary consideration for healthcare access in Huxford is the **transportation** infrastructure. The town itself is small, with limited public **transportation** options. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The main thoroughfare is Alabama Highway 21, which runs north-south, connecting Huxford to larger towns and cities. Driving north on Highway 21, one can reach Atmore, approximately a 15-minute drive, offering some primary care and specialist options.

Venturing further north on Highway 21, roughly a 45-minute drive, is Brewton, where more comprehensive healthcare facilities are available, including D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital. This hospital offers a range of services, including pulmonology, critical for COPD patients. The drive, however, can be challenging for those with breathing difficulties, particularly during peak traffic hours.

To the south, Highway 21 leads towards Pensacola, Florida, a major metropolitan area with a wider array of specialized medical care, including pulmonology clinics, respiratory therapy centers, and hospitals like Baptist Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital. The drive to Pensacola, approximately a 1-hour and 15-minute journey, involves traversing Alabama Highway 21, crossing the state line, and navigating the bustling city streets. This commute can be exhausting and potentially dangerous for individuals with COPD, particularly those who experience shortness of breath or fatigue.

Beyond Highway 21, other roads provide access to healthcare, but these are generally rural and less direct. County Road 47, for instance, offers an alternative route, but it is often less well-maintained and can add to the overall travel time. The condition of these roads, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can further exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with COPD.

Public **transportation** options in Huxford are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town. The closest public **transportation** is likely the Escambia County Area Transit (ECAT), which primarily serves Atmore. However, ECAT's routes are infrequent and may not provide direct access to all necessary healthcare facilities. Information regarding ADA accessibility features on ECAT buses is readily available through the ECAT website or by contacting their customer service.

The absence of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts the **healthcare access** of COPD patients in Huxford. Those who cannot drive, or who are unable to maintain their vehicles, face significant barriers to receiving timely and consistent medical care. This includes individuals who may be elderly, disabled, or have limited financial resources.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability can fluctuate depending on driver availability and demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for some individuals, particularly for frequent medical appointments. The reliability of these services, especially during inclement weather or at off-peak hours, is also a concern.

Medical **transportation** services offer a specialized solution for patients with medical needs. Several companies operate in the region, including AMR (American Medical Response) and other private ambulance services. These services typically provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, such as wheelchair-accessible vans, for appointments and treatments. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior arrangements are usually required.

The availability of these services, and the cost, must be factored into any assessment of **healthcare access**. For COPD patients, the need for reliable and affordable **transportation** is paramount. Delays or difficulties in reaching medical appointments can lead to worsening symptoms, increased hospitalizations, and a diminished quality of life.

The **healthcare access** landscape in Huxford is further complicated by the limited availability of specialized care within the immediate vicinity. COPD patients often require regular visits to pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, and other specialists. The need to travel to larger cities like Pensacola or Brewton for these services adds to the **transportation** burden.

Furthermore, the availability of home healthcare services can mitigate some of the challenges. Home health agencies can provide respiratory therapy, medication management, and other services in the patient's home. However, the availability of these services may vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the specific needs of the individual.

Considering all these factors, a "COPD Score" for Huxford, Alabama, would reflect the challenges faced by patients in accessing healthcare. The score would be influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, the fluctuating availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical **transportation**. The distance to specialized care, the road conditions, and the financial burden of **transportation** costs would all contribute to the overall score.

For someone considering **moving to Huxford** and managing COPD, understanding these **transportation** and **healthcare access** factors is critical. They should investigate the availability of home healthcare services, explore the potential for assistance from family or friends, and assess their ability to manage the costs associated with **transportation**. They should also research the availability of COPD support groups and resources in the area.

The COPD Score for Huxford would likely be relatively low, reflecting the challenges associated with accessing timely and comprehensive healthcare. This underscores the importance of proactive planning and resourcefulness for individuals managing COPD in this community. While the charm of Huxford may be appealing, the practical realities of **transportation** and **healthcare access** must be carefully considered.