35034, Brent, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35034, Brent, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.72 percent of residents in 35034 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bibb Medical Center with a distance of 2.60 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brent, Alabama (ZIP Code 35034)

The journey to manage hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, is often intertwined with the challenges of accessing healthcare. In the heart of Bibb County, Alabama, the residents of Brent (ZIP Code 35034) face a unique set of circumstances when it comes to **healthcare access**. This write-up provides a detailed analysis, crafting a "Hypertension Score" to gauge the ease with which residents can reach vital medical resources, considering **transportation** options and the realities of the local landscape.

Brent, a community characterized by its rural charm, presents a specific context for healthcare navigation. The presence of U.S. Highway 82, the primary artery connecting Brent to larger cities, is a crucial factor. Its accessibility, however, is counterbalanced by the distances involved. This score will assess the drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

The foundation of our "Hypertension Score" rests on the drive times to key healthcare providers. The closest major medical center is the DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, approximately 45 miles west. Traveling via U.S. Highway 82, the drive typically takes around an hour, assuming favorable traffic conditions. This duration, while manageable, can be a significant barrier for individuals experiencing a hypertensive crisis or requiring frequent check-ups. The secondary route is State Route 5, which provides a slower, more scenic route, but adds an additional 15-20 minutes to the journey.

Moving east, the closest healthcare facilities are in Birmingham, but this necessitates a more substantial commute. The journey to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, a renowned medical center, involves navigating U.S. Highway 82 to Interstate 20/59, and then onto the city's arteries. This drive can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. This extended travel time significantly impacts **healthcare access** for residents of Brent, particularly those with mobility limitations or urgent medical needs.

Public transit options in Brent are limited. Bibb County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The absence of a readily available public transit network presents a considerable challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. This lack of options disproportionately affects senior citizens, low-income families, and those with disabilities, potentially hindering their ability to adhere to prescribed medication regimens and regular medical appointments, which are crucial for managing hypertension.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Brent, but their reliability and affordability are variable. The availability of drivers can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in adverse weather conditions. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for individuals on fixed incomes, further exacerbating the challenges of accessing healthcare. The cost of these services, when added to the time it takes to get to a hospital, can be a real deterrent to getting regular care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to cater to individuals with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies such as MedTrans or American Medical Response (AMR) provide non-emergency medical transport. These services can be particularly beneficial for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or those needing stretcher transport. However, these services come at a cost, and their availability might be limited depending on the individual's insurance coverage and the specific needs of the patient.

The "Hypertension Score" for Brent, therefore, is impacted by the interplay of these factors. The relatively long drive times to major medical centers, the absence of a robust public transit system, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services all contribute to a lower score. This score reflects the potential difficulties residents face in accessing timely and convenient healthcare, which is critical for managing hypertension effectively.

For individuals **moving to Brent**, the availability of **transportation** and proximity to healthcare facilities should be a top consideration. The need for a personal vehicle is almost a necessity, and the ability to navigate the local highways and roads is crucial. Prospective residents should also research their health insurance coverage to understand the extent to which it covers medical transportation services.

The "Hypertension Score" for Brent is not a static measure. It is influenced by factors such as improvements in road infrastructure, the potential expansion of public transit services, and the increased availability of ride-sharing options. As the community evolves, so too will the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare.

The health of the residents of Brent depends on the ability to overcome these challenges. Efforts to improve **healthcare access**, such as advocating for better public transit or supporting community-based health programs, can significantly improve the "Hypertension Score" and contribute to the overall well-being of the community. This score serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these challenges and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need.