35046, Clanton, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35046, Clanton, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.36 percent of residents in 35046 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Vincent's Chilton with a distance of 4.05 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Clanton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35046)

Considering a move to Clanton, Alabama, in ZIP code 35046? This assessment delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on the challenges and opportunities surrounding transportation for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding the commute to healthcare is paramount, especially for those requiring regular check-ups, medication refills, or specialized treatments. This write-up provides a detailed "Hypertension Score" based on the available transportation options.

The health of residents in 35046, and particularly those managing hypertension, hinges on reliable and timely access to healthcare. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape significantly impacts the effectiveness of treatment plans. This score considers the availability of various transportation modalities, the time required to reach medical facilities, and the accessibility features for individuals with mobility limitations.

**Roadways and Drive Times:**

Clanton, the county seat of Chilton County, offers a relatively straightforward roadway network, but drive times to healthcare facilities are a key consideration. The primary artery is **Interstate 65 (I-65)**, which provides a direct north-south route. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times.

For those seeking healthcare in Clanton itself, the **U.S. Highway 31** and **State Route 145** are the main thoroughfares. Drive times to the Chilton Medical Center, a vital healthcare provider in the area, are generally short, typically under 10 minutes, depending on the exact location within the ZIP code. However, these roads can experience traffic during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Accessing healthcare outside of Clanton requires longer commutes. Birmingham, approximately 50 miles north, offers a wider array of specialized medical services. The drive to Birmingham via I-65 can take anywhere from 45 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier for individuals with hypertension, especially during emergencies or for frequent appointments.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Clanton and Chilton County are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system poses a significant challenge for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. This lack of options disproportionately affects seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes, potentially hindering their ability to adhere to their hypertension treatment plans.

Currently, there are no regularly scheduled bus routes within Clanton or the surrounding areas. This severely restricts healthcare access for those who depend on public transit. The lack of ADA-compliant features on any existing public transit further exacerbates the problem for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Clanton, but their reliability and cost can vary. Availability can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized option. Companies like **First Medical Transportation** and **Care Ride** provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, but they often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. The availability of these services and the associated costs are important factors to consider when assessing healthcare access.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Hypertension Score" for commuting to healthcare in ZIP code 35046 is moderate, leaning towards challenging. While access to the Chilton Medical Center is relatively easy for those who can drive, the lack of public transportation, the potential for traffic delays on I-65, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for many individuals.

The score is influenced by the limited public transit options, the dependence on personal vehicles, and the potential for long travel times to access specialized medical care. The availability of ride-share services and medical transportation provides some alternatives, but their limitations in terms of cost, reliability, and geographic coverage impact the overall score.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

To improve healthcare access for individuals with hypertension in Clanton, several strategies are crucial. Investing in a local public transportation system, even a limited one, would significantly benefit residents. This could involve establishing bus routes that connect residential areas with medical facilities, including the Chilton Medical Center and other clinics.

Advocating for increased availability and affordability of ride-sharing services is another important step. This could involve working with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted fares for medical appointments or partnering with local organizations to provide transportation assistance.

Expanding the availability of medical transportation services and ensuring their affordability is also vital. This could involve working with insurance providers to cover the cost of medical transportation or establishing a local program that provides financial assistance to individuals who need transportation to medical appointments.

**The Importance of Location and Planning:**

When considering a move to Clanton, individuals managing hypertension should carefully assess their healthcare needs and the available transportation options. Choosing a residence close to the Chilton Medical Center or other healthcare providers can minimize travel times and improve access to care.

Planning for transportation needs is essential. This includes identifying reliable transportation options, budgeting for transportation costs, and making appointments well in advance to ensure timely access to care.

**Moving to Clanton with Hypertension:**

Moving to Clanton presents both opportunities and challenges for individuals with hypertension. The relatively low cost of living and the close-knit community can be attractive. However, the limited transportation options and the potential for long travel times to access specialized medical care require careful consideration.

By understanding the transportation landscape, planning for healthcare needs, and advocating for improvements in healthcare access, individuals with hypertension can successfully navigate the challenges and thrive in Clanton. The availability of healthcare and transportation are crucial factors in determining the quality of life for residents of ZIP code 35046.