Health Scores Near 35074, Green Pond, Alabama
You may also like
The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35074, Green Pond, Alabama is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
0.00 percent of residents in 35074 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bibb Medical Center with a distance of 17.96 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 35074, Green Pond, Alabama
| Hypertension Score | 8 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 1 |
| Provider Score | 33 |
| Hospital Score | 55 |
| Travel Score | 22 |
| Housholds with Cars (%) | 35074 | Green Pond | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.85 |
| 1 Car | 100.00 | 100.00 | 18.18 |
| 2 Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 39.34 |
| 3 or More Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 40.63 |
Vehicular Access in 35074, Green Pond, Alabama
## Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in Green Pond (ZIP Code 35074)
Green Pond, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Shelby County, offers a tranquil setting and a close-knit community. However, the serene beauty of this locale can mask the complexities of accessing essential healthcare, particularly for residents managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This analysis, focusing on transportation infrastructure and options, aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities for residents of ZIP Code 35074 seeking timely medical care. The score will consider drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport availability, crucial factors influencing healthcare access and, ultimately, the successful management of hypertension.
The primary concern for residents of Green Pond is the geographical isolation. While the area offers a peaceful retreat, it necessitates careful consideration of transportation options when planning for healthcare needs. The success of managing hypertension relies on consistent medical appointments, timely medication refills, and the ability to respond promptly to any health concerns. The availability and efficiency of transportation options directly impact these crucial aspects of healthcare.
**Drive Time Dynamics**
The most common mode of transportation for Green Pond residents is personal vehicles. The primary arteries connecting Green Pond to healthcare facilities are **Highway 25** and **Highway 145**. These roads, while offering scenic views, can present challenges. The drive to the nearest major hospitals, such as Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster or Brookwood Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham, typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
The commute time can fluctuate significantly during peak hours, especially on **Highway 25**, which experiences increased congestion during morning and afternoon commutes. Any unforeseen delays, such as accidents or road construction, can further extend travel times, potentially impacting a patient's ability to keep appointments or receive timely medical attention. The journey on **Highway 145** is often less congested, but it is a more circuitous route.
The distance to specialized clinics and pharmacies also influences healthcare access. Residents might need to travel to Birmingham for specific treatments or to fill prescriptions. The drive to these locations can add considerable time and effort, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing a hypertensive crisis. The overall drive time significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score."
**Public Transit: A Limited Option**
Public transportation options in Green Pond and the surrounding areas are limited. The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), also known as MAX, does not have established routes that directly serve Green Pond. This lack of public transit poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or prefer not to drive.
The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, which can be expensive and less reliable. While some MAX routes operate in nearby cities, accessing these routes from Green Pond requires a combination of transportation methods, adding time and complexity to the commute. The lack of ADA-compliant features on available transportation further limits access for individuals with disabilities.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Alternatives**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Birmingham metropolitan area and may offer transportation options for Green Pond residents. However, the availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and the demand in the area. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.
Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited, particularly for routine appointments.
**Medical Transport Brands in the Area:**
* **American Medical Response (AMR)**: Provides ambulance and NEMT services.
* **Care Ambulance Service**: Offers NEMT services.
* **LifeSaver Ambulance Service**: Provides ambulance services.
* **Various Independent NEMT Providers**: These can be found online and in local directories.
The availability and cost of these services can significantly influence the "Hypertension Score" for Green Pond residents.
**The "Hypertension Score" and Recommendations**
The "Hypertension Score" for Green Pond (ZIP Code 35074) reflects the challenges related to transportation and healthcare access. The score is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation.
**Factors impacting the score:**
* **Drive time to healthcare facilities:** Moderate to long drive times.
* **Public transit:** Very limited to no options.
* **Ride-sharing:** Variable availability and cost.
* **Medical transport:** Availability and cost vary.
**Recommendations to improve the "Hypertension Score" and healthcare access:**
* **Advocate for increased public transit:** Lobby for the expansion of BJCTA routes to serve Green Pond.
* **Explore partnerships with ride-sharing services:** Negotiate discounted rates for medical appointments.
* **Promote medical transportation awareness:** Educate residents about available medical transport services and their costs.
* **Encourage telehealth initiatives:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.
* **Support community-based healthcare initiatives:** Advocate for the establishment of local clinics or healthcare facilities to reduce travel distances.
**Moving to Green Pond:**
For individuals considering moving to Green Pond, understanding the transportation challenges is crucial. Prospective residents, especially those managing hypertension or other chronic conditions, should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services. While Green Pond offers a tranquil lifestyle, it is essential to consider the implications of its geographical location on healthcare access.
The "Hypertension Score" highlights the need for a proactive approach to healthcare access in Green Pond. By addressing transportation challenges and promoting innovative solutions, the community can improve healthcare outcomes for residents and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life. The goal is to create a community where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and readily available, regardless of one's location or transportation limitations.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like
