35559, Glen Allen, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35559, Glen Allen, Alabama is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.50 percent of residents in 35559 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwest Medical Center with a distance of 6.02 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Glen Allen, Alabama (ZIP Code 35559)

The quaint community of Glen Allen, Alabama, nestled within the rolling hills of Fayette County, offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the serene landscape presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 35559, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment to aid residents and prospective movers in understanding the practicalities of reaching essential medical care.

The "Hypertension Score" considers the ease of transportation to healthcare facilities offering comprehensive hypertension management, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions. This score aims to highlight the potential difficulties faced by individuals with hypertension, who require regular check-ups, medication refills, and potentially specialized care. The higher the score, the more challenging the transportation landscape, and the lower the score, the more accessible healthcare becomes.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Arteries of Access**

For residents of Glen Allen, the automobile reigns supreme as the primary mode of transportation. The most direct route to healthcare facilities in neighboring towns like Fayette and Winfield involves navigating the local roadways.

Traveling south on **Highway 43**, the primary thoroughfare connecting Glen Allen to Fayette, is a relatively straightforward journey. The drive to Fayette Medical Center, a crucial healthcare provider, typically takes around 20-25 minutes, covering approximately 15 miles. Traffic flow is generally light, making this a reliable option. However, potential delays can arise due to weather conditions or occasional road maintenance.

Venturing east on **Highway 187** and then north on **Highway 129** provides access to Winfield, home to additional medical services. The drive to Northwest Medical Center in Winfield, a distance of roughly 20 miles, usually takes about 30-35 minutes. This route, while longer, offers an alternative healthcare option.

Rural roads, while scenic, can present challenges. The condition of these secondary roads, particularly after inclement weather, can impact travel times and accessibility. Individuals with mobility issues or those with vehicles not suited for unpaved surfaces may face additional hurdles.

**Public Transit: A Sparse Network**

Public transportation options in Glen Allen and the surrounding areas are limited. Fayette County, like many rural counties, lacks a robust public transit system. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Currently, there are no fixed-route bus services operating within ZIP code 35559. The absence of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals with hypertension, particularly those who are elderly, disabled, or low-income. This lack of options necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or assistance from family and friends.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, while present in larger metropolitan areas, have a limited presence in Glen Allen and Fayette County. Availability may be sporadic, and wait times can be unpredictable, making them unreliable for scheduled medical appointments. This further complicates healthcare access, especially for individuals with hypertension who require timely medical attention.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **First Transit** may provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for eligible individuals. These services typically require prior scheduling and may have specific eligibility requirements. However, the availability of these services can vary, and they may not always be readily accessible for urgent needs.

**Healthcare Access and the Hypertension Score**

Considering the transportation landscape, the "Hypertension Score" for Glen Allen (ZIP code 35559) is moderately challenging. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services contribute to this assessment.

* **Drive Time:** The relatively manageable drive times to healthcare facilities in Fayette and Winfield offer a degree of accessibility.
* **Public Transit:** The complete absence of public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for a segment of the population.
* **Ride-Sharing/Medical Transport:** The uncertain availability of ride-sharing and the potential limitations of medical transportation services add to the challenges.

**Moving to Glen Allen: A Consideration for Hypertension Management**

For individuals considering moving to Glen Allen, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial, especially for those managing hypertension. The availability of reliable transportation is paramount for adhering to prescribed treatment plans, attending regular check-ups, and accessing emergency care when needed.

Before making a move, prospective residents should assess their transportation needs and consider the following:

* **Vehicle Ownership:** Owning a reliable vehicle is essential for navigating the area and accessing healthcare services.
* **Support Network:** Having a support network of family or friends who can provide transportation assistance can be invaluable.
* **Medical Transportation Options:** Researching and understanding the availability and eligibility requirements for medical transportation services is crucial.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Considering the proximity of healthcare facilities to potential residences is a key factor.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Terrain**

Living in Glen Allen offers a peaceful lifestyle, but it demands careful consideration of healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation create a moderately challenging environment.

By understanding the transportation landscape and proactively planning for healthcare needs, residents and prospective movers can navigate the terrain and ensure access to the essential medical care required to manage hypertension effectively. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a reminder of the importance of transportation planning and the need for continuous efforts to improve healthcare access in rural communities like Glen Allen.