35967, Fort Payne, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 35967, Fort Payne, Alabama is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.93 percent of residents in 35967 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dekalb Regional Medical Center with a distance of 2.84 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Fort Payne (ZIP Code 35967)

Fort Payne, Alabama, nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, presents a unique landscape for its residents. While offering stunning natural beauty and a close-knit community, the area's relative isolation poses challenges, particularly concerning healthcare access for those managing conditions like hypertension. This write-up delves into the intricacies of navigating transportation options to healthcare facilities within and around ZIP code 35967, providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment based on commute times, public transit availability, and alternative transportation solutions. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Fort Payne, Alabama, and seeking a clear understanding of healthcare accessibility.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is timely access to medical care. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and immediate attention during hypertensive crises are crucial. The availability and efficiency of transportation options significantly impact the ability to manage this chronic condition. The "Hypertension Score" will evaluate the accessibility of healthcare facilities, considering the various transportation modalities available to residents of Fort Payne.

Driving remains the dominant mode of transportation in Fort Payne. The town is primarily served by **US-11**, a major north-south artery. Heading south on US-11, you can reach the Dekalb Regional Medical Center in Fort Payne, a crucial healthcare hub. Drive times to this facility are generally short, often under 10 minutes for residents within the city limits. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can extend these times.

Other healthcare providers, including specialist clinics and pharmacies, are scattered throughout the town and surrounding areas. Accessing these facilities often involves navigating local roads like **Gault Avenue North/South**, **Grand Avenue**, and **Fifth Street Northeast/Southwest**. These roads can experience moderate traffic, but generally, travel times remain manageable.

For residents seeking specialized care or services not available locally, travel to larger regional medical centers in nearby cities like Gadsden (approximately 30-45 minutes via **US-11** and **AL-75**) or Huntsville (approximately 1.5-2 hours via **US-11** and **I-59**) may be necessary. These longer drive times pose a significant challenge for individuals with hypertension, potentially delaying access to critical care during emergencies.

Public transportation options in Fort Payne are limited. The availability of public transit is a key factor in the "Hypertension Score." Currently, there is no formal public bus system operating within the city limits. This lack of public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. This absence of public transit is a major concern for those reliant on alternative modes of transport, especially the elderly or those with disabilities.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Fort Payne, but their availability and reliability can vary. Surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand can also make these services expensive, particularly for regular medical appointments. The cost factor impacts the "Hypertension Score," as it affects the affordability of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport, are available. These services typically provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated costs. Their availability and response times should be considered when evaluating the "Hypertension Score."

The "Hypertension Score" considers the overall accessibility of healthcare facilities, factoring in drive times, the availability of public transit, and the reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The score will be lower for areas with longer drive times, limited public transit, and unreliable alternative transportation options.

For individuals with hypertension, the ideal scenario involves easy access to healthcare facilities. This includes a short commute to a primary care physician, convenient access to pharmacies for medication refills, and readily available access to emergency care. The "Hypertension Score" reflects how well the transportation infrastructure in Fort Payne supports these needs.

The availability of accessible transportation is crucial for managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and timely access to emergency care are vital for controlling blood pressure and preventing complications. The absence of reliable transportation can lead to missed appointments, medication non-adherence, and delayed medical attention, which can negatively impact health outcomes.

The "Hypertension Score" also takes into account the availability of ADA-compliant transportation options. For individuals with disabilities, the availability of accessible vehicles and routes is crucial for ensuring equal access to healthcare. The lack of accessible public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services in this regard significantly impact the score.

When considering moving to Fort Payne, Alabama, individuals with hypertension should carefully evaluate the transportation options available. Assessing the drive times to healthcare facilities, researching the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and understanding the limitations of public transit are essential steps. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for making informed decisions about healthcare accessibility.

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 35967 is influenced by the reliance on personal vehicles. The lack of public transit and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services necessitate careful planning and consideration. The score would be higher with improved public transit, increased availability of ride-sharing services, and more readily available medical transport options.

In conclusion, while Fort Payne offers a welcoming community and a beautiful natural environment, healthcare access for individuals with hypertension requires careful consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services all impact the "Hypertension Score." Individuals considering moving to Fort Payne should thoroughly research these factors to ensure their healthcare needs can be adequately met. The score is a dynamic measure, and improvements in transportation infrastructure and services would significantly enhance healthcare access for residents of Fort Payne.