36320, Cottonwood, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36320, Cottonwood, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.32 percent of residents in 36320 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 11.48 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in Cottonwood, Alabama (ZIP Code 36320)**

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is crucial, especially for individuals managing conditions like hypertension. This write-up delves into the transportation realities of reaching medical care in Cottonwood, Alabama (ZIP code 36320), offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment to help prospective residents understand the challenges and opportunities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It’s a critical factor when contemplating moving to Cottonwood, particularly for those prioritizing healthcare access.

Cottonwood, a town in Houston County, presents a unique transportation profile. The area is predominantly car-dependent, with limited public transit options. Understanding these limitations is essential for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent medical appointments and face mobility challenges. The Hypertension Score aims to illuminate these complexities.

**Drive Times: The Arteries of Access**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Cottonwood are the roadways. Driving is the most common mode of transportation. The primary route to Dothan, the regional hub for specialized medical care, is via **Alabama State Route 53 (AL-53)**, which then merges with **U.S. Highway 84 (US-84)**. This journey, covering approximately 15 miles, typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another route, though less direct, involves utilizing **County Road 30 (CR-30)**, which connects to **US-84** or **AL-53**. These roads are generally well-maintained, but the lack of alternative routes can create potential delays during accidents or road closures. The time commitment is a significant consideration for those managing hypertension, where timely access to medication and medical attention is paramount.

For emergency situations, the proximity to **Southeast Health Medical Center** in Dothan is a critical advantage. The drive time, even in an emergency, is typically within the 30-minute window, which is considered acceptable in many situations. However, the reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation for those with hypertension.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public transportation options in Cottonwood are extremely limited. The **Dothan Area Transit System (DATS)**, while serving the larger Dothan area, does not provide direct, regular routes to Cottonwood. This lack of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles.

DATS does offer ADA-accessible buses, equipped with ramps and other features to accommodate individuals with disabilities. However, the absence of routes connecting Cottonwood to Dothan's medical facilities poses a significant barrier. This limitation directly affects the Hypertension Score, as it restricts access for those who cannot drive or lack access to a car.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dothan area, including Cottonwood. However, their availability and reliability can vary. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution for healthcare access, it is important to consider the cost and the potential for longer wait times, especially during peak hours or in less populated areas.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the Dothan area. These services typically require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-sharing. They offer a valuable resource for individuals with hypertension who cannot drive or utilize public transit.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **First Choice Medical Transport**
* **American Medical Response (AMR)**
* **MedStar Ambulance Service**

**Hypertension Score Considerations**

The Hypertension Score for Cottonwood reflects the transportation challenges. The score is negatively impacted by the limited public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles. However, the relatively short drive times to Dothan's medical facilities and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services partially mitigate these challenges.

**Factors influencing the score:**

* **Drive Time:** The proximity to Dothan's healthcare facilities is a positive factor.
* **Public Transit:** The lack of direct public transit routes is a significant negative factor.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability of ride-sharing services offers a moderate positive impact.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability of medical transport services provides a positive impact, especially for those with mobility limitations.

**Recommendations for Prospective Residents**

Individuals with hypertension considering moving to Cottonwood should carefully assess their transportation needs. It is crucial to have reliable access to a vehicle or a plan for utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport services. Exploring the cost and availability of these services is essential. Understanding the limitations of public transit is also vital.

**Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision**

The Hypertension Score is not a definitive rating but a tool to help potential residents understand the transportation realities of healthcare access in Cottonwood. By carefully considering the drive times, public transit options, and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and overall quality of life. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is critical for effectively managing hypertension and ensuring timely access to medical care.