36432, Castleberry, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36432, Castleberry, Alabama is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.33 percent of residents in 36432 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is D W Mcmillan Memorial Hospital with a distance of 9.82 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36432 (Castleberry, Alabama)**

The pursuit of optimal health, particularly managing conditions like hypertension, hinges significantly on timely and reliable access to healthcare. This write-up meticulously examines the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP code 36432, Castleberry, Alabama, evaluating its impact on healthcare access, especially for individuals managing hypertension. The analysis considers various transportation modalities, including private vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, offering a comprehensive understanding for residents and those considering moving to Castleberry.

Castleberry, nestled in Conecuh County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its rural setting often translates to longer travel distances and limited transportation options compared to more urban environments. This directly influences the ability of residents, particularly those with chronic conditions like hypertension, to adhere to prescribed treatment plans, attend follow-up appointments, and receive necessary medical interventions. The "Hypertension Score" aims to quantify these factors, providing a nuanced perspective on the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare within this specific geographic area.

**Private Vehicle Transportation and Drive Times:**

The primary mode of transportation in Castleberry and the surrounding areas is the private vehicle. The efficiency of this mode depends heavily on road infrastructure and traffic conditions. Residents typically rely on State Route 31 (SR-31) and County Road 15 (CR-15) for local travel. SR-31 serves as the major north-south artery, connecting Castleberry to larger towns like Brewton and Evergreen, where more comprehensive healthcare facilities are located.

Drive times to essential healthcare providers are a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. Traveling to Brewton, approximately 15 miles south, via SR-31, typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and speed. This drive provides access to D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, a critical resource for emergency care and specialized medical services. Evergreen, located approximately 20 miles north via SR-31, offers additional healthcare options, including medical clinics and specialist practices. The drive to Evergreen typically takes 30-40 minutes.

The condition of the roads also impacts travel times. While SR-31 is generally well-maintained, local roads like CR-15 can be subject to wear and tear, especially after inclement weather, potentially increasing travel times and posing challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. The availability of parking at healthcare facilities is another consideration, especially during peak hours. Adequate parking facilitates quick and easy access, reducing stress and improving the overall healthcare experience.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Conecuh County are limited. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without access to a private vehicle. This is particularly true for individuals with lower incomes, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The lack of readily available public transportation underscores the reliance on private vehicles and emphasizes the need for alternative solutions.

While there is no formal public bus system, the availability of demand-response services, such as those offered by the local Council on Aging, may provide limited transportation options for seniors and individuals with disabilities. These services often require advance booking and may have limited operating hours and geographic coverage. The availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is a crucial consideration for ensuring accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not widely available in Castleberry or Conecuh County. This significantly limits the transportation options for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a private vehicle. The lack of ride-sharing services necessitates reliance on other transportation solutions, such as family members, friends, or specialized medical transport services.

Medical transport services, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), play a vital role in providing access to healthcare for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. These services offer transportation to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, and other healthcare-related destinations. The availability and cost of these services are crucial factors in determining healthcare access.

The availability of ambulance services is essential for emergency medical care. The response time of ambulance services to Castleberry and the surrounding areas is a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. Timely access to emergency medical care can be life-saving, especially for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises or other cardiovascular emergencies.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands serve the Conecuh County area, including private ambulance services, and NEMT providers. These companies offer a range of transportation options, from basic wheelchair-accessible vehicles to stretcher-equipped ambulances. Some of the well-known brands operating in the area include LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and other regional providers.

**Factors Influencing the Hypertension Score:**

The Hypertension Score for ZIP code 36432 is influenced by several interconnected factors. Drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability of public transit, the presence or absence of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility and affordability of medical transport services all contribute to the overall score. The condition of the roads, the availability of parking, and the presence of ADA-compliant transportation options also play a significant role.

The score reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. Longer drive times, limited public transit options, the absence of ride-sharing services, and the high cost of medical transport services will negatively impact the score, indicating reduced healthcare access. Conversely, shorter drive times, the availability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and affordable medical transport options will positively impact the score, indicating improved healthcare access.

**Conclusion: Transportation and Healthcare Access**

The transportation landscape in Castleberry, Alabama, presents both challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. While private vehicle transportation remains the primary mode, the limited availability of public transit and ride-sharing services creates significant barriers for certain populations. The Hypertension Score for ZIP code 36432 highlights the importance of considering transportation factors when evaluating healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Castleberry, understanding the transportation options and their impact on healthcare access is crucial. Residents managing hypertension should carefully assess their ability to access healthcare facilities, including the travel times, costs, and availability of transportation services. Addressing the transportation challenges, such as investing in public transit or promoting ride-sharing services, can significantly improve healthcare access and overall health outcomes for the residents of Castleberry and the surrounding areas. The ongoing assessment and improvement of transportation infrastructure are essential to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need.