36480, Uriah, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36480, Uriah, Alabama is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.45 percent of residents in 36480 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 15.62 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Uriah, Alabama (ZIP Code 36480)

The quest for optimal health, especially when managing a condition like hypertension, necessitates reliable and efficient access to healthcare. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape within and around Uriah, Alabama (ZIP code 36480), offering a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score considers the time and effort required to reach essential medical services, crucial for individuals managing high blood pressure, and those considering moving to this rural community.

Our assessment focuses on the practical realities of accessing healthcare. We'll examine the primary transportation options available: personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. We will consider drive times, route availability, and accessibility features, like those mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), to create a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

The Hypertension Score, in this context, is not a numerical value, but a qualitative evaluation. It will reflect the relative ease or difficulty of accessing vital medical care, factoring in the limitations of the available transportation infrastructure. A higher score indicates greater accessibility, while a lower score suggests potential challenges.

**The Road Ahead: Personal Vehicles and Drive Times**

The primary mode of transportation in Uriah is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. This reliance is a hallmark of rural living, and understanding the road network is paramount. The town itself is relatively small, with limited commercial activity. The closest major medical facilities are in larger towns and cities, requiring travel.

The most direct route to the nearest major hospital, Atmore Community Hospital, involves a drive of approximately 25 miles. This journey typically takes around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The primary route utilizes **Highway 21** south, which then connects with **Highway 31** to reach Atmore. This route is generally well-maintained, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours or when there are accidents.

For more specialized care, individuals may need to travel further. Mobile, Alabama, approximately 75 miles south, offers a wider range of medical specialists and facilities. The drive to Mobile involves a journey of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, primarily via **Highway 21** south, merging onto **Interstate 65** south. This longer commute adds significant time and potential stress, impacting the management of hypertension.

The drive to Monroeville, Alabama, roughly 40 miles north, offers another option. This route uses **Highway 21** north and typically takes around 50 minutes to an hour. While Monroeville has a smaller hospital, it can be a viable option for certain medical needs.

The condition of local roads, such as **County Road 1**, **County Road 15**, and **County Road 41**, can impact travel times. These roads, while providing access within Uriah and to surrounding areas, may be less well-maintained and can be susceptible to weather-related disruptions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Uriah and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. This is a common challenge in rural communities, impacting healthcare access. There are no fixed-route bus services that directly serve Uriah.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) does provide some transportation services through its "Rural Transportation Program". However, these services are typically demand-response, meaning they require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent medical needs. Information on this program is available through the local county or regional planning commission.

The lack of consistent public transit poses a significant challenge for individuals who do not have access to a personal vehicle, or who are unable to drive due to health conditions. This limitation directly impacts the Hypertension Score, making healthcare access more difficult.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in Uriah is not guaranteed. Availability can be sporadic, and wait times may be long, particularly during off-peak hours. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is, therefore, not a reliable option.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a more specialized solution. These services, like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **MedStar Ambulance**, are available in the region. They provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals who cannot drive themselves. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be expensive, adding to the financial burden of managing healthcare.

**The Hypertension Score: A Complex Equation**

Considering the factors discussed, the Hypertension Score for Uriah, Alabama (ZIP code 36480) is moderate. While personal vehicle access is generally available, the reliance on driving and the distance to major medical facilities pose challenges. The limited public transit options and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing further complicate healthcare access.

The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net, but the cost and pre-booking requirements can be barriers. Individuals considering moving to Uriah, particularly those managing hypertension, should carefully consider these transportation limitations when assessing their healthcare access needs.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

The ability to access timely and appropriate healthcare is essential for managing hypertension and maintaining overall well-being. For residents of Uriah, and those considering moving to this community, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. While the community offers a peaceful environment, the challenges associated with transportation for healthcare access require careful consideration.

Future improvements in transportation infrastructure, such as expanding public transit options or increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, could significantly enhance the Hypertension Score and improve healthcare access for residents of Uriah. Investing in these areas would be a positive step towards supporting the health and well-being of this community. The considerations outlined in this assessment are critical for anyone planning a move and require careful planning to ensure adequate healthcare access is available.