36860, Hurtsboro, Alabama Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 36860, Hurtsboro, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

26.10 percent of residents in 36860 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bullock County Hospital with a distance of 20.60 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36860**

The health of a community is intricately linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Hurtsboro, Alabama, ZIP code 36860, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial for assessing healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. This write-up provides a comprehensive analysis, assigning a "Hypertension Score" based on commute times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. It is a key factor for those considering moving to Hurtsboro.

The Hypertension Score will be a composite metric, factoring in the time and ease of reaching facilities capable of treating hypertension. These include primary care physicians, cardiologists, pharmacies, and emergency services. Longer commute times, limited public transit, and lack of alternative transportation options will negatively impact the score, reflecting a diminished ability to manage this chronic condition.

**Roads and Highways: The Primary Arteries**

For those with personal vehicles, the primary route to healthcare in 36860 involves navigating the local road network. State Route 51, the major thoroughfare, connects Hurtsboro to surrounding towns and cities. Heading north, it leads to Tuskegee, approximately a 25-minute drive, offering access to East Alabama Medical Center's Tuskegee Campus and various medical practices. Southbound, SR-51 leads to Eufaula, a roughly 35-minute drive, providing access to medical facilities including medical offices and pharmacies.

The drive times are significantly influenced by traffic conditions, which, fortunately, are generally light in this rural area. However, weather events, such as heavy rain or occasional ice, can impact travel times, especially on secondary roads. The condition of these roads, including potholes and lack of shoulders in some areas, can also affect travel, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those driving older vehicles.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transportation options in 36860 are extremely limited. There is no established city bus system or county-wide transit authority. This dearth of public transit significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This lack of public transportation options creates a significant barrier to healthcare access.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: The Lifeline**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, though their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of these services can also be a significant barrier for some residents, particularly those on fixed incomes.

Medical transport services are available, primarily for non-emergency medical appointments. These services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies, can provide transportation to and from medical facilities. However, these services often require advance booking and may have associated fees, further impacting the Hypertension Score.

**Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility**

The availability and proximity of healthcare facilities are critical components of the Hypertension Score. The closest options include primary care physicians, pharmacies, and emergency services. The distance to these facilities, combined with the transportation challenges, directly affects the score.

**Pharmacy Access:**

Access to pharmacies for medication refills is crucial for managing hypertension. Several pharmacies are located in Tuskegee and Eufaula, accessible via SR-51. The drive times to these pharmacies, coupled with the transportation limitations, impact the score.

**Emergency Services:**

Emergency medical services are available through the local ambulance services. Response times can vary depending on the location and the nature of the emergency. Access to emergency services is a critical factor in the Hypertension Score, particularly for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Hypertension Score for 36860 will reflect the cumulative impact of these factors. The score will be lower (indicating poorer healthcare access) due to the limited public transit, potential inconsistencies in ride-sharing availability, and the reliance on personal vehicles. The score will be somewhat improved by the relatively short drive times to Tuskegee and Eufaula, but this benefit is offset by the lack of transportation alternatives.

**Impact on Residents and Those Considering Moving to Hurtsboro**

The transportation challenges in 36860 directly impact the ability of residents to manage their hypertension effectively. The lack of reliable transportation can lead to missed appointments, delayed medication refills, and reduced access to preventive care. This can result in poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

For those considering moving to Hurtsboro, the transportation landscape is a crucial factor to consider. Individuals with hypertension, or those at risk, should carefully evaluate the transportation options and the associated costs. This assessment should be part of the overall decision-making process, ensuring that healthcare access is a primary consideration.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

To improve the Hypertension Score in 36860, several interventions are recommended. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a local transportation service, even a limited one, would significantly enhance healthcare access. This could involve partnering with existing organizations or establishing a volunteer-based transportation network.

Promoting awareness of ride-sharing options and medical transport services is also crucial. Educating residents about these services and their associated costs can help them make informed decisions about their healthcare.

Finally, advocating for improved road infrastructure, including better road maintenance and the addition of shoulders where feasible, would enhance the safety and efficiency of travel. These improvements would benefit all residents, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who rely on older vehicles.

The Hypertension Score for 36860 serves as a critical indicator of healthcare access. By understanding the transportation landscape and addressing the existing challenges, the community can improve the health outcomes of its residents, particularly those managing hypertension.