31643, Quitman, Georgia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 31643, Quitman, Georgia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.55 percent of residents in 31643 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Brooks County Hospital with a distance of 0.24 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Quitman, GA (ZIP Code 31643)

The heart of a community beats with the rhythm of its healthcare access. In Quitman, Georgia (ZIP Code 31643), understanding the ease with which residents can reach medical care is crucial, particularly for those managing hypertension. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape, evaluating its impact on healthcare access and constructing a "Hypertension Score" to reflect the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking timely and consistent medical attention. This is especially pertinent for those considering **moving to Quitman**, as reliable **transportation** is paramount for chronic disease management.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the geographical layout of Quitman and its surrounding areas. The city is bisected by US Highway 84, a major east-west artery, and intersected by US Highway 221, running north-south. These highways, along with the more localized roads like West Screven Street, East Screven Street, and North Madison Street, form the primary network for personal vehicle **transportation**. The proximity of these routes to healthcare facilities, as well as the congestion experienced during peak hours, significantly influences **healthcare access**.

The primary healthcare provider within Quitman is Brooks County Hospital, located at 903 North Highland Avenue. This central location is generally accessible via a short drive from most residential areas. However, for those living on the outskirts of the county, particularly in rural areas, the drive time can increase, potentially impacting the ability to receive prompt medical attention, vital for managing hypertension.

Let's consider drive times as a critical component of our Hypertension Score. A resident living on the western edge of Quitman, near the intersection of US 84 and County Road 149, might face a 10-15 minute drive to Brooks County Hospital under normal traffic conditions. Conversely, someone residing further south, closer to the Florida state line, could experience a drive time exceeding 20 minutes. This extended travel time increases the risk for individuals experiencing hypertensive crises and limits their ability to receive timely interventions.

Public **transportation** options are limited in Quitman, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. There is no established public bus system operating within the city limits. The absence of readily available public transit severely restricts **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a personal vehicle. This lack of public transit significantly lowers the Hypertension Score, highlighting a critical need for improved **transportation** options.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility is a crucial consideration. Without a public bus system, individuals with mobility limitations face significant barriers in accessing healthcare. The design of roads, sidewalks, and building entrances, particularly in relation to healthcare facilities, also plays a role. While Brooks County Hospital is generally ADA compliant, the lack of accessible **transportation** options to reach the facility remains a major obstacle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Quitman, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent. The frequency of ride-share drivers in the area is relatively low, and wait times can be prolonged, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. This unreliability can be a major deterrent for those needing urgent medical attention or regular appointments for hypertension management. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for individuals with limited incomes.

Medical **transportation** services, such as non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT), are available in the region. Companies like MedTrans and First Medical **Transportation** provide scheduled rides for medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may not be readily available for urgent needs. The availability of these services can vary, and the distance they cover may be limited, impacting **healthcare access** for those living outside of Quitman.

The quality of the roads and the presence of traffic signals also impact **transportation** efficiency. Well-maintained roads and strategically placed traffic signals can reduce drive times and improve the overall **transportation** experience. The condition of roads, especially in rural areas, can influence the safety and comfort of travel, affecting the ability to access healthcare.

The Hypertension Score, therefore, is not solely based on drive times, but also incorporates the availability of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing, the accessibility of medical **transportation** services, and the overall quality of the **transportation** infrastructure. A higher score indicates better access to healthcare, while a lower score reflects significant challenges.

For Quitman, the Hypertension Score is moderately low. The primary strengths are the central location of Brooks County Hospital and the availability of ride-sharing, though its reliability is questionable. The weaknesses are the lack of public transit, the limited availability of ride-sharing, and the potential for extended drive times for those living in rural areas.

For individuals considering **moving to Quitman** and managing hypertension, this score underscores the importance of careful planning. Owning a personal vehicle is almost essential. Researching and establishing a relationship with a reliable medical **transportation** provider is also recommended. Understanding the limitations of **transportation** options is crucial for proactive **healthcare access** and successful disease management.

Ultimately, improving the Hypertension Score in Quitman requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring the feasibility of establishing a public **transportation** system, increasing the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services, and expanding the reach of medical **transportation** providers. Addressing these challenges will not only enhance **healthcare access** for individuals with hypertension but also improve the overall health and well-being of the community.