38231, Henry, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38231, Henry, Tennessee is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.58 percent of residents in 38231 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Henry County Medical Center with a distance of 8.46 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Henry, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38231)

The journey to healthcare in Henry, Tennessee, ZIP code 38231, is a crucial factor in managing hypertension. Assessing the ease of access to medical facilities is vital for residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score," considers the diverse transportation options available, from personal vehicles to public transit, and evaluates their impact on healthcare access. Understanding these nuances is critical for residents and those considering moving to Henry, ensuring that they can effectively manage their health.

The primary determinant of the Hypertension Score is the time and ease of transportation to medical facilities. In Henry, the dominant mode of transportation is the personal vehicle. The town is geographically situated with limited public transit options. This reality underscores the importance of driving times, road conditions, and the availability of alternative transportation methods.

For residents of Henry, the most direct route to healthcare often involves driving. The primary artery is Highway 641, which runs north-south, connecting Henry to Paris, the county seat. Paris is home to Henry County Medical Center, the primary healthcare provider for the region. The drive from Henry to Paris on Highway 641 is typically a straightforward 10-15 minute trip, depending on traffic and the specific location within Henry.

Another important route is Highway 79, which provides access to the east and west. While not directly leading to a major healthcare facility, it offers connections to other roads that can facilitate transportation to medical appointments. The condition of these highways is generally good, but like all roads, they can be affected by weather conditions. Regular maintenance ensures relatively smooth travel.

Beyond the major highways, local roads play a critical role in healthcare access. Roads like Old McKenzie Road and Jones Mill Road provide access to various parts of Henry and connect to the main thoroughfares. These roads, while often less congested than the highways, may have variable road surfaces and require careful navigation, particularly for those with mobility limitations or driving older vehicles.

Public transportation options are limited in Henry. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. This lack of options can create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or lack the financial resources to own and maintain a car.

Currently, there are no established public bus routes serving Henry or the immediate surrounding areas. The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation services. The lack of public transportation significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may be available in the area, but their availability is often limited. The availability of these services is contingent on driver density and demand. In a rural area like Henry, the wait times for a ride-share can be significant, potentially delaying access to medical care.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals with specific needs. These services typically provide transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals who cannot drive themselves. Several medical transportation providers operate in the region, including local ambulance services. These services are crucial for those with mobility limitations, but they can be costly and may require advance booking.

The availability of medical transportation services is a positive factor in the Hypertension Score, but the cost and advance booking requirements can present challenges. The need for advanced planning can be particularly difficult for individuals experiencing sudden health issues.

The impact of these transportation factors on healthcare access is significant. For individuals with hypertension, regular medical check-ups and medication management are essential. Delays or difficulties in accessing healthcare can lead to complications and worsen health outcomes.

The Hypertension Score is also influenced by the proximity of healthcare facilities. Henry County Medical Center in Paris offers a range of medical services, including cardiology, primary care, and specialized treatments. The relatively short drive time to Paris is a positive factor in the score.

The availability of urgent care clinics and pharmacies in Henry also contributes to the score. These facilities provide immediate medical attention and medication refills, reducing the need for frequent trips to Paris.

The presence of these local resources improves the Hypertension Score by providing convenient access to essential healthcare services. The ability to obtain medication refills and address minor health issues locally reduces the burden on individuals with hypertension.

Ultimately, the Hypertension Score for Henry, Tennessee, reflects a mixed picture. The relatively short drive times to the main healthcare provider in Paris are a positive factor. However, the limited public transportation options and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transportation services create barriers to healthcare access.

The score also considers the availability of local healthcare resources, such as urgent care clinics and pharmacies. The presence of these resources improves the overall score by providing convenient access to essential services.

For individuals considering moving to Henry, the transportation landscape is a crucial consideration. Those who can drive and have access to a personal vehicle will likely find healthcare access relatively straightforward. However, individuals without access to a car or those with mobility limitations may face significant challenges.

The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool for assessing healthcare access in Henry. It highlights the importance of considering transportation options when managing hypertension and making healthcare decisions. Residents and prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services to ensure effective management of their health.

The overall conclusion underscores the importance of careful planning and consideration of transportation options when managing hypertension in Henry. While the proximity to Paris and local healthcare resources offer advantages, the limited public transit options and the potential challenges associated with alternative transportation methods create barriers that must be addressed.