38254, Samburg, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38254, Samburg, Tennessee is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 38254 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital Union City with a distance of 17.30 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Samburg, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38254)

The quest for quality healthcare, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension, is inextricably linked to the ease and efficiency of **transportation**. In the rural landscape of Samburg, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38254), the challenge of accessing healthcare facilities adds a layer of complexity to managing this silent killer. This write-up aims to provide a detailed 'Hypertension Score' assessment, focusing on the **transportation** landscape and its impact on **healthcare access** for residents, particularly those considering **moving to Samburg**.

The 'Hypertension Score' considers various factors influencing a patient's ability to reach medical appointments, obtain prescriptions, and participate in necessary follow-up care. These factors include drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport services. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score reflects significant challenges.

**Driving Times and Road Infrastructure:**

For residents of Samburg, the primary mode of **transportation** to healthcare facilities is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The town is geographically isolated, necessitating travel to larger towns and cities for specialized medical services. The closest significant healthcare hub is Union City, approximately 15 miles away. This journey primarily involves navigating Tennessee State Route 22 (TN-22), a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak hours. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location within Samburg.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Jackson, Tennessee, approximately 60 miles away. This trip involves a combination of TN-22 and US-45, a major north-south highway. The drive time to Jackson can range from 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination. This longer commute significantly impacts the 'Hypertension Score,' as it increases the time commitment and potential stress associated with seeking medical attention.

The condition of the roads is generally good, with regular maintenance performed by the Tennessee Department of **Transportation**. However, the lack of alternative routes and the potential for traffic congestion on TN-22 can pose challenges, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing health emergencies.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Samburg and the surrounding area are extremely limited. Weakley County, where Samburg is located, does not have a comprehensive public transit system. There are no fixed-route buses or other forms of public **transportation** readily available for residents. This absence significantly lowers the 'Hypertension Score,' as it leaves individuals without personal vehicles reliant on alternative, often less reliable, methods of getting to medical appointments.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. The absence of wheelchair-accessible buses or other services exacerbates the challenges faced by those with mobility impairments. This lack of infrastructure is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Samburg** and seeking consistent access to medical care.

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

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Samburg is limited. While these services may be available, their reliability and cost-effectiveness are questionable, particularly for regular medical appointments. The sparsely populated nature of the area and the distance to major population centers make it less attractive for ride-sharing drivers. This scarcity further diminishes the 'Hypertension Score.'

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) providers, are available in the area. Emergency medical services are provided by Weakley County Emergency Medical Services (EMS). NEMT services, which provide **transportation** for non-emergency medical appointments, are also available, but their availability and cost can vary. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other **transportation** options.

Several medical transport companies may serve the Samburg area, including Rural Metro **Transportation** and American Medical Response (AMR). However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, especially for individuals with limited financial resources.

**Impact on the Hypertension Score:**

The 'Hypertension Score' for Samburg, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38254) is negatively impacted by the limited **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant challenges for residents managing hypertension.

The long drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, increase the burden on patients and can lead to delays in seeking medical attention. The absence of readily available public transit disproportionately affects individuals without personal vehicles, those with mobility limitations, and those with limited financial resources.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' is therefore relatively low, indicating a need for improved **transportation** infrastructure and services to enhance **healthcare access** for residents. This is a critical consideration for anyone contemplating **moving to Samburg** and managing a chronic condition like hypertension.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the 'Hypertension Score' and enhance **healthcare access** in Samburg, several recommendations are proposed. Firstly, exploring the feasibility of establishing a demand-response public transit system, potentially utilizing a vanpool service, would significantly benefit residents. Secondly, advocating for increased availability and affordability of NEMT services is crucial. Thirdly, promoting partnerships between local healthcare providers and **transportation** providers could facilitate the coordination of appointments and **transportation**.

Furthermore, supporting telehealth initiatives, such as telemedicine consultations and remote patient monitoring, could reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for routine follow-up care. Finally, educating residents about available **transportation** options and providing financial assistance for **transportation** costs can improve **healthcare access** and support the overall well-being of the community.

The ongoing efforts to improve **transportation** and **healthcare access** are vital for the health and well-being of Samburg residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. By addressing the challenges of commuting to healthcare, the community can create a healthier and more supportive environment for everyone.