35036, Brookside, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35036, Brookside, Alabama is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 35036 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Princeton Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 10.36 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35036 (Brookside, Alabama)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its access to healthcare. This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for residents of ZIP Code 35036, focusing on the critical element of *transportation* to and from medical facilities. This is particularly relevant for those *moving to Brookside*, Alabama, as understanding the logistical landscape of *healthcare access* is paramount to informed decision-making. We'll examine the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and assess their impact on the overall health and well-being of Brookside residents.

The foundation of healthcare access in Brookside is the personal vehicle. The area, while offering a degree of suburban tranquility, is heavily reliant on car *transportation*. The primary arteries for navigating the region are Interstate 65 (I-65), running north-south, and U.S. Highway 31, which parallels I-65 and provides a more direct route to some destinations. Local roads like Brookside-Graysville Road and Warrior-Brookside Road further connect the community, though they are often subject to traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore variable and dependent on the time of day and specific destination.

For those needing routine care, the drive to primary care physicians and general medical clinics in neighboring communities like Gardendale, Fultondale, and Warrior is typically manageable. A drive to Gardendale, via I-65 or U.S. 31, might take 10-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Fultondale, accessible via I-65, offers similar drive times. Warrior, reachable via Brookside-Graysville Road, could take 15-25 minutes. However, these times can be significantly extended during rush hour or in the event of accidents, underscoring the importance of planning and flexibility.

Specialized care, such as cardiology, dermatology, or other specialist appointments, often necessitates travel to Birmingham, approximately 10-15 miles south of Brookside. This journey, predominantly via I-65, can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes, again depending on traffic flow. This extended travel time introduces a potential barrier to *healthcare access*, particularly for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility. The availability of timely medical attention is crucial for maintaining optimal health, and longer commute times can negatively affect this.

Public transit in Brookside, while present, is limited. The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), also known as MAX, provides bus service in the greater Birmingham area. However, direct routes serving Brookside are sparse. Residents may need to rely on connecting routes, potentially involving transfers, to reach medical facilities. This can significantly extend travel times and introduce additional challenges, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those needing to adhere to strict appointment schedules.

Specifically, while the BJCTA does not have direct routes that service Brookside, residents can take the MAX route 20 (Fultondale) to reach the nearby city of Fultondale. From there, they can connect to other routes. It is important to note that the availability of ADA-accessible buses varies, and residents with disabilities should verify the accessibility of specific routes before planning their journeys. The lack of a robust public transit system is a significant factor impacting the *Overall Health Score* for Brookside residents, particularly those who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative *transportation* option. These services provide on-demand *transportation* to medical appointments, potentially mitigating some of the challenges associated with driving or public transit. However, the availability and cost of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, and may not be a consistently reliable option, especially for those on a fixed income or living in areas with limited ride-sharing coverage. This can be a significant consideration for those *moving to Brookside*, as it impacts their ability to access timely and affordable healthcare.

Medical *transportation* services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical *transportation* (NEMT), are available for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who need specialized *transportation* due to medical conditions. However, these services often come with a cost, and may require pre-booking, potentially limiting their accessibility for urgent or unplanned medical needs. The availability of these services can be crucial for individuals with chronic conditions or those recovering from surgery, and their cost and availability are important factors in evaluating the *Overall Health Score*.

The *Overall Health Score* for *healthcare access* in Brookside, Alabama, is therefore moderately impacted by the limitations of *transportation* options. While residents have access to primary care and specialized medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential costs and availability of ride-sharing and medical *transportation* services create challenges. The drive times to Birmingham, where many specialized services are located, can be significant, particularly during peak hours.

The score is further influenced by factors such as the availability of healthcare providers in the immediate vicinity and the overall health of the community. The *Overall Health Score* would increase with improved public transit, increased availability of ride-sharing services, and a greater concentration of healthcare providers within closer proximity to Brookside.

For those *moving to Brookside*, a thorough assessment of their individual *transportation* needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Considering the drive times to various medical facilities, the availability of public transit, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical *transportation* services is crucial to making an informed decision. While Brookside offers a degree of suburban living, the *transportation* challenges to accessing healthcare must be carefully considered to ensure the best possible health outcomes for residents.

In conclusion, the *Overall Health Score* for *healthcare access* in Brookside, Alabama, is moderately impacted by *transportation* limitations. While residents have access to healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the potential costs of alternative *transportation* options create challenges. Understanding these factors is crucial for those *moving to Brookside* and for the overall health and well-being of the community. Future improvements in *transportation* infrastructure and the expansion of *healthcare access* options will be essential to improving the *Overall Health Score* and ensuring that all residents can receive the timely and effective medical care they need.