35072, Goodwater, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35072, Goodwater, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.39 percent of residents in 35072 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Russell Medical Center with a distance of 11.19 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35072

ZIP Code 35072, encompassing the charming town of Goodwater, Alabama, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health. Beyond the beauty of the Coosa River and the tranquility of rural living, understanding the ease with which residents can access healthcare is paramount. This analysis considers the multifaceted aspects of transportation and their impact on healthcare access, culminating in an "Overall Health Score" for the area.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in evaluating the various transportation options available to residents. The ability to reach medical facilities efficiently and reliably directly influences the health and well-being of the community. We delve into the realities of driving, public transit, ride-sharing, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities within this specific geographic area.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

For many Goodwater residents, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation. The area is served primarily by state highways and local roads, with the most significant arteries being Alabama Highway 280 and Alabama Highway 9. These roads, while providing access to larger cities like Sylacauga and Alexander City, can present challenges.

Traffic flow, particularly during peak hours, can impact drive times. A routine trip to a specialist in Sylacauga, approximately 20 miles away, could take 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. Trips to larger medical centers in Birmingham, roughly 70 miles distant, would easily consume over an hour, potentially exceeding 90 minutes during rush hour. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can also impact travel times and safety.

The rural nature of the area also means that residents may have to travel significant distances to access various healthcare services. This can pose a burden for those with chronic conditions, limited mobility, or those who require frequent medical appointments. The time spent traveling, coupled with the potential for unforeseen delays, can contribute to stress and fatigue, further impacting overall health.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 35072 are extremely limited. There is no established local bus system operating within Goodwater itself. The closest public transit options are typically found in larger cities like Sylacauga and Alexander City, but these are often designed to serve those specific urban areas and do not extend into the more rural reaches of Goodwater.

The lack of readily available public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with personal vehicle ownership. This includes the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of accessible public transit also limits the ability of residents to participate in preventative care and manage chronic conditions effectively.

Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant features on any potential public transit options would be a significant issue for those with mobility impairments. Without accessible routes and vehicles, many residents would be effectively excluded from accessing healthcare services, further exacerbating existing health disparities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some areas, but their presence in Goodwater is less certain and less reliable. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which tends to be lower in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other local providers may operate in the area. These services typically cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance during transport.

However, medical transport services can be costly and often require advance booking. The availability of these services may also be limited, particularly during peak demand or in emergency situations. While offering a crucial lifeline for some, they may not be a readily accessible option for all residents.

**Healthcare Access and the Impact on Overall Health:**

The challenges associated with transportation in ZIP Code 35072 directly impact healthcare access. The combination of long drive times, limited public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services can create significant barriers to receiving timely and appropriate medical care.

This can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and a reluctance to seek preventative care. These factors can contribute to the worsening of existing health conditions and increase the risk of developing new health problems. The overall health of the community is directly tied to the ease with which residents can access the healthcare services they need.

For those considering moving to Goodwater, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. It is essential to assess one's individual healthcare needs and consider the potential impact of transportation challenges on their ability to access care. This includes factoring in the costs of owning and maintaining a vehicle, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential need for specialized medical transport.

**Overall Health Score:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for access to healthcare in ZIP Code 35072 is **moderate**. While residents can access healthcare services through personal vehicles, the limitations of other transportation options create significant challenges. The long drive times, the lack of reliable public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to this score.

Improving the "Overall Health Score" would require strategic interventions. This could include exploring the feasibility of establishing a local public transit system, partnering with ride-sharing companies to improve service availability, and increasing the availability and affordability of medical transport services. Investment in road infrastructure and improvements to traffic flow could also reduce drive times and improve safety.

Ultimately, the well-being of the residents of Goodwater depends on their ability to access the healthcare they need. Addressing the transportation challenges is a crucial step in ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives. The commitment to improving transportation infrastructure and healthcare access would not only benefit the current residents but also make Goodwater an even more attractive place for those considering moving to this charming Alabama town.