35115, Montevallo, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35115, Montevallo, Alabama is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.89 percent of residents in 35115 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Shelby Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 9.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35115

The quaint city of Montevallo, Alabama, nestled in ZIP code 35115, offers a charming small-town atmosphere. However, assessing its overall health requires a deep dive into a critical factor: transportation and its impact on healthcare access. This analysis examines the commute to healthcare facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ for residents. This is vital information for anyone considering moving to Montevallo.

The primary consideration is the drive time to healthcare. Residents of 35115 typically rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The closest major healthcare facilities are located in nearby cities, primarily in the Birmingham metropolitan area. The most direct route often involves Interstate 65 (I-65), a major north-south artery.

Accessing the University of Alabama Hospital (UAB Hospital), a leading regional medical center, requires navigating I-65 North. The drive, under optimal conditions, can take approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the specific location within 35115 and traffic conditions. This time can be significantly extended during peak hours or due to accidents, emphasizing the need for reliable transportation.

Another critical healthcare destination is Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster. The journey to this facility is generally shorter, averaging 20 to 30 minutes. This route primarily involves Alabama Highway 119 and U.S. Highway 31, both of which experience moderate traffic.

The availability of public transit in 35115 presents a significant challenge. The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), commonly known as MAX, does not directly serve Montevallo. This absence severely limits healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.

While there are no fixed-route bus services, residents may utilize the BJCTA's STAR service, a demand-response transportation system. This service requires advance booking and is designed to provide transportation for individuals with disabilities. The STAR service, however, is limited and may not be a practical solution for routine medical appointments or emergencies. It is crucial for anyone considering moving to Montevallo to understand the limitations of public transportation.

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative, though their availability in Montevallo can be inconsistent. The reliability of these services depends on driver availability, which can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-share services can also be a barrier to healthcare access for some residents.

Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize public transit. Several companies operate in the region, offering services ranging from basic ambulatory transportation to advanced life support. These services are often used for non-emergency medical appointments and for discharge from hospitals. The cost of these services, however, can be substantial, and insurance coverage varies.

Assessing the ‘Overall Health Score’ for healthcare access in 35115 requires considering these factors. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation creates a degree of vulnerability. The relatively long drive times to major healthcare facilities, coupled with the limitations of public transit and the variable availability of ride-share services, impact the overall score.

The absence of direct public transit options is a significant deficiency. This lack of public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, limiting their ability to access timely and affordable healthcare. The availability of medical transport services provides a safety net, but the cost and insurance coverage limitations must be considered.

The ‘Overall Health Score’ for healthcare access in 35115 can be considered moderate. While the drive times to some healthcare facilities are relatively reasonable, the lack of robust public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-share services present challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles places a burden on residents, particularly those with limited mobility or financial resources.

The city of Montevallo and the surrounding Shelby County could improve the ‘Overall Health Score’ by advocating for and supporting the expansion of public transportation options. This could involve partnering with the BJCTA to extend bus routes or exploring other innovative transportation solutions, such as micro-transit services.

Furthermore, promoting the availability and affordability of ride-share services and medical transport options would enhance healthcare access. Public awareness campaigns could educate residents about available transportation resources and assist them in navigating the healthcare system.

For individuals considering moving to Montevallo, it is essential to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility should thoroughly investigate the available options and plan accordingly.

The ‘Overall Health Score’ is not static; it can be improved through strategic initiatives that address the transportation barriers to healthcare access. By focusing on expanding transportation options and promoting access to healthcare services, Montevallo can create a healthier and more equitable community for all its residents. The importance of accessible transportation directly impacts the health of the community, making it a pivotal consideration.