35130, Quinton, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35130, Quinton, Alabama is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.76 percent of residents in 35130 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Vincent's St Clair with a distance of 46.41 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35130 (Quinton, Alabama)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for healthcare access in ZIP code 35130, encompassing the town of Quinton, Alabama. The score considers various factors, including transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities for residents seeking healthcare within and around this community, vital information for those considering **moving to Quinton**.

The health score will be a composite, considering both the ease of reaching healthcare facilities and the potential barriers to access. These barriers are often exacerbated by the rural nature of the area. This write-up will illuminate the landscape of **transportation** options, highlighting the realities faced by residents in their pursuit of quality **healthcare access**.

**Drive Time Analysis and Road Network:**

The primary challenge in accessing healthcare in Quinton is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town is geographically isolated, with limited public transportation. Drive times to essential medical facilities are a crucial determinant of the overall health score.

The closest major hospital, St. Vincent's Blount, is approximately 20 miles away, a drive that, under ideal conditions, can take around 30 minutes. The primary route involves traveling south on US-79. This highway is generally well-maintained but can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near Oneonta. Delays can significantly impact the health score, particularly for those needing urgent care.

Another important route is via County Road 38, connecting Quinton to the more populated areas of Blount County. While shorter in distance, this road is often narrower and more winding, potentially increasing drive times and posing challenges for those with mobility issues or unfamiliar with the area.

Birmingham, with its comprehensive healthcare network, is a more distant option. The drive to UAB Hospital, for example, involves taking US-79 south to I-65 north, a journey of approximately 40-50 miles. This commute can take upwards of an hour, even without traffic. This extended travel time significantly impacts the health score, especially for residents requiring specialized care or frequent appointments.

The condition of the roads is another consideration. While US-79 is generally in good condition, potholes and uneven surfaces on County Road 38 and other local roads can exacerbate travel times and pose risks to vehicles and passengers, particularly during inclement weather. This is a factor that contributes to the overall difficulty of **healthcare access** in the area.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation in Quinton is extremely limited, presenting a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. There is no established bus service directly serving the town. The nearest public transit options are in the larger cities, requiring a complex multi-leg journey that is often impractical for medical appointments.

The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), known as MAX, offers bus routes within the Birmingham metropolitan area. However, these routes do not extend to Quinton. Even if a resident could reach Birmingham, the transfer times and potential for delays would make relying on public transit for healthcare a significant challenge.

Furthermore, ADA accessibility is a concern. While BJCTA strives to provide accessible services, the lack of local transit options and the distance to the nearest accessible routes create a significant hurdle for individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments. This limitation severely impacts the health score for this segment of the population.

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

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Birmingham area, but their availability in Quinton is sporadic. Demand is low, and drivers may be reluctant to travel to such a rural location. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments is, therefore, unreliable.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking. The availability of NEMT can vary, and the service may not be able to accommodate all medical needs. Ambulance services are reserved for emergencies, and their response times, while generally efficient, are still subject to the distance from the nearest hospital.

The cost of medical transport services, coupled with the limited availability of ride-sharing, further reduces the health score for residents of Quinton. These factors exacerbate the challenges of **transportation** to healthcare facilities.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 35130 is significantly impacted by the limited **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the long drive times to major healthcare facilities, and the lack of public transit all contribute to a lower score.

The absence of readily available ride-sharing services and the potential expense of medical transport further diminish the health score. Residents face considerable challenges in accessing timely and convenient healthcare, particularly those with mobility issues, those without personal vehicles, or those requiring specialized care.

The health score is further affected by the economic realities of the area. The cost of vehicle ownership, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance, can be a significant burden for many residents. This financial strain can further limit **healthcare access**.

Considering all these factors, the overall health score for healthcare access in Quinton is moderate, with significant areas for improvement. The community would benefit from initiatives aimed at improving **transportation** options, such as exploring partnerships with regional transit providers or establishing a local volunteer driver program. Furthermore, expanding telehealth services could provide residents with greater access to healthcare without the need for travel.

For individuals considering **moving to Quinton**, it is crucial to understand the limitations of healthcare access and plan accordingly. This includes assessing their personal transportation needs, considering the availability of medical transport services, and familiarizing themselves with the local road network. The health score reflects the need for proactive planning to ensure adequate healthcare access for all residents.