35254, Birmingham, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35254, Birmingham, Alabama is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

86.24 percent of residents in 35254 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Princeton Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 1.02 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35254

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 35254, focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access. It considers the various transportation options available, evaluating their efficiency, accessibility, and overall impact on the health and well-being of individuals seeking medical care. This is especially relevant for those considering moving to Birmingham, Alabama, as it highlights the practical realities of navigating the city’s infrastructure to reach essential services.

The ability to reach healthcare facilities is fundamental to a community's health. Factors like drive times, public transportation availability, and the presence of ride-sharing services significantly influence the ease with which residents can access medical attention. The "Overall Health Score" reflects the combined impact of these transportation options, offering a holistic view of healthcare accessibility within this specific ZIP code.

ZIP Code 35254, a suburban area of Birmingham, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Its location, primarily characterized by residential neighborhoods, necessitates a reliance on transportation to reach hospitals, clinics, and other medical providers. The "Overall Health Score" for this area will depend heavily on the efficiency and availability of these transportation options.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for most residents in 35254 is the personal vehicle. The efficiency of this mode hinges on the road network and prevailing traffic conditions. Accessing major healthcare providers, such as the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, necessitates navigating several key roadways.

Traveling to UAB Hospital from 35254 typically involves using **Interstate 65 (I-65)**, a major north-south artery, or **U.S. Highway 31 (US-31)**, also known as Montgomery Highway. The drive time can vary significantly depending on the time of day. Rush hour, particularly in the mornings and evenings, can lead to substantial delays, potentially extending the journey by 20-30 minutes.

Further, accessing other hospitals like Brookwood Baptist Medical Center often requires utilizing **Interstate 459 (I-459)**, which provides a loop around the city. The drive time to Brookwood Baptist Medical Center from 35254 can be relatively quick, but again, traffic congestion can impact the journey.

The roads within 35254, primarily local streets and thoroughfares, generally facilitate easy access to nearby clinics and urgent care facilities. However, for specialized medical needs, the reliance on highways and the potential for traffic delays become more pronounced. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the impact of these variables.

**Public Transportation Assessment:**

Birmingham's public transportation system, operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), offers an alternative to driving. While the system provides a network of bus routes, its coverage in 35254 is limited compared to more densely populated areas.

Several bus routes serve the general area of 35254, but direct routes to major hospitals are often unavailable. Residents may need to transfer buses, adding to the overall travel time and complexity. The availability of routes and the frequency of service, especially during evenings and weekends, are critical factors in evaluating the accessibility of public transportation.

The BJCTA is committed to providing accessible services. All buses are equipped with features to accommodate individuals with disabilities, including ramps and designated seating. The presence of ADA-compliant features is a positive aspect of the public transportation system.

However, the limited route coverage and potential for extended travel times can present challenges for those relying on public transit to reach healthcare facilities. The "Overall Health Score" will consider the limitations of public transportation in 35254.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Evaluation:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation option for residents of 35254. These services provide on-demand transportation, potentially offering a convenient alternative to driving or using public transit.

The availability and cost of ride-sharing services can significantly impact healthcare access. During peak hours or in areas with high demand, surge pricing can increase the cost of a ride. Additionally, the reliability of ride-sharing services, especially for appointments at specific times, is a crucial consideration.

Beyond ride-sharing, specialized medical transportation services are also available. These services, often catering to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specific medical assistance, provide a crucial link to healthcare.

Medical transport brands like MedRide and others offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, providing door-to-door assistance for patients. These services are particularly important for individuals who cannot drive or utilize public transit due to physical limitations or other health concerns. The "Overall Health Score" will factor in the presence and accessibility of these specialized services.

**Overall Health Score Summary:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 35254, considering the available transportation options, is moderately positive. While the reliance on personal vehicles provides flexibility, the potential for traffic congestion and the distance to major healthcare facilities can pose challenges. Public transportation, while accessible, is limited in its route coverage and frequency. Ride-sharing and medical transportation services offer valuable alternatives, but their availability and cost must be considered.

The score reflects the need for residents to carefully plan their transportation to medical appointments. This is particularly important for those with chronic health conditions or limited mobility. Moving to Birmingham and residing in 35254 requires a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a static metric. It can be improved by initiatives that enhance public transportation, promote ride-sharing accessibility, and support the availability of medical transportation services. These improvements would significantly enhance healthcare access and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the residents of 35254.