35444, Brookwood, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35444, Brookwood, Alabama is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

60.39 percent of residents in 35444 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dch Regional Medical Center with a distance of 14.35 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35444

Living in ZIP Code 35444, encompassing the charming community of Brookwood, Alabama, offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and proximity to the amenities of Tuscaloosa. Understanding the accessibility of healthcare, however, is crucial for assessing overall well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access, focusing on transportation options and their impact on residents' ability to reach medical facilities.

The score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport options. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities residents face when navigating the healthcare landscape. This is particularly important for those considering moving to Brookwood, as healthcare access is a critical component of a healthy and fulfilling life.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Brookwood are Highway 216 and US-82. These roads funnel residents toward Tuscaloosa, the primary hub for medical services. Drive times, of course, fluctuate depending on traffic, time of day, and weather conditions.

A typical drive to DCH Regional Medical Center, the largest hospital in Tuscaloosa, clocks in at approximately 20-30 minutes under normal conditions. This is a reasonable commute for routine appointments and general medical needs. The route primarily involves navigating Highway 216 east to US-82, then following signs to the hospital.

Specialty clinics and urgent care facilities are also readily accessible within Tuscaloosa, adding to the range of available healthcare options. However, residents should factor in potential delays during peak traffic hours, particularly during morning and afternoon commutes.

Accessing healthcare in other directions, such as Birmingham, requires significantly longer travel times. This can be a significant barrier for specialized care or emergency situations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in the Brookwood area is limited. The Tuscaloosa Area Rapid Transit System (TART) provides some service, but its routes and frequency are not ideally suited for healthcare access from Brookwood.

Currently, there are no direct TART routes serving Brookwood itself. Residents would likely need to drive to a designated stop in Tuscaloosa and transfer to a route serving a medical facility. This adds significant time and complexity to the journey, making public transit a less viable option for many.

Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on TART buses is essential for individuals with disabilities. While TART strives to provide accessible services, the limited route options and potential transfer requirements can still pose challenges.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Tuscaloosa area, offering an alternative to driving. However, their reliability and cost can vary. Availability may be limited during off-peak hours or in rural areas.

For individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical transport, several options exist. Medical transport companies provide non-emergency and emergency services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained medical personnel. These services, however, often come with higher costs and require advance booking.

The availability of medical transport is a crucial aspect of healthcare access, especially for those unable to drive or rely on public transit. Several reputable medical transport brands operate in the Tuscaloosa area, ensuring that residents have access to essential medical services, regardless of their physical capabilities.

**Overall Health Score Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 35444 reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Tuscaloosa offers relatively short drive times to major medical facilities, the limited public transit options and reliance on private transportation create challenges.

The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Moderate, with reasonable access to general medical care but longer travel times for specialized services.
* **Public Transit:** Limited, with no direct routes to Brookwood and potential transfer requirements.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Available but may be subject to availability and cost fluctuations.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, offering specialized services for those with mobility limitations, but at an increased cost.

**Specific Recommendations:**

* **For Residents:** Prioritize personal vehicles for healthcare access. Explore ride-sharing options for non-emergency appointments. Investigate medical transport services for individuals with mobility limitations.
* **For Community Planners:** Advocate for expanded public transit routes and services to connect Brookwood with healthcare facilities. Support initiatives to improve ride-sharing availability and affordability.
* **For Prospective Residents:** Carefully consider the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access when deciding to move to Brookwood. Factor in potential costs and travel times for medical appointments.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 35444 is moderately positive. While residents enjoy relatively short drive times to major medical facilities in Tuscaloosa, the limitations of public transit and reliance on private transportation pose challenges. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides additional options, but at an increased cost.

For those considering moving to Brookwood, a thorough understanding of these transportation factors is essential. By carefully evaluating the available options and planning accordingly, residents can ensure they have adequate access to the healthcare services they need. The community's well-being is directly linked to the ease with which its residents can access medical care, making this analysis a critical component of assessing the overall health of the area.