35461, Ethelsville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35461, Ethelsville, Alabama is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.88 percent of residents in 35461 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County Hospital with a distance of 44.97 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35461

Embarking on a journey to assess the overall health score for residents of Ethelsville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35461) necessitates a deep dive into the crucial aspect of **transportation** and its impact on **healthcare access**. This evaluation considers the intricate web of roadways, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services that shape the ability of individuals to reach vital medical appointments and receive necessary care. The ultimate goal is to paint a comprehensive picture for anyone considering **moving to Ethelsville**, highlighting the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape.

Ethelsville, a small, rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in terms of healthcare access. The geography of the area, characterized by rolling hills and sparsely populated areas, significantly influences the available transportation options. The primary mode of transport for most residents is the personal vehicle. This reliance on private automobiles underscores the importance of road infrastructure and the distance to healthcare facilities.

The main arteries connecting Ethelsville to larger towns and cities are crucial. Highway 82, a major east-west thoroughfare, serves as a vital link, providing access to medical facilities in Reform to the east and Columbus, Mississippi, further west. Highway 17, running north-south, offers another route, connecting Ethelsville to the larger city of Carrollton to the south. These highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times to appointments.

Navigating the secondary roads, such as County Road 24 and County Road 39, which feed into the main highways, requires careful attention. These roads, often narrower and less maintained, can be particularly challenging during inclement weather, potentially increasing travel times and posing safety concerns. The condition of these roads directly affects the reliability and safety of **transportation** to medical appointments.

Public transit options within ZIP Code 35461 are extremely limited. The closest semblance of public **transportation** is provided by the City of Reform, which may offer limited bus services. However, these services are not designed to reach Ethelsville directly and would require a complex, multi-leg journey that is unlikely to be practical for most residents needing medical care. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-compliant features on any potential public transit options is unknown, posing significant barriers for individuals with disabilities.

The absence of robust public transit options highlights the importance of alternative **transportation** solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader area, but their presence in Ethelsville itself is uncertain. The availability of these services often depends on driver density and demand, which can be limited in rural areas. Even if available, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant barrier for individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services play a crucial role in bridging the gap in **healthcare access**, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) companies. These services provide crucial support for those who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other **transportation** options.

The drive times to healthcare facilities from Ethelsville vary significantly depending on the destination and the mode of **transportation**. The nearest medical facilities, such as the Northport Medical Center, are approximately a 30-45 minute drive via Highway 82 and Interstate 20/59. Specialty care facilities and larger hospitals in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, may require a drive of 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The drive to Reform, Alabama, which has some medical facilities, is generally a shorter commute, typically around 20-30 minutes via Highway 82. However, the range of services available in Reform is more limited than in larger cities. The distance to Columbus, Mississippi, is about 45 minutes to an hour via Highway 82.

The availability of medical transport services can mitigate the challenges of long drive times, but these services often come with associated costs and require prior arrangements. Individuals who rely on these services must plan their appointments well in advance and be prepared for potential delays.

For those considering **moving to Ethelsville**, understanding the limitations and complexities of **healthcare access** is paramount. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential reliance on medical transport services all contribute to the overall health score.

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 35461 is impacted by several factors. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, the limited availability of public transit, and the potential reliance on medical transport services all contribute to the overall health score. The drive times to medical facilities, the cost of **transportation**, and the availability of ride-sharing services are all crucial considerations.

The availability of specialized medical care is another important factor. While Ethelsville may have access to primary care physicians, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, is likely limited. Residents may need to travel to larger cities, such as Tuscaloosa or Birmingham, to receive specialized care, further increasing the burden of **transportation**.

The cost of **transportation** is a significant factor affecting **healthcare access**. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees can place a financial strain on individuals, particularly those with limited incomes. The cost of ride-sharing services and medical transport services can also be prohibitive, making it difficult for some individuals to access necessary medical care.

The lack of readily available information about **transportation** options and healthcare providers can also be a barrier. Residents may not be aware of the available medical transport services or the locations of healthcare facilities. The lack of clear and accessible information can make it difficult for individuals to navigate the healthcare system and access the care they need.

The overall health score is not just about the physical distance to healthcare facilities; it also encompasses the accessibility of those facilities, the availability of specialized care, the cost of **transportation**, and the availability of information. The challenges of **transportation** in Ethelsville, coupled with the limited public transit options, contribute to a lower overall health score.

In conclusion, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in ZIP Code 35461 is moderate. While residents have access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential reliance on medical transport services create challenges. Individuals considering **moving to Ethelsville** should carefully consider the impact of **transportation** on their ability to access healthcare and factor this into their decision-making process. The availability of ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport services are also important considerations. Addressing these challenges and improving **healthcare access** requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in road infrastructure, the expansion of public transit options, and the provision of affordable medical transport services.