35548, Brilliant, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35548, Brilliant, Alabama is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.32 percent of residents in 35548 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.90 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwest Medical Center with a distance of 7.74 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35548

Zip Code 35548, nestled in the heart of Alabama, presents a unique tapestry of challenges and opportunities when assessing its residents' overall health. The ability to readily access healthcare services is a cornerstone of well-being, and this assessment delves into the intricacies of transportation options within and around this specific area, painting a picture of healthcare accessibility. We will explore the drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transport solutions to determine the overall health score.

The primary challenge in 35548, and indeed much of rural America, is the inherent distance between residents and specialized medical facilities. The area is characterized by a reliance on personal vehicles for transportation. The major thoroughfare, **Highway 43**, acts as the primary artery, connecting the community to larger towns and cities where comprehensive healthcare is available. Traveling north on Highway 43 leads to the city of **Fayette**, offering basic medical services. Heading south on Highway 43, one reaches **Jasper**, a regional hub with a broader range of specialists and a hospital.

The drive times, however, are a crucial factor. A trip to Fayette could take around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within 35548. The journey to Jasper, a more significant destination for healthcare, could easily extend to 45 minutes or even an hour, particularly during peak traffic hours. The roads, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to delays due to weather conditions or occasional accidents. This extended travel time directly impacts the speed and efficiency of healthcare access, especially in emergency situations.

Beyond Highway 43, smaller county roads and local routes such as **County Road 10** and **County Road 29** provide access to various parts of the zip code. These roads, while offering alternative routes, often involve slower speeds and potential for increased travel time due to their winding nature and less frequent maintenance. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can further exacerbate the challenges of transportation, potentially isolating residents and hindering their ability to reach healthcare providers.

Public transit options in 35548 are severely limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public transportation system, making it heavily reliant on personal vehicles. This absence of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals who do not own a car, are unable to drive, or have limited mobility. The lack of accessible public transportation also impacts the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents, who may face significant challenges in accessing routine medical appointments, specialist visits, and emergency care.

There are no established bus routes or designated public transit lines operating within or directly serving 35548. This lack of public transportation underscores the necessity of private vehicles or alternative transportation methods. The absence of a public transit system also impacts the overall health score, as it limits the ability of residents to access healthcare services, particularly those who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally available in larger cities like Jasper, but their presence in 35548 is less consistent. The availability of ride-sharing services can be sporadic, and the cost may be prohibitive for some residents. The limited availability of ride-sharing services further restricts access to healthcare, especially for individuals who lack other transportation options. The lack of readily available ride-sharing services adds to the transportation burden, making healthcare access more challenging for residents of 35548.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies such as **American Medical Response (AMR)** and **Medstar Mobile Healthcare** offer non-emergency medical transportation. These services, while providing a crucial link to healthcare, often come with significant costs. The expense of medical transport can be a considerable financial burden for residents, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments.

The availability of medical transport services provides a vital lifeline for those who cannot drive or do not have access to other transportation options. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income individuals and families. The financial burden of medical transport can lead to delayed or missed appointments, ultimately impacting the overall health and well-being of residents.

The overall health score for 35548 reflects the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access. The primary determinant is the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative transportation options. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly to more specialized centers, can be significant, potentially delaying access to critical care. The absence of public transit and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbate the transportation challenges.

The cost of medical transport services can also present a barrier to healthcare access, especially for vulnerable populations. The overall health score is negatively impacted by the lack of readily available and affordable transportation options. The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the limitations in public transit and ride-sharing, creates a situation where healthcare access is not readily available to all residents.

The community of 35548 would greatly benefit from initiatives that improve healthcare access. This could include exploring the feasibility of establishing a local public transit system, partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rides for medical appointments, or expanding the availability of medical transport services. The expansion of telehealth services could also help bridge the gap in healthcare access, allowing residents to consult with healthcare providers remotely.

The need for improved healthcare access is paramount. Investing in transportation solutions and healthcare infrastructure will not only improve the overall health score but also enhance the quality of life for all residents of 35548. The creation of a more accessible healthcare system will create a healthier and more vibrant community.

Moving to Brilliant, a town in 35548, presents a unique opportunity to advocate for improved healthcare access. By actively engaging with local officials, community organizations, and healthcare providers, residents can work together to address the transportation challenges and advocate for solutions that improve healthcare access. This could involve supporting initiatives to expand public transit, promote ride-sharing programs, or advocate for increased funding for medical transport services.

By actively participating in community efforts, residents can play a vital role in shaping a healthier future for themselves and their neighbors. The collective efforts of the community can make a significant impact on improving healthcare access and ultimately enhance the overall health and well-being of all residents in 35548. The goal is to create a community where healthcare is accessible, affordable, and readily available to all, regardless of their transportation limitations.