35579, Oakman, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35579, Oakman, Alabama is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.20 percent of residents in 35579 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Walker Baptist Medical Center with a distance of 14.79 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Oakman, Alabama (ZIP Code 35579)

Assessing the overall health of a community involves a multifaceted approach, considering not only the quality of healthcare available but also the ease with which residents can access it. This analysis focuses on transportation accessibility to healthcare facilities for residents of Oakman, Alabama (ZIP Code 35579), providing an "Overall Health Score" based on drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. This information is critical for anyone considering moving to Oakman, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

Oakman, a small town nestled in Walker County, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's rural setting and limited public transportation infrastructure necessitate a careful examination of transportation options. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the degree to which residents can overcome these challenges and reach the healthcare they need.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Access**

For most Oakman residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. Drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore a crucial factor in determining healthcare access. The closest major healthcare hub is Jasper, Alabama, approximately 15-20 miles away, depending on the specific destination and traffic conditions. The primary route to Jasper involves navigating Alabama State Route 69 (AL-69), a relatively well-maintained two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic, especially during peak hours.

The journey to Jasper also involves traversing local roads, including County Road 14 (CR-14) and other connecting routes. These roads, while generally passable, may have varying road conditions, impacting travel times, particularly during inclement weather. The drive time to Jasper can extend to 30 minutes or more during periods of heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, potentially delaying access to urgent medical care.

Beyond Jasper, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, a major tertiary care center, is approximately 60 miles away, a drive that typically takes around an hour and fifteen minutes via AL-69 and Interstate 22 (I-22). This longer drive time necessitates careful planning, especially for appointments or emergencies.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Oakman are extremely limited. Walker County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. While there may be limited demand-response transportation services available through local organizations, they are not a reliable or readily accessible option for regular healthcare appointments.

The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score" for Oakman. Individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, disabled, and those with low incomes, face significant barriers to accessing healthcare. The lack of public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation options.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jasper area but may have limited availability in Oakman itself. This means residents may need to arrange for a ride to Jasper to access these services. The cost and availability of ride-sharing services can also fluctuate, impacting their reliability as a healthcare transportation option.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including FirstCall Medical Transport and American Medical Response (AMR). These services typically provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require advance booking, making them less suitable for urgent care needs.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation and healthcare facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the availability of ADA-compliant features varies across transportation options, it is a critical consideration for residents with mobility limitations. Medical transport services generally offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, while ride-sharing services may have limited availability of accessible vehicles.

Healthcare facilities in Jasper and Birmingham are generally compliant with ADA regulations, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access their services. However, the lack of accessible transportation options in Oakman can still pose a significant barrier to healthcare access for this population.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Considering the factors discussed above, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Oakman, Alabama (ZIP Code 35579) is moderate. While residents with personal vehicles have reasonable access to healthcare facilities in Jasper and Birmingham, the limited public transit options and the potential for delays due to traffic or weather conditions pose challenges.

The absence of readily available ride-sharing services and the cost of medical transport further complicate healthcare access for some residents. The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the availability of ADA-compliant transportation options and the overall accessibility of healthcare facilities.

**Implications for Moving to Oakman**

For individuals considering moving to Oakman, understanding the transportation challenges is crucial. Those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations should carefully assess their healthcare needs and plan accordingly. Exploring the availability of medical transport services and considering the potential costs and limitations of ride-sharing services is essential.

The "Overall Health Score" underscores the importance of personal responsibility in ensuring healthcare access. Residents must proactively plan for transportation, schedule appointments in advance, and be prepared for potential delays. The community could benefit from initiatives to improve public transportation options or to facilitate partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The "Overall Health Score" for Oakman reflects the reality of healthcare access in a rural setting. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the transportation infrastructure presents challenges. Improving public transportation, expanding ride-sharing services, and increasing the availability of affordable medical transport would significantly enhance healthcare access and improve the "Overall Health Score" for the community. This will also make moving to Oakman a more appealing prospect for those prioritizing healthcare access.