35581, Phil Campbell, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35581, Phil Campbell, Alabama is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

51.20 percent of residents in 35581 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lakeland Community Hospital with a distance of 9.92 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Phil Campbell, AL (ZIP Code 35581)

Phil Campbell, Alabama, nestled in the heart of Franklin County, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly when considering access to healthcare. The town's rural character significantly impacts the ease with which residents can reach medical services. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for ZIP code 35581, focusing on transportation options, drive times, and the availability of various healthcare services. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Phil Campbell, as it directly influences their ability to maintain their well-being.

The foundation of healthcare access in Phil Campbell rests on the availability and efficiency of transportation. The primary mode of transport is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on roadways to reach hospitals, clinics, and specialists. The town itself is relatively small, but the surrounding area necessitates travel to larger towns and cities for comprehensive medical care.

Drive times are a critical factor. The closest major medical facilities are located in Russellville, approximately 15-20 minutes away via **Highway 43** and **Highway 24**. This route is generally well-maintained but can experience increased traffic during peak hours. For specialized care, residents often travel to Muscle Shoals (approximately 45 minutes) or even Huntsville (about 1 hour and 45 minutes), requiring journeys on **Highway 43**, **Highway 72**, and potentially the **Natchez Trace Parkway**. These longer drives add significant time and potential stress, especially in emergencies.

Public transportation options are limited in Phil Campbell. Franklin County does not have a dedicated public bus system that serves the area. This lack of public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, or those with limited financial resources. This absence of public transport severely impacts the overall health score, as it restricts healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the region, though their availability is not as reliable as in larger urban centers. Response times can be longer, and surge pricing may be in effect during peak demand or in emergencies. These services, while potentially helpful, are not a consistent or affordable solution for routine healthcare appointments for many residents.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are available, but their cost can be prohibitive for some. These services, such as ambulance companies and specialized transport providers, are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transit. However, their availability and cost are significant considerations when evaluating healthcare access.

Healthcare access in Phil Campbell is further impacted by the types of medical services available locally. The town has a few primary care physicians and a small clinic, but specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and specialized surgical procedures, are generally unavailable. Residents must travel to Russellville, Muscle Shoals, or even further afield to receive these services. This necessitates longer travel times and increases the complexity of managing chronic conditions or dealing with acute medical needs.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of transportation options is another crucial consideration. While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers typically offer accessible vehicles, the reliability of these services and the cost can be significant barriers. The lack of public transportation with ADA-compliant features further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

The overall health score for Phil Campbell, AL (ZIP code 35581), is moderately impacted by the transportation infrastructure. While the town is located in a relatively safe area, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant challenges for healthcare access. The drive times to larger cities for specialized care further compound these challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Phil Campbell, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. The ability to drive and maintain a vehicle is almost a necessity for accessing healthcare. Those without personal transportation may face significant hurdles in receiving timely and appropriate medical care.

The distance to hospitals and specialty clinics necessitates careful planning and consideration. Residents should factor in travel time when scheduling appointments and be prepared for potential delays. The lack of public transportation also makes it difficult for those without a vehicle to maintain their health.

The overall health score is also influenced by the availability of emergency services. The response time of ambulances and the distance to the nearest emergency room are critical factors in determining the level of healthcare access. While emergency services are available, the longer drive times to hospitals can impact patient outcomes in critical situations.

The cost of healthcare is another significant factor. The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and the potential use of ride-sharing or medical transport services, can add to the overall healthcare expenses. This financial burden can disproportionately affect low-income residents and those with chronic health conditions.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Phil Campbell, AL (ZIP code 35581), reflects a landscape where transportation significantly impacts healthcare access. While the town offers a sense of community and a slower pace of life, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation, and the drive times to specialized medical facilities pose challenges. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and their ability to navigate the existing infrastructure when considering moving to Phil Campbell. Understanding these factors is paramount to ensuring access to the healthcare services necessary to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life.