35586, Sulligent, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35586, Sulligent, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.05 percent of residents in 35586 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northwest Medical Center with a distance of 19.11 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Sulligent, Alabama (ZIP Code 35586)

The overall health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access healthcare. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of Sulligent, Alabama (ZIP code 35586), assessing its impact on healthcare access and providing a comprehensive “Overall Health Score” based on available transportation options. This information is crucial for anyone considering moving to Sulligent, as it directly affects their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The primary challenge in Sulligent, a rural community, is its geographical isolation. The nearest major medical facilities are located in larger towns, demanding reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. This dependence significantly impacts the “Overall Health Score” due to the potential for long drive times, especially in emergencies.

The primary arteries for transportation are Highway 278 and Highway 17. Highway 278 east leads to Hamilton, approximately a 20-minute drive, where the North Mississippi Medical Center – Hamilton provides essential services. Continuing further east, one reaches Winfield, about a 30-minute drive, offering additional healthcare options. Highway 17 south provides access to Reform, approximately a 45-minute drive, with its own set of medical facilities.

The condition of these roads is generally good, but weather events, like heavy rain or occasional ice, can impact travel times and safety. These factors contribute to a slightly diminished “Overall Health Score” due to the potential for unpredictable delays.

Public transportation options are severely limited in Sulligent. There is no established public bus system operating within the town or connecting it to neighboring cities. This lack of public transit significantly lowers the “Overall Health Score” for individuals without access to personal vehicles, including the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available, but their presence in Sulligent is sporadic. Availability depends on driver presence, which can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This inconsistency further diminishes the “Overall Health Score” for those relying on alternative transportation.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available. The local ambulance service provides emergency medical response, but response times are influenced by distance and road conditions. NEMT services, often used for scheduled appointments, are available but may require advance booking and have limited availability. These services, while crucial, do not fully compensate for the lack of readily accessible transportation options, thus impacting the “Overall Health Score.”

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in Sulligent is therefore negatively affected by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transportation, the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services, and the limitations of medical transport services all contribute to a less-than-ideal situation.

The distance to healthcare facilities directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely medical attention. A longer drive time can be critical in emergency situations, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. This is a significant consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Sulligent, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or limited mobility.

The economic implications of healthcare access are also relevant. The cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle, coupled with the expense of fuel, can be a significant burden for low-income residents. This financial strain further limits their ability to access healthcare, thereby lowering their “Overall Health Score.”

The absence of accessible public transportation also disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to personal vehicles face significant barriers to accessing essential medical services. This disparity further lowers the “Overall Health Score” and highlights the need for improved transportation solutions.

The availability of healthcare providers within Sulligent itself is limited. While local clinics may offer basic medical services, residents often need to travel to larger towns for specialized care. This further emphasizes the importance of reliable transportation.

The current state of transportation infrastructure in Sulligent presents challenges to healthcare access, influencing the overall well-being of its residents. The “Overall Health Score” is negatively impacted by the limited options available.

The future of healthcare access in Sulligent could be improved through several interventions. Investing in a public transportation system, even a limited one, could significantly enhance the “Overall Health Score.” Partnering with neighboring towns to establish a shared transportation network could also be beneficial.

Encouraging ride-sharing services to increase their presence in Sulligent could provide an alternative transportation option. Subsidizing ride-sharing services for low-income residents could also improve healthcare access.

Promoting telehealth services can also help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Telehealth allows residents to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel.

Educating residents about available transportation options and healthcare resources is essential. Raising awareness about medical transport services and ride-sharing programs can help residents make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in Sulligent is currently moderate, reflecting the existing challenges. The long drive times, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a less-than-ideal situation. However, by implementing strategic interventions, such as investing in public transportation, promoting telehealth services, and educating residents, the “Overall Health Score” can be significantly improved, leading to a healthier and more vibrant community. Careful consideration of these transportation factors is paramount for anyone moving to Sulligent, ensuring they can access the healthcare they need.