35660, Sheffield, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35660, Sheffield, Alabama is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

81.46 percent of residents in 35660 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.17 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Helen Keller Hospital with a distance of 0.94 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Sheffield, Alabama (ZIP Code 35660)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Sheffield, Alabama (ZIP Code 35660), the journey to medical appointments, pharmacies, and specialized care facilities significantly impacts residents' overall well-being. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of transportation options available to residents, considering factors such as drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This information is vital for anyone considering moving to Sheffield and seeking to understand the ease of healthcare access.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Sheffield is the availability of personal transportation. The city's layout, while charming, presents challenges for those without a car. The surrounding area is characterized by a network of highways and local roads that dictate the flow of traffic and influence commute times. The primary arteries include **Highway 72**, a major east-west thoroughfare, and **Highway 43**, which runs north-south. These highways serve as the main conduits to healthcare facilities located in nearby cities such as Florence, Muscle Shoals, and Tuscumbia.

Drive times, naturally, fluctuate based on traffic conditions, time of day, and the specific healthcare destination. A trip to the Shoals Hospital in Muscle Shoals, a critical healthcare provider for the region, typically takes approximately 10-15 minutes via Highway 72. The drive to North Alabama Medical Center in Florence, a more comprehensive facility, can range from 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic flow, mostly via Highway 43. These estimates assume average driving speeds and do not account for unexpected delays.

Public transportation options within Sheffield and the surrounding area are limited. The primary provider is the **Shoals Transit Authority (STA)**. However, the STA's routes are not extensive and may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Service frequency can be limited, and routes may not be available during evenings or weekends, creating challenges for individuals with inflexible schedules or those needing urgent care.

The STA does offer some routes that connect to healthcare facilities, but these routes may require transfers, extending travel times significantly. Additionally, the availability of **ADA-accessible** buses is a crucial factor for individuals with disabilities. The STA strives to provide accessible services, but the reliability of these services and the overall convenience of public transit for healthcare access require careful consideration.

Ride-sharing services, such as **Uber** and **Lyft**, are available in Sheffield, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs who cannot drive themselves or utilize standard transportation options. Several companies operate in the area, including **Medicaid-approved transportation providers** and private medical transport services. These services often cater to patients requiring assistance with mobility, those needing stretcher transport, or individuals with specific medical conditions.

The availability of medical transport is essential for ensuring healthcare access for vulnerable populations. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and prior arrangements are often required. Understanding the specific services offered by these providers, including their coverage areas and associated costs, is crucial for anyone relying on medical transport.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Sheffield, Alabama, is moderate. While the presence of highways facilitates relatively quick travel times to key medical facilities for those with personal vehicles, the limitations of public transportation and the potential cost and availability challenges of ride-sharing and medical transport services lower the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Sheffield, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. Those who rely on public transit or have mobility limitations should carefully evaluate the feasibility of accessing healthcare facilities using the available options. The reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access underscores the importance of car ownership in this community.

The availability of healthcare facilities in nearby cities, such as Florence and Muscle Shoals, expands the range of available medical services for Sheffield residents. However, the travel times to these facilities, coupled with the limitations of public transit, can create barriers to access, especially for those with limited mobility or those who cannot drive.

The presence of ride-sharing services and medical transport options provides alternative solutions for healthcare access. However, their availability, cost, and the need for advance planning must be considered. The overall health score reflects the balance between the relatively easy access for those with personal vehicles and the challenges faced by those who rely on other transportation methods.

The healthcare landscape in Sheffield is continually evolving. The development of new healthcare facilities, the expansion of public transit routes, and the increased availability of ride-sharing services could improve the overall health score in the future. For now, residents must carefully assess their transportation options and plan accordingly to ensure timely and convenient access to the medical care they need.