35672, Town Creek, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35672, Town Creek, Alabama is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.83 percent of residents in 35672 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.91 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lawrence Medical Center with a distance of 12.97 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Town Creek, AL (ZIP Code 35672)

This report assesses the overall health score for residents of Town Creek, Alabama (ZIP Code 35672), focusing on the crucial aspect of healthcare access via various transportation modes. Understanding the ease and efficiency of reaching medical facilities is paramount to overall well-being, especially in a rural environment. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for those considering moving to Town Creek.

The health score is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of healthcare access. We consider factors like travel time, cost, convenience, and the availability of transportation services tailored to the needs of diverse populations, including those with disabilities. This report aims to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to transportation and healthcare access in Town Creek.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

For many Town Creek residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation for healthcare appointments. The most direct route to healthcare facilities typically involves navigating a network of state highways and local roads. The nearest significant healthcare hubs are located in Moulton, Decatur, and Florence.

Traveling to Moulton, the county seat and home to Lawrence Medical Center, usually involves a drive along Alabama Highway 157. This route, though generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to traffic, particularly during peak hours. The drive time to Lawrence Medical Center is approximately 15-20 minutes, offering relatively quick access to emergency services and primary care.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Decatur, which is approximately 25-35 minutes away, depending on traffic. The primary route involves Highway 24 and then connecting to US Highway 31. Decatur offers a broader range of medical specialists and hospitals, including Decatur Morgan Hospital. The drive, though longer, provides access to a more comprehensive healthcare system.

The journey to Florence, a larger city with a more extensive healthcare infrastructure, takes approximately 45-60 minutes. This trip primarily utilizes US Highway 72, a major thoroughfare. Florence offers advanced medical facilities, including North Alabama Medical Center, and a wider selection of specialists. The longer travel time necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Gaps**

Public transit options in Town Creek and the surrounding areas are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The lack of readily available public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access, especially for individuals who are elderly, disabled, or unable to drive.

Currently, there is no established public bus route directly serving Town Creek. Residents must rely on alternative transportation methods to reach medical appointments. The absence of public transit underscores the importance of exploring other options, such as ride-sharing services or medical transportation providers.

The absence of public transit in this area highlights the need for increased attention to transportation infrastructure and the potential for future investment in public transportation options. Improving public transit would greatly improve healthcare access for a large segment of the population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Distance**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area but may have limited availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in the more remote parts of the ZIP code. The reliability and cost of ride-sharing can vary, requiring careful planning and advance booking to ensure timely arrival at healthcare appointments.

Medical transportation services are designed to cater to individuals with specific needs, such as those with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance during transport. Several specialized medical transport providers operate in the area, offering services ranging from basic transportation to stretcher-bound transport. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive or utilize standard transportation methods.

The availability of medical transport services is a vital lifeline for many residents, providing access to essential healthcare. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some, highlighting the need for financial assistance programs or insurance coverage to ensure equitable access.

**ADA Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Access**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical consideration in evaluating healthcare access. While drive times and ride-sharing services can be accessible with proper accommodations, the lack of public transit creates significant challenges for those who rely on accessible transportation options.

Medical facilities in the surrounding areas are generally compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that buildings and services are accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the journey to these facilities can be challenging without accessible transportation options.

The absence of accessible public transit underscores the importance of advocating for improvements in transportation infrastructure and the expansion of accessible transportation services to ensure that all residents can access healthcare facilities regardless of their physical abilities.

**The Impact on Moving to Town Creek**

For those considering moving to Town Creek, the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access should be a major consideration. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical transport can create challenges for accessing healthcare.

Individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, or those who do not drive should carefully assess the transportation options available and factor in the potential costs and travel times. Prospective residents should also consider the proximity of healthcare facilities and the availability of specialized medical services.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Town Creek is moderate. While the proximity to Moulton offers relatively quick access to basic medical services, the need to travel to Decatur or Florence for specialized care increases travel times and potential challenges. The limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport create barriers for some residents.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

Improving healthcare access in Town Creek requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, expanding ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transport options are essential steps. Collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, and transportation agencies is crucial to addressing the existing challenges and creating a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all residents.

Ultimately, the health score can be improved by addressing the transportation gaps. By promoting accessible and affordable transportation options, Town Creek can enhance the well-being of its residents and create a more vibrant and healthy community for those moving to the area.