35750, Hazel Green, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35750, Hazel Green, Alabama is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

40.02 percent of residents in 35750 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Huntsville Hospital with a distance of 15.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35750 (Hazel Green, Alabama)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Hazel Green, Alabama (ZIP Code 35750) necessitates a deep dive into the intricacies of transportation and its profound impact on healthcare access. This analysis considers the availability, efficiency, and accessibility of various transportation options, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking medical care. For anyone **moving to Hazel Green**, this information is crucial.

The cornerstone of this evaluation lies in understanding the drive times to the nearest healthcare facilities. The primary thoroughfare for accessing healthcare from Hazel Green is Highway 231, which connects directly to Huntsville, a major healthcare hub. Depending on the specific destination and traffic conditions, the drive to Huntsville Hospital, a comprehensive medical center, can range from 20 to 30 minutes. Similarly, reaching Crestwood Medical Center, another significant healthcare provider, via Highway 231 and Interstate 565, typically takes between 25 and 40 minutes.

Further complicating the matter is the reliance on personal vehicles. While the majority of Hazel Green residents own cars, those without access to a vehicle face considerable hurdles. Public transportation options are limited, and the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport is variable. This creates a significant disparity in healthcare access, particularly for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The lack of robust public transportation significantly diminishes the overall health score. The Huntsville Transit System (Huntsville City Buses) offers limited routes that extend into the periphery of Hazel Green. These routes, primarily numbered in the 20s, are infrequent and often lack direct connections to major healthcare facilities. While Huntsville Transit strives to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessible buses with ramps and designated seating, the infrequency of service and the distance to healthcare facilities pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility impairments.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Hazel Green, but their reliability and affordability can be inconsistent. Surge pricing during peak hours or periods of high demand can make these services prohibitively expensive, particularly for routine medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of these services in the more rural areas of Hazel Green can be limited, requiring longer wait times and potentially impacting appointment schedules.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer specialized options for individuals with specific needs. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but the cost of these services can be substantial, even with insurance coverage. NEMT services, which typically transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are available through various providers, including local companies and national brands. However, the availability of NEMT services can be limited, and scheduling appointments often requires advance notice.

The overall health score for Hazel Green is also influenced by the distance to specialized healthcare providers. While Huntsville offers a wide range of medical specialists, including cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, the commute times to these specialists can be significant. This is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring specialized care. The travel time, coupled with the potential for traffic congestion, can create added stress and inconvenience for patients.

The impact of transportation on healthcare access extends beyond the physical act of getting to a medical appointment. It also affects the ability to obtain prescription medications, attend follow-up appointments, and participate in preventative care programs. Individuals with limited transportation options may be less likely to seek medical attention, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. This, in turn, contributes to a lower overall health score for the community.

The health score is not static; it is subject to change. The construction of new roads, the expansion of public transportation routes, and the increased availability of ride-sharing services can all positively impact healthcare access. Conversely, factors such as traffic congestion, rising fuel costs, and the closure of local medical facilities can negatively affect the health score.

For residents of Hazel Green, the reliance on personal vehicles remains a significant factor in healthcare access. The drive times to healthcare facilities, while manageable for most, can be challenging for those without a car or with mobility limitations. The limited availability of public transportation and the variable reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges.

The overall health score in 35750 is further influenced by the presence of local healthcare providers. While Hazel Green has some primary care physicians and urgent care facilities, the availability of specialized medical services is limited. Residents often need to travel to Huntsville or other nearby cities to access specialized care.

The health score is a complex metric, influenced by a multitude of factors. The availability of healthcare facilities, the quality of medical care, the socioeconomic status of the population, and the presence of health insurance all play a role. However, transportation emerges as a critical determinant, significantly impacting the ability of residents to access the care they need.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of Hazel Green, Alabama (ZIP Code 35750) is moderately impacted by transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations. Improving public transportation, expanding ride-sharing options, and supporting the development of local healthcare facilities are crucial steps toward enhancing the overall health score and ensuring that all residents of Hazel Green have equitable access to the medical care they need.