35953, Ashville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35953, Ashville, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.93 percent of residents in 35953 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Vincent's St Clair with a distance of 14.97 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35953 (Ashville, Alabama)

This analysis provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 35953, focusing on their access to healthcare. We will examine the complexities of transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all crucial factors influencing a community's health and well-being. This information is particularly relevant for individuals and families considering moving to Ashville, Alabama, and seeking a clear understanding of their healthcare access.

The geographical landscape of Ashville, nestled in St. Clair County, significantly shapes transportation challenges. The town's rural character necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The winding roads and dispersed population centers contribute to longer travel times, impacting healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or without reliable transportation.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure**

The primary arteries serving Ashville are US-411 and AL-144. These highways are vital lifelines connecting residents to essential services, including healthcare facilities. Drive times to the nearest hospitals and clinics are critical. The drive to St. Vincent’s St. Clair Hospital in Pell City, approximately 15 miles away, typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Further afield, the larger medical centers in Birmingham, such as UAB Hospital, are approximately 50-60 miles away, translating to a drive time of 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. These longer distances pose a significant hurdle for those needing specialized care or facing emergencies. The condition of these roads and highways also plays a role; potholes and inadequate lighting can exacerbate travel times and increase the risk of accidents.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within ZIP Code 35953 are extremely limited. St. Clair County does not have a dedicated county-wide public transportation system. This lack of a robust public transit network leaves many residents, particularly those without personal vehicles, facing significant challenges in accessing healthcare.

The absence of regular bus routes and the lack of ADA-accessible features on existing transportation options further marginalize individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments. This creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes. Individuals considering moving to Ashville must understand the limitations of public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Navigating the Options**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Ashville, but their availability and reliability can vary. Demand is often lower in rural areas, leading to longer wait times and potentially higher fares, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Several medical transport providers operate in the area, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services. These NEMT services often cater to individuals with disabilities or those unable to drive themselves. However, these services can be costly, and availability may be limited, especially for routine appointments.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The overall healthcare access score for ZIP Code 35953 is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create a complex web of challenges.

The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, are a significant concern. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options can lead to delayed or missed appointments, exacerbating health conditions and potentially leading to poorer health outcomes. This is especially true for individuals with chronic illnesses, those requiring frequent check-ups, or those facing financial constraints.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To improve the overall health score for ZIP Code 35953, several interventions are crucial. Investing in a county-wide public transportation system, including ADA-accessible buses, would significantly enhance healthcare access for all residents. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, expanding medical transport services, particularly for non-emergency medical needs, would help address the needs of vulnerable populations. Promoting telehealth services and providing access to reliable internet connectivity could also reduce the need for in-person visits, especially for routine consultations and follow-up appointments.

**Conclusion**

The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 35953 is significantly influenced by the challenges of transportation. While Ashville offers a peaceful and desirable living environment, individuals considering moving to Ashville must carefully consider the limitations of healthcare access due to transportation constraints. Improving public transit, expanding ride-sharing and medical transport options, and promoting telehealth services are critical steps toward ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This holistic approach will not only improve the health of the community but also enhance the overall quality of life for all who call Ashville home.