35962, Crossville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 35962, Crossville, Alabama is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.75 percent of residents in 35962 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Marshall Medical Centers with a distance of 7.32 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 35962 (Crossville, AL)

Understanding the accessibility of healthcare is paramount when assessing overall health, especially in a rural community like Crossville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35962). This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" based on the ease with which residents can access medical care, considering transportation options, drive times, and the availability of alternative methods. For those **moving to Crossville**, this information is crucial for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The score will consider various factors: the proximity of medical facilities, the efficiency of transportation options, and the availability of support services. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access, allowing residents and prospective residents to understand the challenges and opportunities in this area.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of transportation in Crossville is the personal vehicle. Driving times to healthcare facilities are a significant factor. The town itself has limited medical services, so residents often travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care.

The most direct route to Gadsden, approximately 25 miles away, involves using US-431 North. This drive typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within Gadsden. US-431 is a well-maintained highway, but traffic can be heavier during peak hours, especially near Gadsden. The route offers several medical facilities, including Riverview Regional Medical Center.

Another option is to travel south on AL-68. This route leads to larger towns like Albertville and Boaz, which offer additional healthcare options. Albertville is roughly 15 miles away, resulting in a drive time of about 20-30 minutes. Boaz is slightly further, approximately 20 miles, with a similar drive time. These routes are generally less congested than the US-431 corridor.

For those seeking care in Huntsville, the journey is considerably longer. The most direct route involves taking AL-68 West to US-431 North and then merging onto US-72 West. This drive is approximately 70 miles and can take up to 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Huntsville offers a wide array of specialized medical services, but the travel time presents a significant barrier to access.

The condition of the roads is generally good, but rural roads are subject to weather-related delays, particularly during winter months. Access to healthcare is therefore heavily dependent on reliable personal **transportation**.

**Public Transit:**

Public transportation options in Crossville and the surrounding areas are limited. There is no dedicated public bus service within the town. The lack of public **transportation** significantly impacts individuals who do not own a vehicle, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The lack of public transit severely limits **healthcare access** for a significant portion of the population. This makes reliance on personal vehicles or alternative **transportation** methods essential for medical appointments and other healthcare needs.

While there may be limited demand-response services offered by county or regional agencies, these are often restricted to specific populations (elderly, disabled) and require advance booking. Information on these services is often difficult to find and availability can be limited. There are no dedicated routes or schedules, making it a less reliable option for urgent care.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their presence is limited. Availability is often dependent on driver availability and the time of day. Waiting times can be significant, and prices can be higher than in more urban areas. This makes ride-sharing a less reliable option for urgent medical needs.

Medical **transportation** services are available, but these are often specialized and cater to specific needs, such as ambulance services for emergencies or non-emergency medical **transportation** for patients requiring assistance. These services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited.

Several medical **transportation** companies serve the area, including local ambulance services and specialized providers that offer non-emergency medical **transportation**. These companies may provide transport to and from medical appointments, dialysis treatments, or other healthcare-related needs. However, the cost of these services can be a significant burden for individuals with limited financial resources.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The availability of ADA-compliant **transportation** is a critical consideration. While ride-sharing services may offer accessible vehicles, their availability is not guaranteed. Medical **transportation** services typically offer ADA-compliant vehicles, but the cost can be prohibitive. The lack of robust public **transportation** options with ADA features presents a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities seeking **healthcare access**.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis, the Overall Health Score for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 35962 is moderate. While the area benefits from proximity to larger towns and cities with medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public and alternative **transportation** options present significant challenges.

The primary strength is the relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities in Albertville and Boaz. However, the lack of public **transportation** and the limited availability of ride-sharing services significantly weaken the score. The long drive times to Huntsville for specialized care also contribute to a lower score.

The score is further impacted by the potential cost of medical **transportation** services and the limited availability of ADA-compliant **transportation**.

**Recommendations:**

* **Improve Public Transportation:** Advocate for the expansion of public **transportation** options, including fixed-route bus services or demand-response systems, to improve **healthcare access** for residents without personal vehicles.
* **Support Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Encourage ride-sharing companies to expand their services in the area, particularly to increase the availability of accessible vehicles.
* **Promote Medical Transportation Awareness:** Increase awareness of medical **transportation** services and explore options for subsidizing these services for low-income residents.
* **Enhance Information Dissemination:** Improve the dissemination of information about available healthcare resources, including contact details for medical **transportation** providers and public **transportation** options.
* **Support Telehealth Services:** Promote the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, particularly for routine care and follow-up visits.
* **Invest in Community Health Programs:** Support community health programs that address the social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food and affordable housing, which can indirectly improve **healthcare access** and overall health outcomes.
* **Advocate for Improved Infrastructure:** Advocate for improvements to road infrastructure, including road maintenance and safety enhancements, to ensure safe and reliable **transportation** to healthcare facilities.

For those **moving to Crossville**, understanding these factors is crucial. Prioritize access to reliable **transportation** and consider the potential impact on healthcare costs and appointment scheduling. While the area offers a rural charm, careful consideration of healthcare access is essential for making an informed decision about **moving to Crossville**. The Overall Health Score reflects the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** and ensure the well-being of all residents.