36009, Brantley, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36009, Brantley, Alabama is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.71 percent of residents in 36009 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.07 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Crenshaw Community Hospital with a distance of 7.87 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36009

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access within ZIP Code 36009 (Brantley, Alabama), considering transportation options. The score reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities, a crucial factor influencing overall well-being. Understanding the transportation landscape is paramount when considering moving to Brantley, as healthcare access profoundly impacts quality of life.

The score is derived from evaluating various transportation modalities, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. We consider drive times, route availability, accessibility features, and the overall convenience of each mode. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests significant challenges in reaching healthcare providers. This assessment aims to empower residents with the information needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

**Personal Vehicle Access: The Dominant Factor**

For residents of Brantley, the personal vehicle remains the most prevalent mode of transportation for accessing healthcare. The primary routes to larger medical centers in neighboring cities like Andalusia and Enterprise involve driving on well-maintained highways and roads. Traveling south on **Highway 84** offers direct access to Andalusia, the county seat of Covington County, and a hub for medical services. The drive time to Andalusia Regional Hospital is approximately 25-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, heading east on **Highway 84** and then south on **Highway 27** leads to Enterprise, home to Medical Center Enterprise. This journey typically takes around 40-45 minutes. These drive times, while manageable, necessitate careful planning, especially for urgent medical needs. The condition of these highways is generally good, but weather conditions and potential traffic incidents can impact travel times.

Access to local healthcare providers within Brantley itself is generally good. Several family practices and clinics are located within the town, providing immediate care for routine check-ups and minor ailments. However, specialized medical services, such as cardiology, oncology, and advanced surgical procedures, are primarily available in the larger cities mentioned above, increasing the reliance on personal vehicles for specialized healthcare needs.

**Public Transit: Limited Reach, Limited Options**

Public transportation options in ZIP Code 36009 are extremely limited. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The lack of readily available public transportation necessitates reliance on alternative transportation options, which may not always be readily available.

There is no fixed-route bus service operating within Brantley or connecting it to nearby cities. This severely restricts the ability of residents to access healthcare facilities without relying on other means. The absence of public transit underscores the importance of personal vehicles and the challenges faced by those without access to them. Furthermore, the lack of ADA-compliant features in the absence of a public transit system further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not as consistent or reliable as in larger metropolitan areas. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, potentially making it an unaffordable option for some residents, particularly those with chronic health conditions requiring frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as those provided by local ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals requiring assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are particularly vital for patients with mobility limitations or those who require medical supervision during transport. However, these services often come at a higher cost than other transportation options, and their availability may be subject to scheduling constraints.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Med-Trans Corporation:** Provides air medical transport services.
* **Air Methods:** Another provider of air medical transport.
* **Rural/Metro Corporation:** Offers ground ambulance services.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations for Moving to Brantley**

Considering the available transportation options, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 36009 is moderate. While residents with personal vehicles enjoy relatively good access to healthcare providers, the limitations in public transit and the potential challenges with ride-sharing services create significant barriers for those without personal transportation.

The score is influenced by the drive times to larger medical centers, the availability of local healthcare providers, and the presence of medical transportation services. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the score, particularly for vulnerable populations. For individuals considering moving to Brantley, it is crucial to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and access to healthcare services.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize personal vehicle ownership:** Given the reliance on personal vehicles, owning a reliable car is essential for accessing healthcare in Brantley.
* **Explore medical transportation options:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services if you anticipate needing assistance with transportation to medical appointments.
* **Plan for longer travel times:** Factor in potential travel times to larger medical centers in your healthcare planning.
* **Consider the needs of vulnerable populations:** If you are a caregiver or have family members with mobility limitations, carefully assess the transportation options available to them.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare access landscape in Brantley is heavily reliant on personal vehicles. While residents with cars can reach healthcare providers relatively easily, the lack of public transit and the limitations of ride-sharing services present challenges for those without personal transportation. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the transportation options available, enabling residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and promoting a healthier lifestyle. Understanding these factors is crucial when considering moving to Brantley, as healthcare access is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being.