36020, Coosada, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36020, Coosada, Alabama is 51 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.22 percent of residents in 36020 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Prattville Baptist Hospital with a distance of 7.42 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Coosada, Alabama (ZIP Code 36020)

Considering a move to the charming community of Coosada, Alabama (ZIP code 36020)? Beyond the idyllic landscapes and close-knit atmosphere, a crucial aspect to evaluate is your access to quality healthcare. This comprehensive analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for the area, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities, from drive times to public transit and ride-sharing services. Understanding these factors is paramount to ensuring your well-being and peace of mind when considering a relocation.

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to provide accessible healthcare. This "Overall Health Score" for Coosada considers the practicalities of getting to doctors' appointments, emergency rooms, and specialized medical services. We'll delve into the available transportation infrastructure, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses to paint a clear picture of healthcare access for potential residents.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

For many residents of Coosada, the primary mode of transportation will be a personal vehicle. The area's road network plays a significant role in determining healthcare access. The primary artery connecting Coosada to larger population centers and medical facilities is **U.S. Highway 31**. This highway provides relatively direct access to Montgomery, approximately 15-20 minutes away, depending on traffic.

The **Robert Trent Jones Trail** offers a scenic route, but is not designed for easy access to healthcare. **Alabama State Route 14** provides an alternative route, connecting Coosada to Wetumpka and other surrounding communities. While these roads are generally well-maintained, rush hour traffic, particularly on U.S. 31, can impact travel times, potentially delaying access to urgent medical care.

Access to specialist care, hospitals, and advanced medical facilities often necessitates travel to Montgomery. The **Baptist Medical Center South** and the **Jackson Hospital** are the main hospitals in Montgomery, with drive times averaging 20-30 minutes from Coosada. The **East Alabama Medical Center** in Opelika is another option, but the drive is longer, around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic.

**Public Transportation Options:**

Unfortunately, public transportation options in Coosada and the surrounding areas are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. This is a major consideration when assessing the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access.

While there isn't a dedicated bus route serving Coosada, the **Montgomery Area Transit System (MATS)** provides some limited service within the city of Montgomery. However, these routes do not extend to Coosada. Individuals relying on public transit would need to arrange for a ride to Montgomery and then utilize MATS, significantly increasing travel time and complexity. The absence of widespread public transit highlights a critical gap in healthcare access for certain demographics.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The absence of a robust public transportation system is further compounded by the limited availability of accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities. The lack of ADA-compliant buses or readily available paratransit services within Coosada and the immediate surrounding areas presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those with mobility impairments. This deficiency directly impacts the "Overall Health Score" for vulnerable populations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Montgomery area and could provide an alternative transportation option. However, the availability of these services in Coosada can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** or local ambulance services, are available for non-emergency and emergency medical transport. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited, requiring advance booking.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Coosada (ZIP code 36020) presents a mixed picture. While the proximity to Montgomery provides access to quality medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transportation options create challenges for certain segments of the population.

The lack of comprehensive public transit, particularly for those with disabilities, is a significant concern. The availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services also impact the overall accessibility. For individuals without personal vehicles or those with mobility limitations, healthcare access can be significantly more difficult and costly.

**Factors Impacting the Score:**

* **Drive Times:** Relatively short drives to major hospitals in Montgomery are a positive factor.
* **Public Transit:** The absence of a robust public transit system is a significant negative factor.
* **ADA Accessibility:** Limited ADA-compliant transportation options are a negative factor.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Variable availability and cost of ride-sharing services are a neutral factor.
* **Medical Transportation:** The cost and availability of medical transportation services are neutral to negative factors.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Coosada would require addressing several key areas. Expanding public transportation options, including routes that serve Coosada and surrounding communities, would be a significant step. Ensuring the availability of ADA-compliant transportation services is crucial for individuals with disabilities.

Promoting and subsidizing ride-sharing services for medical appointments could also improve access. Finally, exploring partnerships with medical facilities to provide transportation assistance for patients in need could further enhance healthcare access.

**Conclusion:**

For those considering moving to Coosada, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is essential. While the area benefits from its proximity to Montgomery and its medical facilities, the limitations in public transportation and accessibility options should be carefully considered. Evaluating your individual transportation needs and healthcare requirements is crucial before making a decision. By understanding these factors, prospective residents can make informed choices that ensure their well-being and peace of mind in their new community.