36024, Eclectic, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36024, Eclectic, Alabama is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.64 percent of residents in 36024 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Community Hospital Inc with a distance of 12.10 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Eclectic, Alabama (ZIP Code 36024)

The overall health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access essential services, most notably healthcare. In the charming town of Eclectic, Alabama (ZIP Code 36024), nestled in the heart of Coosa County, the journey to healthcare presents a multifaceted challenge. This analysis, considering transportation options, drive times, and available resources, provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, offering insights for current residents and those contemplating moving to Eclectic.

The score reflects the relative ease or difficulty residents face in reaching doctors, hospitals, and other vital medical facilities. It considers the availability of various transportation modes, the distances involved, and the overall infrastructure supporting healthcare access. This assessment highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Eclectic's healthcare access, providing a comprehensive picture for informed decision-making.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

Eclectic's location presents a significant factor in healthcare access. The nearest major hospitals are located in Wetumpka and Alexander City, both requiring car travel. Reaching Wetumpka, home to the Elmore Community Hospital, typically involves navigating Alabama State Route 14 (AL-14) and US Highway 231. The drive, depending on traffic, can take between 20 to 30 minutes.

Alexander City, approximately 30 to 40 minutes away, houses the Russell Medical Center. This journey primarily utilizes AL-22 and US Highway 280. These highways, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially delaying access to critical care. The roads themselves are not always conducive to safe travel, especially during inclement weather.

Smaller clinics and specialized medical offices may be found in nearby towns like Tallassee, reachable via AL-14 and AL-170. These options, closer in proximity, offer some convenience, but the scope of services may be limited compared to the larger hospitals. This dependence on personal vehicles underscores the importance of individual mobility and the financial burden of car ownership, impacting the overall health score.

**Public Transportation Challenges:**

Public transportation options in Eclectic and the surrounding areas are severely limited. Coosa County, like many rural communities, lacks a robust public transit system. This absence significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The lack of readily available public transportation creates a substantial barrier to healthcare access. While some counties offer demand-response services, these are often limited in scope and require advance booking, making them unsuitable for urgent medical needs. The absence of fixed-route bus services, with designated stops and schedules, further complicates healthcare journeys.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader Montgomery and Auburn-Opelika areas, but their presence in Eclectic is not guaranteed. Availability is often dependent on driver density, and wait times can be lengthy, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. The cost of these services can also be prohibitive for some residents, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients with mobility limitations, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Air Ambulance Worldwide and Angel MedFlight Air Ambulance offer air transport for critical care patients, but the costs are significant. Ground-based medical transport, typically provided by ambulance services, is readily available for emergency situations. However, for routine appointments, the expense and availability of these services can be a concern.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and healthcare facilities. However, the limited public transit options in Eclectic and the reliance on personal vehicles raise concerns about ADA compliance. Individuals with disabilities may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare if they cannot drive or secure reliable transportation.

Healthcare facilities themselves must comply with ADA regulations, ensuring accessible entrances, examination rooms, and restrooms. However, the distance to these facilities and the lack of accessible transportation options can still present barriers to care.

**The Overall Health Score:**

Considering these factors, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Eclectic, Alabama (ZIP Code 36024) is **moderate**. While the community is relatively close to hospitals and clinics, the reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of robust public transportation, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services create challenges.

The score reflects the need for improved transportation infrastructure, particularly for those without access to personal vehicles. Investing in public transit options, expanding ride-sharing availability, and promoting medical transport services could significantly improve healthcare access and, consequently, the overall health of the community.

**Implications for Moving to Eclectic:**

For those considering moving to Eclectic, this assessment highlights the importance of carefully evaluating transportation needs and healthcare access. Prospective residents should consider their ability to drive, the availability of reliable transportation alternatives, and the potential costs associated with healthcare travel.

Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those who anticipate needing frequent healthcare services should give careful consideration to the transportation challenges. While Eclectic offers a peaceful and close-knit community, the limitations in healthcare access should be weighed against the advantages of living in this charming town.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for Eclectic, several initiatives could be implemented.

* **Advocate for public transportation:** Lobbying for a fixed-route bus service or expanding demand-response services would significantly benefit residents.
* **Partner with ride-sharing services:** Working with Uber and Lyft to increase driver presence in the area could improve access.
* **Promote medical transport awareness:** Educating residents about available medical transport options and assisting with cost-effective solutions.
* **Support community health initiatives:** Encouraging local clinics and healthcare providers to offer transportation assistance or mobile health services.
* **Invest in road infrastructure:** Maintaining and improving the roads leading to healthcare facilities would enhance safety and reduce travel times.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, Eclectic can strive to create a healthier community with equitable access to essential healthcare services. This will not only improve the well-being of current residents but also make the town a more attractive and accessible place to live for everyone.