36037, Greenville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36037, Greenville, Alabama is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.38 percent of residents in 36037 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is The Health Care Authority Of The City Of Greenville- Lv Stabler Hospital with a distance of 1.54 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36037

The health of a community is intrinsically linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report assesses the ease with which residents of ZIP Code 36037 (Greenville, Alabama) can reach medical facilities, offering an "Overall Health Score" based on transportation options. This score considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, painting a picture of healthcare access for those already residing in Greenville or contemplating moving to Greenville.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

For many, the personal vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation. Navigating the roads to healthcare facilities in and around Greenville is crucial. Driving times are contingent on the destination and traffic conditions. Greenville, a rural community, is primarily served by state highways and local roads.

The primary artery for travel is **US Highway 31**, running north-south through Greenville. Accessing the L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital, located within Greenville, is generally straightforward, with drive times typically under 10 minutes. However, for specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Montgomery or Dothan.

Traveling north on **US Highway 31** towards Montgomery (approximately 70 miles) presents a drive time of about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic. This journey offers access to a broader range of hospitals and specialists. Heading south on **US Highway 31** towards Dothan (approximately 90 miles) also presents a similar drive time.

Local roads such as **Alabama Highway 10** and **Alabama Highway 185** provide alternative routes, but these roads are generally less direct and may add to the overall travel time. Residents should factor in potential delays due to weather conditions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or occasional winter weather.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transportation options in Greenville are limited. Currently, there is no established public bus system operating within the city limits or providing regular routes to neighboring areas. This lack of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Greenville is limited. While these services may be present, their availability can be sporadic, and surge pricing may significantly increase costs, especially during peak hours or in emergencies. This impacts those seeking healthcare access.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are essential for individuals with mobility limitations or medical conditions. The L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital utilizes ambulance services for emergency situations. NEMT services may be available through private companies, but their availability and coverage area should be investigated.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the assessment of transportation options, the Overall Health Score for residents of ZIP Code 36037 is moderate. While the presence of a local hospital provides immediate care, the lack of robust public transit and limited ride-sharing options create challenges for accessing specialized care and services in larger cities. This is a key consideration for those moving to Greenville.

The following recommendations could improve healthcare access and the overall health score:

* **Advocate for Public Transit:** The development of a local bus system or the expansion of existing regional transit routes could significantly improve healthcare access, especially for vulnerable populations.
* **Enhance Ride-Sharing Availability:** Efforts to encourage ride-sharing services to operate more consistently in Greenville, potentially through incentives or partnerships, would provide a valuable transportation option.
* **Promote NEMT Awareness:** Increased awareness of available NEMT services and their coverage area would help individuals with mobility limitations access necessary medical appointments.
* **Explore Telehealth Options:** The promotion and utilization of telehealth services could reduce the need for travel for certain medical consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Community Partnerships:** Collaboration between the local hospital, healthcare providers, and community organizations can help identify and address transportation barriers.

**Conclusion:**

The ability to access healthcare is a fundamental aspect of community well-being. While Greenville offers some advantages, the limitations in transportation options pose challenges for residents. By addressing these challenges through strategic initiatives, Greenville can enhance healthcare access and contribute to a healthier community for all. This is a crucial factor for anyone moving to Greenville. Understanding the landscape of transportation and healthcare access is paramount to assessing the quality of life in this community.