36041, Highland Home, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36041, Highland Home, Alabama is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

38.15 percent of residents in 36041 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Crenshaw Community Hospital with a distance of 17.01 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Highland Home (ZIP Code 36041)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report assesses the overall health score for residents of Highland Home, Alabama (ZIP code 36041), focusing on the critical element of transportation. We will delve into the realities of commuting to medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive picture for individuals and families considering moving to Highland Home, ensuring they understand the practicalities of maintaining their health within this rural setting.

Highland Home, nestled in Crenshaw County, presents a unique challenge concerning healthcare access. The town itself offers limited medical services, necessitating travel to larger towns and cities for specialized care. This reliance on external healthcare facilities underscores the importance of a robust transportation infrastructure, or lack thereof, in determining the overall health score for its residents.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Highland Home is personal vehicles. The geography of the area necessitates travel via state highways and county roads. The most direct route to major healthcare providers involves navigating Alabama State Route 9, a two-lane highway that connects Highland Home to the larger cities of Greenville and Montgomery.

The drive to Greenville, approximately 15 miles, is generally manageable, taking around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Greenville, the county seat, houses L.V. Stabler Memorial Hospital, the primary healthcare facility for Crenshaw County residents. This proximity offers a relatively quick option for emergency care and general medical needs.

However, accessing specialized care or larger hospitals requires a longer journey. The drive to Montgomery, roughly 50 miles, typically takes 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily using Alabama State Route 9 and Interstate 65. Montgomery is home to several major hospitals, including Baptist Medical Center South, Jackson Hospital, and the East Campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital. These facilities offer a wider range of specialists and advanced medical technologies.

The drive to Dothan, approximately 90 miles, takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, primarily using US Highway 331. Dothan is home to Southeast Health, a regional medical center that offers advanced healthcare services.

These drive times, while seemingly manageable for some, can pose significant challenges for individuals with chronic illnesses, mobility issues, or limited financial resources. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and potential tolls further impacts healthcare affordability and accessibility. The overall health score is therefore negatively affected by these transportation limitations.

**Public Transit Realities:**

Public transportation options in Highland Home are severely limited. Crenshaw County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transit system. There are no fixed-route bus services or readily available public transportation options within the town or connecting it to neighboring cities.

This absence of public transit creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with personal vehicle ownership. Elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families are disproportionately affected by this lack of transportation.

While there might be limited demand-response transit services available through the county, these services often require advance booking and may have restricted operating hours. The availability and reliability of such services are often insufficient to meet the needs of the community. The lack of ADA-accessible vehicles further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities, impacting their ability to access healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in Highland Home is extremely limited. These services typically operate in more densely populated areas, making them unreliable or unavailable in this rural setting. This lack of ride-sharing options further restricts healthcare access for those without personal transportation.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a lifeline for individuals with mobility issues or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary significantly.

Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, but the cost of an ambulance ride can be substantial, often exceeding the financial capacity of many residents. Non-emergency medical transportation services, which provide transportation to medical appointments, may be available through private companies or government programs. However, the availability of these services may be limited, and the cost can be a barrier to access.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the surrounding areas, including:

* **MedStar Ambulance Service:** Offers emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Rural/Metro Corporation:** Provides ambulance services in several counties.
* **First Response Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.

The specific availability and coverage areas of these services can vary.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of transportation factors, the overall health score for residents of Highland Home (ZIP code 36041) is negatively impacted. While the proximity to Greenville offers a relatively quick access to basic healthcare, the reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant barriers to accessing specialized care and advanced medical facilities.

The long drive times to Montgomery and Dothan, coupled with the potential costs associated with transportation, can negatively affect healthcare affordability and accessibility. This situation can lead to delayed medical care, missed appointments, and poorer health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

**Recommendations:**

Improving the overall health score for Highland Home residents requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in transportation infrastructure, such as exploring the possibility of establishing a demand-response transit system, could significantly improve healthcare access. Collaborating with neighboring counties to establish a regional transportation network could also be beneficial.

Supporting programs that provide transportation assistance to low-income individuals and those with disabilities is crucial. Promoting the expansion of telehealth services could reduce the need for in-person visits, thereby alleviating the transportation burden. Encouraging partnerships between healthcare providers and medical transport services to ensure affordable and reliable transportation options is also essential.

Ultimately, addressing the transportation challenges in Highland Home is critical to ensuring that all residents have equitable access to healthcare and can maintain their overall well-being. For those considering moving to Highland Home, a thorough understanding of these transportation limitations is essential to making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.