36089, Union Springs, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36089, Union Springs, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.10 percent of residents in 36089 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Bullock County Hospital with a distance of 0.76 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36089

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility within ZIP Code 36089, Union Springs, Alabama. This score considers transportation options, drive times, and the availability of healthcare services, offering insights for residents and those considering **moving to Union Springs**. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing the community's health infrastructure and its impact on residents' well-being. The score is a composite, reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical care.

The core of the assessment lies in the **transportation** landscape. Union Springs, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The primary mode of transportation is personal vehicles, influencing drive times and accessibility. Public transit options are limited, and ride-sharing services may have varying availability. The analysis explores these factors to provide a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving Union Springs are US Highway 82 and US Highway 29. These highways offer the most direct routes to regional healthcare facilities. Access to larger hospitals and specialized care often necessitates travel to Montgomery, approximately 45 miles west. The drive along US-82 can take approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

Travel to Auburn, roughly 50 miles east, offers another healthcare option. This journey, primarily on US-29 and AL-14, can take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. These drive times are crucial for assessing the timeliness of care, particularly in emergencies. Rural roads, while scenic, can pose challenges due to their condition and potential for delays.

Local healthcare facilities, such as the Bullock County Hospital, offer immediate care and primary services. However, for specialized treatments, the need to travel to larger cities becomes a factor. The condition of the roads and the distance to these facilities impact the overall health score.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options within ZIP Code 36089 are limited. There is no dedicated local bus system. Residents typically rely on personal vehicles or informal arrangements for transportation. This lack of public transit significantly impacts **healthcare access**, especially for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities.

The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods. While this may not pose a significant problem for everyone, it creates barriers for some, influencing the overall health score. The lack of ADA-compliant features in any existing transit options further compounds the challenges for individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in Union Springs. Their presence is often dependent on driver density and demand. Residents should not depend on these services for reliable transportation to medical appointments. The potential for delays and unavailability can create significant challenges.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services, are available for emergencies. However, the response time and the distance to the nearest hospital can impact the outcome of critical situations. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are available, but their availability and cost can be significant factors.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

Bullock County Hospital, located within Union Springs, provides essential healthcare services, including emergency care, primary care, and some specialized treatments. However, the range of services is limited compared to larger hospitals in Montgomery and Auburn. The proximity of this facility is a positive factor in the overall health score.

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, is limited in Union Springs. Residents often need to travel to larger cities for specialized care. This need for travel impacts the overall health score, as it increases the time and effort required to access essential healthcare services.

**ADA Accessibility:**

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a critical factor in assessing healthcare access. The availability of ADA-compliant transportation options is limited. The accessibility of healthcare facilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible examination rooms, is essential. The overall health score considers the extent to which the community provides accessible healthcare services.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in ZIP Code 36089 is moderate. While the presence of a local hospital and the relatively short drive times to Montgomery and Auburn are positive factors, the lack of public transit, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, and the need for travel to access specialized care impact the score.

The primary recommendation is to explore options to improve **healthcare access**. This includes advocating for increased public transit options, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments, and supporting the expansion of healthcare services within Union Springs. Improving road conditions and ensuring ADA compliance in all healthcare facilities are also crucial.

For individuals **moving to Union Springs**, understanding the transportation challenges and the need for travel to access specialized care is essential. Planning for transportation needs, considering the availability of personal vehicles, and exploring NEMT options are crucial.

The overall health score is dynamic. It can improve with community efforts to enhance transportation options, expand healthcare services, and promote accessibility. The ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access is essential for ensuring the well-being of all residents in ZIP Code 36089. The score reflects the current reality, but it can be a catalyst for positive change.