36266, Lineville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36266, Lineville, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.63 percent of residents in 36266 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Clay County Hospital with a distance of 7.16 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Lineville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36266)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. This assessment, focusing on ZIP Code 36266 (Lineville, Alabama), analyzes the transportation landscape and its impact on residents' ability to reach essential medical services. The 'Overall Health Score' considers factors like drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare accessibility for those residing in or **moving to Lineville**.

Lineville, nestled in Clay County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding **healthcare access**. Its rural setting dictates reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of transportation needs. This dependence, coupled with the limited public transit options, underscores the importance of understanding the specific **transportation** infrastructure and its impact on the community's well-being.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary artery connecting Lineville to larger healthcare hubs is US Highway 431. This road, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially in the vicinity of Ashland, the county seat. Travel times to Ashland, where Clay County Hospital is located, typically range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Lineville.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to larger cities like Anniston or Birmingham. The journey to Anniston, approximately 45 miles away, involves navigating US Highway 431 and Interstate 20. Drive times to Anniston Regional Medical Center can vary from 50 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, influenced by traffic conditions on I-20.

Birmingham, offering a wider array of specialized medical facilities, presents a more significant commute. The trip, covering approximately 90 miles, necessitates travel on US Highway 431 and I-20. Expect travel times to range from an hour and 30 minutes to two hours, potentially longer during rush hour. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can further impact these drive times, creating potential barriers to timely medical attention.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transit options in Lineville are limited. Clay County does not have a county-wide public transit system. Residents may need to rely on private transportation or, in some cases, utilize the services of the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (EARPDC). EARPDC provides demand-response transportation services, which require advance booking and are primarily intended for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited transportation options.

The availability and accessibility of these services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to a personal vehicle. It is imperative that the county considers improvements to the public transit system. This is especially true for the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Lineville area, though their reliability and availability may be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. Residents should not rely solely on these services for urgent medical needs.

Medical transport services, including ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available in Lineville. Ambulance services are typically provided by the county or private companies, and their response times are critical in emergency situations.

NEMT services, designed for individuals requiring assistance to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often cater to those who cannot drive due to medical conditions or lack access to transportation. The availability, cost, and reliability of these services are crucial factors in **healthcare access**.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public transit vehicles and facilities. However, the limited public transit infrastructure in Lineville presents challenges for individuals with disabilities. The availability of accessible transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and accessible routes, is crucial for ensuring equal access to healthcare.

**Medical Facilities and Healthcare Providers:**

Lineville itself has limited medical facilities. The Clay County Hospital in Ashland provides primary care services, emergency care, and some specialized medical services. Residents may need to travel to Anniston or Birmingham for specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or specialized surgery.

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health professionals within a reasonable distance is a crucial factor in **healthcare access**. The proximity of pharmacies and other essential healthcare services is also critical for the overall health of the community.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The 'Overall Health Score' for Lineville (36266) reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by its transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public transit options, creates barriers to **healthcare access** for some residents. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer some alternatives, their availability and reliability can be inconsistent.

The distance to specialized medical facilities in Anniston and Birmingham necessitates longer travel times, potentially delaying access to critical care. The limited public transit options, coupled with the challenges of ADA accessibility, further exacerbate these challenges for vulnerable populations.

The score is influenced by the need for residents to be able to reach facilities in Ashland, Anniston, and Birmingham. The road networks and the travel times impact the overall score.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the 'Overall Health Score' and enhance **healthcare access** in Lineville, several recommendations are crucial:

* **Enhance Public Transit:** Invest in expanding and improving public transit options, including fixed-route buses and demand-response services. Ensure that all public transit vehicles and facilities are ADA-compliant.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Maintain and improve the road network, including US Highway 431 and I-20, to ensure safe and efficient travel. Address any traffic congestion issues, especially near Ashland.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:** Encourage the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. Consider partnerships with these services to provide subsidized transportation options for low-income residents.
* **Expand Telehealth Services:** Promote the use of telehealth services to provide remote access to healthcare, particularly for primary care and mental health services.
* **Recruit Healthcare Providers:** Encourage the recruitment of primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health professionals to Lineville and the surrounding areas.
* **Community Awareness:** Educate residents about available transportation options, healthcare resources, and the importance of proactive health management.

By addressing these recommendations, Lineville can improve its 'Overall Health Score' and create a more accessible and equitable healthcare system for all its residents, making it a more attractive place for those **moving to Lineville**.