36311, Ariton, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36311, Ariton, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.99 percent of residents in 36311 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.69 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dale Medical Center with a distance of 11.98 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36311 (Ariton, Alabama)

This analysis evaluates healthcare access for residents of Ariton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36311), considering the critical role of **transportation** in overall health. We'll delve into drive times, public transit options, and alternative **transportation** methods, providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on these factors. This information is particularly pertinent for individuals and families **moving to Ariton**, seeking to understand the ease of accessing vital medical services.

The "Overall Health Score" reflects the combined impact of accessibility, affordability, and convenience in reaching healthcare facilities. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests potential challenges. This score considers the geographical limitations of rural areas, balancing them against the availability of various **transportation** options.

**Drive Times and Road Network**

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Ariton is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town's location in rural Alabama necessitates driving to reach most medical providers. The closest significant healthcare hub is Enterprise, approximately 15 miles north, offering a range of medical services, including hospitals, specialists, and urgent care clinics. This drive typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

The primary route to Enterprise is via Alabama State Route 134, a two-lane highway that can experience moderate traffic during peak hours. From Ariton, travelers will likely utilize County Road 19, connecting with State Route 134. These roads, while generally well-maintained, are subject to the typical challenges of rural infrastructure, including occasional potholes and limited shoulders.

Further afield, Dothan, approximately 40 miles southeast, offers a more extensive selection of healthcare facilities, including specialized medical centers. The drive to Dothan involves traveling on State Route 134 and then connecting to U.S. Highway 84. This journey typically takes 45-60 minutes, potentially posing a significant time commitment for routine appointments or emergencies.

Longer drives, of course, are involved to reach major medical centers in Montgomery (approximately 100 miles) or Birmingham (approximately 150 miles). These trips necessitate using Interstate 65, and the time commitment can be several hours, making them impractical for routine care.

**Public Transit Limitations**

Public transit options in Ariton are extremely limited. There is no dedicated public bus system serving the town or connecting it directly to Enterprise or Dothan. This absence of public **transportation** severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

The absence of a robust public transit system significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for Ariton. Those who cannot drive are left with few options, impacting their ability to maintain regular medical appointments and access specialized care. This is a crucial factor for anyone considering **moving to Ariton**.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Enterprise and Dothan areas, but their presence in Ariton is inconsistent. Availability can be unpredictable, and wait times can be lengthy, making them unreliable for urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the area. These services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and local private companies, provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. While offering a vital service, these options often require advance booking and can be expensive, especially for individuals with limited insurance coverage.

**ADA Accessibility**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features on public transit and in public facilities. However, the lack of public transit in Ariton limits the practical application of these regulations. Medical **transportation** services are generally ADA-compliant, offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the availability and cost of these services remain a concern.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Ariton (ZIP Code 36311) is moderate. The primary strengths lie in the relatively short drive to Enterprise for basic medical needs. The weaknesses are the absence of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical **transportation**.

For individuals **moving to Ariton**, a personal vehicle is essential for accessing healthcare. Those without access to a car will face significant challenges. Careful consideration should be given to the availability and cost of medical **transportation** services.

The "Overall Health Score" is also influenced by the availability of local healthcare providers within Ariton. While the town may have a clinic or a family physician, the availability of specialists and emergency services is limited. This necessitates travel to Enterprise or Dothan for more complex medical needs.

The overall score also considers the potential impact of socioeconomic factors. Residents with lower incomes may struggle to afford the costs of vehicle ownership, maintenance, and fuel, further exacerbating healthcare access challenges. The availability of affordable health insurance and access to financial assistance programs are crucial factors in mitigating these challenges.

**Recommendations**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" for Ariton, several initiatives could be considered. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a demand-response public transit service, potentially connecting Ariton to Enterprise and Dothan, would significantly improve healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to ensure consistent service and potentially offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Furthermore, promoting awareness of medical **transportation** services and advocating for increased insurance coverage for these services would help reduce the financial burden on patients. Encouraging the recruitment of additional healthcare providers to Ariton, including specialists and urgent care facilities, would reduce the need for long-distance travel.

Finally, community outreach programs that educate residents about available healthcare resources, including transportation options and financial assistance programs, can empower individuals to navigate the healthcare system effectively. These combined efforts would improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance the quality of life for residents of Ariton, Alabama.