36312, Ashford, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36312, Ashford, Alabama is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.38 percent of residents in 36312 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 7.46 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Ashford, Alabama (ZIP Code 36312)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Ashford, Alabama (ZIP Code 36312) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access, with a critical focus on transportation options. This analysis considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport alternatives, painting a detailed picture of the ease – or difficulty – with which residents can reach essential healthcare facilities. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on the health and well-being of the Ashford community.

The primary challenge facing Ashford residents seeking healthcare is its relative isolation. The town, nestled in Houston County, is not a major urban center, thus limiting the immediate availability of specialized medical services. This necessitates travel, making transportation a pivotal factor in determining healthcare access. Understanding the transportation infrastructure is therefore paramount to calculating an accurate overall health score.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The most common mode of transportation in Ashford is the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are heavily influenced by the local road network. The primary thoroughfare is **U.S. Highway 84**, which runs east-west, connecting Ashford to Dothan, the nearest city with a significant concentration of healthcare providers. Expect a drive time of approximately 20-30 minutes to reach most hospitals and clinics in Dothan, depending on traffic conditions.

Traveling south on **County Road 27** offers an alternative route, though it is generally less direct and may involve navigating more rural roads. This route could add an extra 5-10 minutes to the journey. Residents in the eastern part of Ashford might utilize **County Road 341** to access facilities in Dothan, but again, this route is subject to the vagaries of rural road conditions.

The speed and efficiency of these routes are crucial. Traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times, potentially delaying access to urgent care or scheduled appointments. Road conditions, including potholes and construction, can further exacerbate these delays, adding stress and inconvenience to those seeking medical attention. This is especially relevant for individuals with chronic health conditions requiring frequent visits.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options within Ashford and the surrounding area are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system poses a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the cost of personal transportation.

While Dothan does have a public transit system, the routes and frequency of service are not designed to effectively serve Ashford residents. Furthermore, the routes that do exist may not be ADA-compliant, presenting additional challenges for individuals with disabilities. This lack of accessible and reliable public transit severely restricts healthcare access for a vulnerable segment of the population.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offers a potential solution, although their availability in Ashford is not guaranteed. The presence of these services is often dependent on driver density, which can fluctuate. Even when available, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for some individuals, particularly those with limited financial resources.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are another option. These services typically offer transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or those who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. However, these services often require pre-booking and can be subject to availability and cost considerations. Several medical transport brands operate in the area, including, but not limited to, First Choice Medical Transport and MedRide.

**Healthcare Access and its Impact:**

The challenges in transportation directly impact healthcare access. Longer drive times, limited public transit, and the potential cost of ride-sharing services can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening health outcomes, and increased healthcare costs in the long run.

Furthermore, the lack of convenient transportation options can exacerbate health disparities. Individuals with lower incomes, disabilities, or chronic health conditions are disproportionately affected by transportation barriers, limiting their ability to access the care they need. This can create a vicious cycle, where poor health further limits access to transportation, perpetuating health inequities.

**Moving to Ashford and Healthcare Considerations:**

For individuals considering moving to Ashford, a thorough assessment of healthcare access is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services in the area. Those who rely on public transit or have limited mobility should pay particular attention to the challenges posed by the lack of a robust public transportation system.

Prospective residents should also research the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options. Understanding the costs associated with these services is essential for budgeting and planning. Finally, a review of the local healthcare landscape, including the location and accessibility of hospitals, clinics, and specialists, is vital.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion:**

The overall health score for residents of Ashford, Alabama, is significantly impacted by the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the absence of a reliable public transit system, creates barriers to healthcare access. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer potential solutions, their availability and affordability are not guaranteed.

To improve the overall health score, investments in transportation infrastructure are essential. This could include exploring the feasibility of expanding public transit options, partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates, and supporting the growth of medical transport providers. Improving healthcare access is critical for the well-being of the Ashford community. Addressing the transportation challenges is a crucial step in achieving this goal.