36426, Brewton, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36426, Brewton, Alabama is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.25 percent of residents in 36426 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is D W Mcmillan Memorial Hospital with a distance of 0.80 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36426

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Brewton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36426) necessitates a deep dive into their ability to access healthcare. A critical component of this access is the ease and efficiency of transportation. This write-up will meticulously examine the available transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport, providing a comprehensive picture of the commute to healthcare and its impact on the overall health score. Considering a move to Brewton? This analysis is crucial.

Brewton, nestled in Escambia County, presents a unique challenge: a rural setting where access to healthcare is often geographically limited. This geographical reality significantly shapes the transportation landscape and, consequently, the health outcomes of its residents. Factors like drive times, availability of public transit, and the presence of alternative transport services become paramount in determining the overall health score.

The primary mode of transportation for most Brewton residents is the personal vehicle. The commute to healthcare facilities is heavily reliant on the efficiency of the road network. The main arteries serving the area are U.S. Highway 31 and U.S. Highway 29. These highways are critical for reaching hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. Other important roads include Alabama State Route 41 and Alabama State Route 113.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the location within the ZIP code and the specific healthcare provider. The D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, a key healthcare provider for the area, is located within Brewton. A drive to this facility from most areas of the ZIP code is generally short, typically under 15 minutes. However, access to specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, might necessitate a longer journey.

For specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities like Pensacola, Florida, or Mobile, Alabama. These trips involve significantly longer drive times, often exceeding an hour, depending on traffic and the specific destination. A drive to Pensacola via U.S. Highway 29 can take upwards of an hour and a half. The commute to Mobile, utilizing U.S. Highway 31, can also be extensive. These longer travel times pose a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options within Brewton are limited. Escambia County does not currently have a comprehensive public transit system. This lack of public transportation presents a substantial challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. The absence of regular bus routes or other forms of public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income individuals.

The absence of public transit forces these individuals to rely on alternative transportation options, which may be limited or unavailable. This situation negatively impacts their ability to attend medical appointments, obtain necessary medications, and access preventative care. Consequently, this lack of transportation options directly contributes to a lower overall health score for these residents.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features for public transportation. However, the lack of a public transit system in Brewton means that ADA-compliant transportation options are not readily available. This further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Brewton, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. The rural nature of the area means that the supply of drivers is often limited, especially during off-peak hours or in remote locations. This can result in longer wait times or the inability to secure a ride altogether, especially for urgent medical needs.

The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a barrier to healthcare access, particularly for low-income individuals. The expense of multiple rides per month for medical appointments can quickly become a financial burden, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments.

Medical transportation services are available in Brewton, offering specialized transport for individuals with medical needs. These services typically provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for appointments, dialysis, and other healthcare-related trips. The availability and cost of these services can vary depending on the provider and the specific needs of the individual.

Several medical transport brands operate in the area, including local providers and regional companies. These services often cater to individuals who require assistance with mobility or who are unable to drive themselves. While these services are valuable, they can be costly and may require advance booking, limiting their accessibility for urgent medical needs.

The overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 36426 is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation to healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, creates a complex landscape. The longer drive times to access specialized care in larger cities, the lack of ADA-compliant transportation, and the potential financial burden of alternative transport options all contribute to a lower overall health score.

The health score is also influenced by the geographical limitations of the area. The rural setting, while offering a certain charm, presents a challenge in terms of healthcare access. Individuals living in more remote areas of the ZIP code face even greater transportation barriers, potentially leading to delayed or missed medical appointments and poorer health outcomes.

The availability of healthcare providers within Brewton is a positive factor, but the need to travel for specialized care remains a significant concern. The efficiency of the road network, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transport are all critical factors in determining the overall health score.

For individuals considering moving to Brewton, a thorough understanding of the transportation landscape is essential. Assessing the availability of transportation options that meet their specific healthcare needs is crucial. Factors such as personal mobility, access to a vehicle, and financial resources will play a significant role in determining their ability to access healthcare.

Improving the overall health score in ZIP Code 36426 requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes exploring the possibility of establishing a public transit system, increasing the availability and reliability of ride-sharing services, and ensuring the affordability and accessibility of medical transport. Additionally, efforts to attract more healthcare providers, particularly specialists, to the area would significantly improve healthcare access and, consequently, the overall health score. The focus must be on improving transportation and healthcare access.