36439, Excel, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36439, Excel, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.00 percent of residents in 36439 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 4.78 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36439

ZIP Code 36439, encompassing the charming town of Castleberry, Alabama, presents a unique tapestry of challenges and opportunities when considering its residents' overall health. The primary factor influencing this score is the accessibility of healthcare services, heavily reliant on the efficiency and availability of transportation options. This write-up meticulously analyzes the commute to healthcare, factoring in drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, culminating in a comprehensive assessment.

The very fabric of healthcare access in 36439 is interwoven with the limitations of its transportation infrastructure. The county seat, Brewton, is the nearest hub for comprehensive medical care. The most direct route to Brewton, and the location of D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, involves navigating the rural landscape via **Highway 31** and **Highway 41**. This drive, while scenic, can be time-consuming. Under ideal conditions, the journey takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. However, unexpected delays due to traffic, especially during peak hours or school bus routes, or adverse weather conditions, can significantly extend this commute, potentially hindering timely access to crucial medical attention.

Beyond Brewton, specialized healthcare facilities are located further afield. Pensacola, Florida, about an hour and a half south, offers a wider range of specialists and advanced medical services. The journey to Pensacola involves **Highway 31** south, merging onto **Interstate 10** west. Mobile, Alabama, approximately two hours southwest, presents another option, requiring travel on **Highway 31** south and **Interstate 65** south. These longer commutes underscore the importance of reliable transportation, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

Public transportation options in 36439 are limited. Escambia County, the encompassing county, does not have a traditional bus system. This absence significantly impacts individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with disabilities. The lack of public transit presents a substantial barrier to healthcare access, forcing residents to rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport services. The absence of accessible, affordable public transit dramatically lowers the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, but their availability in 36439 is inconsistent. While these services may operate in the area, their presence is not guaranteed, and wait times can be lengthy. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for longer distances to Brewton or Pensacola, can also be prohibitive for many residents, further exacerbating the challenges of healthcare access. The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing significantly influence the overall health score.

Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Several companies operate in the region, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation providers. These services, while essential, come at a considerable cost, making them inaccessible for some. Furthermore, the availability of medical transport can be limited, particularly during peak demand or in emergencies. The efficiency and affordability of medical transport services directly impact the overall health score.

The infrastructure, or lack thereof, in 36439 impacts the overall health score. The absence of sidewalks and bike lanes restricts active transportation options. Residents are forced to rely on cars, further limiting access to healthcare. This lack of active transportation alternatives contributes to a sedentary lifestyle and increases the risk of chronic diseases, further impacting the overall health score.

The socio-economic factors within 36439 further complicate the healthcare access landscape. Poverty, limited access to insurance, and a high percentage of elderly residents can amplify the challenges associated with transportation. These factors can create a cycle of poor health outcomes, as individuals struggle to access preventative care and manage chronic conditions. These socio-economic factors must be considered when assessing the overall health score.

To enhance the healthcare access in 36439, several strategies could be implemented. Improving public transportation infrastructure is paramount. This could involve establishing a county-wide bus system with routes connecting Castleberry to Brewton and other healthcare hubs. These buses should be ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Investing in ride-sharing subsidies, particularly for low-income residents, could also alleviate some transportation burdens.

Furthermore, promoting telehealth services could bridge the gap in healthcare access. Expanding access to virtual consultations and remote monitoring technologies could enable residents to receive care without the need for extensive travel. This is particularly beneficial for routine check-ups and follow-up appointments.

Community outreach programs can play a crucial role in educating residents about available transportation options and healthcare resources. These programs can provide valuable information about ride-sharing services, medical transport providers, and financial assistance programs. Partnering with local healthcare providers to offer transportation assistance to patients could also significantly improve access.

In conclusion, the overall health score for residents of 36439 is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with transportation to healthcare. The dependence on personal vehicles, the limited availability of public transit, the inconsistent presence of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services all contribute to a complex and often challenging landscape. Addressing these transportation barriers through strategic investments in public transit, ride-sharing subsidies, telehealth services, and community outreach programs is crucial to improving the health and well-being of the residents of Castleberry. The data and analysis presented in this write-up can be readily moved to Excel for further analysis, including assigning numerical values to each factor and calculating a weighted score to provide a more precise overall health score.