36442, Florala, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36442, Florala, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

47.45 percent of residents in 36442 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.27 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mizell Memorial Hospital with a distance of 18.05 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Florala, Alabama (ZIP Code 36442)

Navigating the landscape of healthcare access is a critical consideration for anyone, especially when contemplating a move to a new area. This comprehensive analysis assesses the overall health score for residents of Florala, Alabama (ZIP code 36442), focusing on the accessibility of healthcare services via various transportation methods. This evaluation is crucial for understanding the ease with which individuals can reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and other essential healthcare facilities. Factors include drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport services.

Florala, nestled in the southeastern corner of Alabama, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The town's relative isolation, coupled with its rural setting, significantly impacts the availability and accessibility of medical resources. Understanding these nuances is paramount for residents and prospective newcomers alike.

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in Florala is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The town is served by several key roadways. Highway 331, the main artery, provides access to the north and south, connecting Florala to larger towns and cities. Highway 112 offers east-west travel, while local roads like West 6th Avenue and East 6th Avenue provide internal connectivity. The driving distances to healthcare facilities vary, impacting the overall health score.

For routine appointments and pharmacy visits, residents typically rely on local services. The Florala Medical Center, located within the town, offers primary care and some specialized services. However, for more specialized care, residents must travel to larger medical centers in surrounding cities.

Crestview, Florida, approximately 25 miles south, offers a broader range of healthcare options, including hospitals, specialist clinics, and urgent care facilities. The drive to Crestview via Highway 331 typically takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This relatively short commute time contributes positively to the overall health score, providing residents with access to a wider array of medical services.

Further afield, Dothan, Alabama, about 80 miles northwest, and Pensacola, Florida, roughly 75 miles southwest, offer comprehensive medical facilities, including major hospitals and specialized treatment centers. The drive times to these cities, primarily via Highway 84 and Highway 10, respectively, can range from 1.5 to 2 hours. While these options provide access to advanced medical care, the longer travel times negatively impact the overall health score, particularly for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing medical emergencies.

Public transportation options in Florala are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town or providing direct routes to neighboring cities. This lack of public transit significantly hinders healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, including the elderly, disabled, and those with limited financial resources. This deficiency significantly lowers the overall health score.

The absence of a functional public transit system necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Florala, but their availability and reliability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. This inconsistency poses a challenge for individuals needing transportation to scheduled appointments or for urgent medical needs. The limited availability of ride-sharing further detracts from the overall health score.

Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services are essential for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves. However, the cost of these services can be prohibitive, particularly for those with limited insurance coverage or financial constraints. The reliance on costly medical transport services, while crucial for some, negatively impacts the overall health score.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation systems and medical facilities provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of a public transportation system in Florala limits the accessibility of healthcare for individuals with disabilities. While healthcare facilities are generally ADA-compliant, the absence of accessible transportation options creates a significant barrier to healthcare access. This lack of accessibility further diminishes the overall health score.

The availability of pharmacies in Florala is relatively good. Several pharmacies are located within the town, providing convenient access to prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs. This local availability of pharmaceutical services positively contributes to the overall health score. However, residents may need to travel to pharmacies in neighboring cities for specialized medications or services.

Healthcare access is a critical consideration when contemplating moving to Florala. The town's rural setting and limited transportation options present challenges to healthcare access. While local medical facilities and pharmacies provide essential services, residents often must travel to neighboring cities for specialized care. The absence of a public transportation system and the limited availability of ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges.

The overall health score for Florala, Alabama (ZIP code 36442), is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. The availability of local healthcare services, the relatively short commute to Crestview, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport options offer some advantages. However, the lack of public transportation, the longer travel times to major medical centers, and the potential cost of specialized transportation services present significant drawbacks.

Prospective residents should carefully consider these factors when evaluating the healthcare access in Florala. Individuals with mobility limitations or those without access to a personal vehicle may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services. Planning for transportation needs, researching available medical transport options, and understanding the potential costs associated with healthcare access are essential steps for ensuring adequate healthcare access in Florala. The overall health score reflects the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and healthcare access to better serve the needs of all residents.