36445, Frisco City, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36445, Frisco City, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

73.91 percent of residents in 36445 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.63 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 6.51 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36445 (Frisco City, Alabama)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Frisco City, Alabama (ZIP Code 36445), necessitates a comprehensive examination of healthcare access, a factor inextricably linked to transportation infrastructure and options. This write-up delves into the realities of navigating the roads, utilizing public transit (if available), and leveraging ride-sharing and medical transport services to reach essential medical care. Understanding these elements provides a clearer picture of the health challenges and opportunities facing those considering moving to Frisco City.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Frisco City is the ability to travel to medical facilities. The primary mode of transportation is, undoubtedly, the personal vehicle. The town itself is relatively small, and the surrounding area is predominantly rural, meaning that public transit options are limited. This reliance on personal vehicles significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for individuals who may have mobility limitations, lack access to a vehicle, or face financial constraints related to vehicle ownership and maintenance.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a crucial consideration. The nearest hospitals and specialized medical centers are located outside of Frisco City. A journey to Monroe County Hospital in Monroeville, Alabama, typically involves a drive of approximately 25-30 minutes, primarily utilizing Alabama State Route 21. This route, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic delays during peak hours or due to unforeseen incidents. Similarly, a trip to the larger facilities in Brewton, Alabama, such as D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital, requires traveling along Alabama State Route 41 and Alabama State Route 31, a journey that can take upwards of an hour depending on traffic and the specific location within Brewton.

For residents seeking specialized care, the drive times increase substantially. Accessing facilities in larger cities like Mobile or Montgomery necessitates travel along Interstate 65, a major thoroughfare. The drive to Mobile, for instance, could easily take over two hours, while Montgomery is closer to a three-hour drive. These extended travel times can pose significant challenges for individuals requiring urgent care, regular appointments, or specialized treatments. The distance also adds to the financial burden, with increased fuel costs and potential vehicle wear and tear.

Public transportation options in Frisco City and the surrounding areas are virtually non-existent. There are no established bus routes or other forms of public transit that serve the area, thus exacerbating the transportation challenges for those without personal vehicles. This lack of public transportation disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of public transit creates a significant barrier to healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is limited. Their availability is often subject to driver availability and demand, meaning that securing a ride, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies, may be difficult. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, further compounding the challenges of accessing healthcare. The reliance on ride-sharing services introduces an element of uncertainty and potential financial strain that can negatively impact the overall health score.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies such as American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers may operate in the area. These services typically cater to individuals who require assistance with mobility or have other medical needs. However, the availability of these services may be limited, and the cost can be substantial, making them inaccessible for all residents.

The physical infrastructure of Frisco City itself presents additional considerations. The town’s layout and the condition of its roads can affect the ease of travel. The presence of sidewalks, crosswalks, and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure is a factor, particularly for those who may walk or use mobility devices. The condition of roads, including the presence of potholes and other hazards, can also impact travel times and the safety of transportation.

The availability of local healthcare providers within Frisco City is another crucial factor. While the town may have some primary care physicians or clinics, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, or neurologists, is likely limited. This necessitates travel to larger cities for specialized care, further increasing the transportation burden. The lack of readily available specialists contributes to the overall challenges of healthcare access in the area.

The overall health score for residents of Frisco City, Alabama (ZIP Code 36445), is significantly impacted by the challenges of healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the variable availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential cost of medical transport services all contribute to a complex and often difficult situation. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, can be lengthy, adding to the burden on residents. The absence of readily available specialists within the town further exacerbates these challenges.

For those considering moving to Frisco City, a thorough understanding of these transportation and healthcare access factors is essential. Prospective residents should carefully assess their individual needs and resources, including their access to a vehicle, their financial capacity to cover transportation costs, and their ability to navigate the local road network. They should also consider the availability of healthcare providers in the area and the potential need to travel to larger cities for specialized care.

Improving the overall health score for residents of Frisco City requires addressing the transportation challenges. This could involve exploring options for expanding public transportation, partnering with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized services, or supporting the development of local healthcare facilities. Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and pedestrian-friendly amenities, would also contribute to improved healthcare access. The goal is to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all residents, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life.