36453, Kinston, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36453, Kinston, Alabama is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.89 percent of residents in 36453 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Mizell Memorial Hospital with a distance of 7.40 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36453 (Kinston, Alabama)

This analysis provides an “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access within ZIP Code 36453, Kinston, Alabama. This score considers various factors impacting residents' ability to reach medical services, including transportation options, drive times, public transit availability, and alternative transport solutions. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare, crucial information for anyone considering moving to Kinston or currently residing there.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its residents’ ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care. In rural areas like Kinston, transportation becomes a significant hurdle, potentially impacting preventative care, chronic disease management, and emergency response. Our analysis delves into the realities of navigating this landscape, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving healthcare access within the community.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary arteries for navigating Kinston and accessing healthcare in surrounding areas are **Alabama State Route 55** and **Alabama State Route 27**. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, especially near the intersection of SR-55 and SR-27.

For routine appointments, residents in Kinston often travel to Andalusia, approximately 15 miles away. Driving to Andalusia via SR-55 typically takes between 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination within the city. Emergency situations necessitate swift access to hospitals, and the drive time to Andalusia Regional Hospital is a critical factor.

Dothan, a larger city with more extensive medical facilities, is about 60 miles away. Reaching Dothan requires traveling on SR-55 to US-84, then eastward. This journey can take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the destination within Dothan.

These drive times, while manageable for many, pose challenges for those with mobility issues, limited access to vehicles, or those requiring frequent medical attention. The reliance on personal vehicles underscores the importance of reliable transportation within the community.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Kinston are extremely limited. The absence of a dedicated public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles. This lack of infrastructure disproportionately affects the elderly, low-income residents, and those with disabilities.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, such as ride-sharing services, family members, or medical transport providers. The lack of a robust public transit system is a major factor negatively impacting the overall health score for healthcare access in Kinston.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability in Kinston can be inconsistent. Demand fluctuates, and wait times can be significant, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. These services are often more expensive than public transit, posing a financial burden for those with limited resources.

Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available in Kinston and the surrounding areas. These services are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments when they are unable to drive themselves. However, these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, particularly for non-emergency situations.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The lack of public transit also impacts the accessibility of healthcare facilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that healthcare facilities provide accessible entrances, examination rooms, and restrooms. However, the lack of accessible transportation options can still create barriers for individuals with disabilities.

The availability of accessible parking, ramps, and elevators at healthcare facilities is crucial, but these accommodations are only effective if individuals can reach the facilities in the first place. The absence of a public transit system with ADA-compliant features exacerbates these challenges.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed above, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 36453 is moderate. While drive times to nearby towns are generally manageable, the lack of public transportation, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services pose significant challenges.

To improve the overall health score, several recommendations are crucial. The most pressing need is the development of a public transportation system. This could involve a fixed-route bus service, a demand-response system, or a combination of both. The system should be ADA-compliant and designed to serve the needs of the community.

Furthermore, the community should explore partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation options for low-income residents and those with disabilities. Increased awareness of available medical transport services and financial assistance programs is also essential.

Finally, promoting the development of telehealth services can help bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited access to transportation. Telehealth allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits.

**Conclusion:**

Improving healthcare access in Kinston requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing the transportation challenges is paramount. By investing in public transit, exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, and promoting telehealth, the community can significantly improve the overall health score and ensure that all residents have access to the medical care they need. This is particularly important for individuals considering moving to Kinston, as healthcare access is a critical factor in quality of life. The commitment to improving healthcare access is a commitment to the health and well-being of the entire community.