36475, Repton, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36475, Repton, Alabama is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.61 percent of residents in 36475 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.35 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monroe County Hospital with a distance of 5.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36475 (Repton, Alabama)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In the rural landscape of Repton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36475), this access is heavily influenced by the availability and efficiency of *transportation* options. This write-up provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the primary modes of travel to medical facilities, offering insights for residents and those *moving to Repton*.

The foundation of this score lies in understanding the geographical reality. Repton is a small town, nestled in Conecuh County. The nearest significant medical centers are located in larger towns, necessitating travel. This immediately presents a challenge: distance. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the degree of difficulty in reaching these vital services.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The most common mode of *transportation* is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The primary roadways serving Repton are Alabama State Route 41 and Alabama State Route 21. Traveling to the nearest hospitals, such as D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital in Brewton (approximately 25 miles) or Monroe County Hospital in Monroeville (approximately 30 miles), requires navigating these two-lane highways.

Drive-times fluctuate based on traffic, weather conditions, and the driver's speed. Under ideal conditions, a trip to Brewton could take roughly 35-45 minutes. The journey to Monroeville, slightly further, might extend to 45-60 minutes. These estimates are crucial. Consider the urgency of a medical need. A delay of even 15 minutes can significantly impact outcomes in emergencies.

Furthermore, the condition of the roads is a factor. Alabama State Route 41, while generally well-maintained, can experience potholes or uneven surfaces. Alabama State Route 21, especially in certain sections, may present similar challenges. These factors can increase travel time and potentially exacerbate existing health conditions, especially for those with mobility issues.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public *transportation* in Repton is sparse. There is no dedicated public bus system operating within the town or connecting it directly to larger cities with hospitals. The absence of this service severely restricts *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles, the elderly, or individuals with disabilities.

The nearest potential for public *transportation* might involve utilizing intercity bus services, which may pass through nearby towns. However, these services are infrequent, require long travel times, and often necessitate transfers. They are not designed for convenient access to medical appointments.

The lack of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on any public *transportation* further compounds the issue. For individuals with mobility challenges, the absence of ramps, lifts, and accessible seating makes accessing healthcare through public transit virtually impossible. This is a significant detriment to the "Overall Health Score."

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in some larger cities but are extremely limited, if available at all, in Repton and the surrounding areas. Reliance on ride-sharing for medical appointments is therefore unrealistic.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical needs, offer a more viable, albeit often costly, alternative. Companies specializing in medical *transportation* may operate in the area. These services usually provide door-to-door service, assisting patients with mobility issues and ensuring they reach their appointments safely.

However, the cost of medical *transportation* can be a significant barrier to *healthcare access*, particularly for low-income individuals or those without adequate insurance coverage. The availability of these services also varies. Booking in advance is typically required, which can be a challenge for urgent care needs.

**Medical Transport Brands (Examples):**

While specific brand availability fluctuates, potential providers include:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** A large national provider, AMR offers non-emergency medical *transportation* services.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Many counties contract with local ambulance services that may offer non-emergency *transportation* as part of their services.
* **Private Medical Transport Companies:** Various smaller companies specialize in medical *transportation* and may operate in the region.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

The "Overall Health Score" for *healthcare access* in ZIP Code 36475 is negatively impacted by the following:

* **Distance:** The distances to the nearest hospitals are considerable, requiring travel times of 35-60 minutes by car.
* **Limited Public Transit:** The lack of a public bus system or reliable public *transportation* options severely limits *healthcare access* for those without personal vehicles.
* **Ride-Share Unavailability:** The absence of ride-sharing services makes it difficult to rely on this mode of *transportation*.
* **Cost of Medical Transport:** The reliance on medical *transportation* services, while available, presents a significant financial burden.
* **Road Conditions:** The potential for poor road conditions on the primary routes to medical facilities can increase travel times and risk.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance *healthcare access* in Repton, several steps are crucial:

* **Advocate for Public Transit:** Local leaders should explore the feasibility of establishing a public *transportation* system, even if it's a limited route to nearby towns with medical facilities.
* **Support Medical Transport:** Promote awareness of available medical *transportation* services and explore options for subsidizing costs for low-income residents.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for improved road maintenance and infrastructure upgrades to reduce travel times and ensure safety.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Encourage the adoption of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine appointments.
* **Community Health Programs:** Support community health programs that provide education and resources to improve overall health and reduce the need for frequent medical interventions.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for *healthcare access* in Repton (ZIP Code 36475) reflects the challenges inherent in rural *transportation*. While personal vehicles remain the primary mode, the limitations of other options, coupled with the distances to medical facilities, create significant barriers. Improving *healthcare access* requires a multifaceted approach, including advocating for public *transportation*, supporting medical *transportation* services, and investing in community health initiatives. For those *moving to Repton*, understanding these *transportation* limitations is essential to planning for their healthcare needs.