36477, Samson, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36477, Samson, Alabama is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.86 percent of residents in 36477 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 17.39 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Samson, Alabama (ZIP Code 36477)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. This assessment, focusing on ZIP code 36477 (Samson, Alabama), delves into the realities of healthcare accessibility, specifically examining the transportation infrastructure that connects residents to vital medical services. Understanding the challenges and opportunities within this framework provides a crucial foundation for evaluating the overall health score of Samson.

The primary mode of transportation in Samson, and the surrounding Geneva County, is the personal vehicle. This reliance on cars significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for individuals with limited mobility, those without vehicles, or those unable to drive. The geographic layout of the area, with its rural character and dispersed population, further complicates the situation.

The most direct routes to healthcare facilities outside of Samson involve navigating the network of highways and local roads. Highway 84, a major east-west artery, offers a primary conduit to Dothan, approximately 30 miles away. This drive, typically taking around 45 minutes, is crucial for accessing specialized medical services, including hospitals and specialist clinics. Highway 52 provides a north-south connection, leading to Enterprise, another town offering healthcare options. The drive time to Enterprise is around 30 minutes.

Local roads, such as County Road 30 and County Road 39, serve as connectors to smaller towns and local medical offices. These roads, while providing closer proximity to some healthcare options, may be less well-maintained than the highways, potentially impacting travel times and safety, especially during inclement weather. The condition of these roads is a significant factor when evaluating healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Samson are extremely limited. Geneva County does not currently operate a public bus system. The absence of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. This lack of public transportation is a major detractor to the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are present in the Dothan area, but their availability in Samson is inconsistent. Even if a ride can be secured, the cost of a ride-share to Dothan for a medical appointment could be a significant financial burden for some residents. The reliability of ride-sharing services, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies, is also a concern.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. However, the availability and coverage of these services in Samson require further investigation. Identifying the specific medical transportation brands operating in the area, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transport providers, is critical. Understanding their service areas, costs, and accessibility is paramount.

For individuals with disabilities, the lack of accessible transportation options is particularly problematic. The absence of public transportation with ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and lifts, severely limits their ability to access healthcare. The availability of accessible ride-sharing vehicles or medical transport services that cater to individuals with disabilities is crucial.

Healthcare access extends beyond simply getting to a doctor’s appointment. The availability of pharmacies for prescription refills, the proximity of urgent care facilities for immediate medical needs, and the ability to receive home healthcare services all contribute to the overall health score. The distance to pharmacies and urgent care facilities, particularly in the absence of reliable transportation, can create significant challenges for residents.

Moving to Samson, Alabama, necessitates a realistic assessment of healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully consider the transportation challenges, the availability of healthcare services, and the potential costs associated with accessing medical care. This assessment is essential for individuals and families with specific healthcare needs.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Samson, Alabama, is influenced by several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transportation options, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the need for further investigation into medical transportation services all contribute to a complex picture. The lack of accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities further compounds the challenges.

The health score is also impacted by the distance to specialized medical services, the condition of local roads, and the potential financial burden of transportation costs. The absence of public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services represent significant barriers to healthcare access. The overall health score is therefore negatively impacted.

Conversely, the proximity to highways, providing access to larger cities with more comprehensive healthcare options, offers a degree of mitigation. The availability of medical transportation services, if readily accessible and affordable, could also improve the score. However, the overall health score is considerably lower than that of a community with robust public transit and readily available ride-sharing.

To improve the health score, several interventions are necessary. Advocating for the implementation of a public transportation system, even a limited one, could significantly enhance healthcare access. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide discounted or subsidized transportation for medical appointments would also be beneficial.

Investing in road maintenance, particularly on local roads, would improve safety and reduce travel times. Expanding the availability and coverage of medical transportation services, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities, is also crucial. Educating residents about available transportation options and providing assistance with navigating the healthcare system would further enhance access.

A comprehensive approach, addressing the transportation infrastructure, the availability of healthcare services, and the needs of vulnerable populations, is essential for improving the overall health score of Samson, Alabama. This requires collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, community organizations, and residents. The health of the community depends on it.