36524, Coffeeville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.59 percent of residents in 36524 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grove Hill Memorial Hospital with a distance of 17.26 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Coffeeville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36524)

Coffeeville, Alabama, nestled in Clarke County, presents a unique landscape for assessing its residents' overall health score, particularly regarding their access to healthcare. A critical component of this score hinges on the ease and efficiency with which individuals can travel to medical facilities. This analysis delves into the multifaceted aspects of transportation within ZIP code 36524, evaluating drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities facing Coffeeville residents when seeking medical attention, a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to Coffeeville.

The geographical reality of Coffeeville significantly impacts healthcare access. The town's relatively rural setting means that residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary thoroughfare is **Highway 84**, which provides the most direct route to larger towns and cities where medical facilities are concentrated. The drive to Jackson, Alabama, approximately 20 miles east, typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This journey is essential for accessing Jackson Medical Center, a vital healthcare provider for the region. Further afield, Mobile, a larger metropolitan area with a wider array of specialized medical services, is approximately 100 miles south, a drive that can take upwards of two hours. This distance underscores the potential for significant travel time, especially for those requiring regular appointments or facing medical emergencies.

Other roadways, like **Highway 17** and various county roads, offer alternative routes, though they may be less direct or well-maintained. These roads are particularly important for residents living outside the immediate Coffeeville area, potentially adding to their commute times. The condition of these roads, especially during inclement weather, can further exacerbate travel difficulties, impacting healthcare access. The limited availability of sidewalks and bike lanes in Coffeeville and surrounding areas means that non-motorized transportation options are severely restricted, further emphasizing the reliance on personal vehicles.

Public transportation options within Coffeeville and the surrounding Clarke County are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town itself. While the availability of public transportation is a crucial factor in healthcare access for many communities, its absence in Coffeeville presents a significant challenge. This lack of public transit disproportionately affects those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of public transport creates a major barrier to healthcare access, especially for those who cannot drive or afford other transportation options.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Coffeeville or the immediate surrounding areas. The sparse population density and limited demand make it economically unfeasible for these services to operate consistently. This absence further restricts transportation choices, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of ride-sharing options means that residents must rely on personal vehicles, friends, family, or specialized medical transport services to reach healthcare providers.

Medical transport services are available, but their availability and affordability can vary. Companies like **MedRide** and **American Medical Response (AMR)** provide ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for scheduled appointments. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability might be limited, particularly during peak hours or in response to urgent needs. The availability of NEMT services is crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or medical conditions that prevent them from driving. The cost and scheduling constraints of these services can significantly impact healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features in any public transportation or medical transport vehicles are crucial for ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. While the absence of public transit in Coffeeville eliminates the need for ADA compliance in this area, the medical transport services must adhere to ADA regulations, ensuring that vehicles are equipped with ramps, lifts, and other features to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

The overall health score for Coffeeville, Alabama, in terms of healthcare access, is significantly impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the absence of readily available ride-sharing services create barriers to accessing timely and convenient medical care. While medical transport services offer a solution, their cost and availability can be prohibitive for many residents. The geographical isolation of Coffeeville and the limited healthcare resources within the town itself further compound these challenges.

For individuals considering moving to Coffeeville, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare requirements is essential. Prospective residents should consider the drive times to medical facilities, the availability of medical transport services, and the potential financial implications of healthcare access. Understanding these factors is crucial for making an informed decision about moving to Coffeeville and ensuring adequate access to healthcare services. The health of a community is directly linked to its residents' ability to access medical care. The transportation infrastructure, or lack thereof, in Coffeeville directly affects the overall health score of the community.