36543, Huxford, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36543, Huxford, Alabama is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

100.00 percent of residents in 36543 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atmore Community Hospital with a distance of 13.97 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Huxford (ZIP Code 36543)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report, focusing on ZIP code 36543 (Huxford, Alabama), provides an "Overall Health Score" by assessing the accessibility of medical services. A critical component of this score is the ease with which residents can *transport* themselves to doctors, hospitals, and other essential healthcare providers. This analysis considers various modes of *transportation*, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone *moving to Huxford* or evaluating the community's overall well-being.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Huxford is the reliance on personal vehicles. The area is predominantly rural, with limited public transit options. Residents typically use cars to reach medical facilities. The most direct route to major healthcare providers in nearby towns like Atmore and Brewton involves navigating a network of highways and local roads.

For those seeking care in Atmore, the journey typically begins on County Road 47, the main artery through Huxford. This road connects to Alabama Highway 21, a major north-south thoroughfare. The drive to Atmore Community Hospital, a key healthcare provider, is approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. However, this timeframe can be significantly impacted by weather conditions or accidents.

Accessing healthcare in Brewton requires a slightly longer journey. Residents must travel south on Highway 21, then merge onto Interstate 65 (I-65) heading south. From there, they can exit onto Highway 31, which leads directly into Brewton. This drive is approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a more time-consuming option.

Beyond these primary routes, alternative roads exist, though they are generally less well-maintained and may add to travel time. County Road 47, for instance, offers a more circuitous route, suitable for avoiding traffic on Highway 21. Understanding these nuances is essential for residents planning their healthcare commutes.

Public *transportation* options are limited in Huxford. Escambia County, like many rural areas, struggles to provide comprehensive public transit. Currently, there are no fixed-route bus services operating within the immediate vicinity of Huxford. This lack of public transit significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, including elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those facing financial constraints.

The absence of robust public transit presents a significant challenge to *healthcare access* for a segment of the population. While the county may offer demand-response services, these are often limited in scope and require advance scheduling. This can create barriers to accessing urgent care or specialist appointments. The lack of ADA-compliant features in any potential public transit further restricts access for individuals with disabilities.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and cost-effectiveness can vary. Ride availability depends on driver density, which is often lower in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, particularly for routine appointments. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution, it is not a universally accessible or affordable option for *transportation* to healthcare.

Several medical *transport* services operate in the region, catering to individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services provide non-emergency medical *transportation* for appointments, dialysis, and other medical needs. Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) are known providers in the area. However, these services often come with higher costs than personal vehicles or public transit, further impacting *healthcare access* for vulnerable populations.

The "Overall Health Score" for *healthcare access* in Huxford is significantly influenced by the limitations in *transportation* options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the scarcity of public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing, creates challenges. The cost and availability of medical *transport* services also impact the score.

The geographical isolation of Huxford, combined with the lack of readily available *transportation* alternatives, can lead to delayed or missed appointments. This can negatively impact health outcomes, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention. The lack of accessible *transportation* can also exacerbate existing health disparities within the community.

For individuals *moving to Huxford*, understanding these *transportation* challenges is crucial. Prospective residents should consider their *transportation* needs and assess their ability to navigate the existing infrastructure. This includes evaluating the availability of a personal vehicle, the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical *transport* services, and the accessibility of healthcare providers in neighboring towns.

The "Overall Health Score" for Huxford is not solely determined by *transportation*. Other factors, such as the availability of primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services, also play a role. However, the ease with which residents can reach these services is a fundamental determinant of their health.

The community's efforts to improve *healthcare access* could focus on several areas. Advocating for expanded public transit options, even if limited, could significantly benefit residents. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could also improve accessibility. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services and increasing the availability of mobile medical units could help bridge the *transportation* gap.

Ultimately, the "Overall Health Score" for Huxford reflects the community's commitment to providing accessible and equitable *healthcare access*. Addressing the *transportation* challenges is a critical step toward improving the health and well-being of all residents. The availability of reliable and affordable *transportation* is not just a logistical issue; it is a fundamental determinant of health.