36549, Lillian, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36549, Lillian, Alabama is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.85 percent of residents in 36549 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is South Baldwin Regional Medical Center with a distance of 13.53 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Lillian, Alabama (ZIP Code 36549)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Lillian, Alabama (ZIP Code 36549), necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access. This involves understanding the transportation infrastructure available to residents, the time it takes to reach medical facilities, and the variety of options that exist beyond personal vehicles. This write-up will explore these factors, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking medical care in this charming Gulf Coast community.

Lillian, nestled in the southeastern corner of Baldwin County, presents a unique set of circumstances. Its proximity to the Florida state line and the Gulf of Mexico influences its demographics and lifestyle. However, this idyllic setting can also create challenges when it comes to accessing essential services, particularly healthcare. Residents often find themselves reliant on the transportation network to reach hospitals, clinics, and specialists.

The primary mode of transportation for most Lillian residents is the personal vehicle. The area is served primarily by **Alabama State Route 98**, which runs east-west, providing access to nearby towns like Perdido Key, Florida, and Foley, Alabama. This route is crucial for accessing healthcare facilities. Further north, **U.S. Highway 90** offers a more direct route to larger cities like Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, where more specialized medical care can be found.

Drive times to healthcare facilities vary significantly depending on the location and the specific medical need. For routine check-ups and primary care, residents can often find clinics within a 15-20 minute drive. However, accessing specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or advanced surgical procedures, often requires a longer commute.

The nearest major hospitals are located in Pensacola, Florida, approximately a 30-45 minute drive via **U.S. Highway 98** and **Interstate 10**. Alternatively, residents can travel to Mobile, Alabama, which is approximately a 1-hour and 30-minute drive via **Interstate 10** and **U.S. Highway 90**. These longer drive times can be particularly challenging for individuals with mobility limitations, those requiring frequent appointments, or in emergency situations.

Public transportation options in Lillian are limited. Baldwin County does not have a comprehensive public transit system like many metropolitan areas. The availability of buses and other public transit services is minimal, making it difficult for residents without personal vehicles to access healthcare. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities.

The absence of robust public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation options. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering a convenient alternative to driving. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some residents. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, potentially leading to delays or difficulties in accessing timely medical care.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another avenue for healthcare access. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for individuals who require assistance but do not need emergency medical care. These services can be particularly valuable for those with mobility issues or those who cannot drive themselves.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of these services is crucial. NEMT providers are required to offer accessible vehicles equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. However, the availability of these services and the potential for delays in scheduling can still pose challenges.

The overall health score for Lillian, Alabama, is significantly influenced by the challenges associated with healthcare access. While the area offers a pleasant environment, the limited transportation options and the distance to specialized medical facilities create barriers for many residents.

Moving to Lillian presents a trade-off. The peace and tranquility of the area are undeniable, but potential residents must carefully consider the implications of healthcare access. This includes assessing their individual medical needs, evaluating the availability of transportation options, and understanding the potential costs associated with accessing medical care.

The ideal scenario would involve a more robust public transportation system, including regular bus routes connecting Lillian to major healthcare providers in Pensacola and Mobile. Such a system would significantly improve the health score by providing affordable and accessible transportation for all residents.

Furthermore, initiatives to promote ride-sharing and medical transportation services, such as subsidies or partnerships with local healthcare providers, could further enhance healthcare access. Increased awareness of these services and their availability is also essential.

The community could also benefit from exploring opportunities to attract more healthcare providers to the area. This could involve incentivizing the establishment of clinics and specialty practices within Lillian itself, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances for routine care.

Telehealth services, which allow patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely via video conferencing, offer another promising solution. Expanding the availability of telehealth services, particularly for primary care and specialist consultations, can significantly improve healthcare access, especially for those living in rural areas.

In conclusion, the overall health score for Lillian, Alabama, is moderate, with significant room for improvement. The community's health is directly tied to its ability to overcome the transportation barriers to healthcare. By addressing the limitations of the current transportation infrastructure, promoting alternative transportation options, and exploring innovative solutions like telehealth, Lillian can enhance healthcare access and improve the overall well-being of its residents. The commitment to improving healthcare access is a crucial factor for those considering moving to Lillian and for the continued health and prosperity of the community.