36569, Saint Stephens, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36569, Saint Stephens, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.11 percent of residents in 36569 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jackson Medical Center with a distance of 11.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36569

The health and well-being of residents in Saint Stephens, Alabama (ZIP code 36569), are intrinsically linked to their ability to access healthcare. This write-up provides an “Overall Health Score” assessment, considering the complexities of transportation, healthcare access, and the unique challenges of this rural community. For those **moving to Saint Stephens**, understanding these factors is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The score is not a singular number but a holistic evaluation of several components, including drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. Each element contributes to the overall ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities, ultimately impacting residents’ ability to receive timely and appropriate care.

**Drive Times: The Highway to Health**

The primary mode of transportation in Saint Stephens is the personal vehicle. Navigating to healthcare appointments often necessitates traversing the region's roadways. The most direct route to Mobile, the nearest city with comprehensive medical facilities, involves utilizing Highway 43, a major north-south artery. Drive times to hospitals like University Hospital or Providence Hospital in Mobile are typically between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For those seeking care in closer communities, such as Jackson, Alabama, access is primarily via Highway 43 and Highway 69. Drive times to Jackson Medical Center are generally around 30 to 45 minutes. These times can fluctuate based on road conditions, time of day, and the specific location within Saint Stephens.

The condition of the roads themselves plays a significant role. While Highway 43 is generally well-maintained, secondary roads can be subject to potholes and other hazards, especially after inclement weather. This can increase travel times and potentially exacerbate medical conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Saint Stephens and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system directly serving the community. This severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods. This lack of options significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. The absence of any ADA-compliant public transit further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Mobile area, but their presence in Saint Stephens is sporadic and unreliable. Availability is often limited, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. This makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements.

Companies like MedStar and American Medical Response (AMR) operate in the area, offering ambulance and wheelchair-accessible transportation. These services are crucial for those who cannot drive or require specialized assistance. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for some residents.

**Healthcare Access: The Destination**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Saint Stephens itself is limited. Residents often need to travel to Jackson or Mobile for specialized care, diagnostic testing, and emergency services. This reliance on external facilities underscores the importance of reliable transportation.

The proximity of healthcare providers is a critical factor in the overall health score. The longer the travel time, the greater the potential for delays in receiving care, impacting health outcomes, especially during medical emergencies.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in Saint Stephens (ZIP code 36569) is moderately low. The score is influenced by the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** Relatively long drive times to major medical facilities in Mobile, coupled with the variability of road conditions, present a significant challenge.
* **Public Transit:** The complete absence of public transit severely restricts healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Sporadic availability of ride-sharing services limits their usefulness as a reliable transportation option.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline, but their cost and eligibility requirements can be prohibitive.
* **Healthcare Provider Proximity:** The lack of comprehensive healthcare facilities within Saint Stephens necessitates travel to other communities, increasing transportation demands.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Those Moving to Saint Stephens**

For individuals considering **moving to Saint Stephens**, the following recommendations are vital:

* **Vehicle Ownership:** Owning a reliable vehicle is essential for healthcare access.
* **Transportation Planning:** Plan appointments well in advance, accounting for potential delays due to traffic or road conditions.
* **Medical Transport Information:** Research and understand the availability, eligibility requirements, and costs of medical transport services in the area.
* **Community Resources:** Explore any local programs or initiatives that may offer transportation assistance to healthcare appointments.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Familiarize yourself with emergency medical services and understand the response times in the area.

The “Overall Health Score” reflects the interconnectedness of **transportation** and **healthcare access** in Saint Stephens. While the community faces challenges in this area, proactive planning and awareness can help residents navigate these complexities and ensure they can receive the medical care they need. The score emphasizes the need for ongoing efforts to improve **healthcare access** and support the health and well-being of the community.