36576, Silverhill, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36576, Silverhill, Alabama is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.38 percent of residents in 36576 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Thomas Hospital with a distance of 7.49 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Silverhill, Alabama (ZIP Code 36576)

Silverhill, Alabama, a charming town nestled in Baldwin County, presents a unique tapestry of healthcare access challenges and opportunities. This analysis, culminating in an Overall Health Score, considers the multifaceted nature of healthcare accessibility, focusing on transportation options within and around ZIP code 36576. This information is crucial for individuals considering moving to Silverhill, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The Overall Health Score reflects the ease with which residents can reach essential medical services, encompassing factors like drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport. Understanding these elements is paramount for maintaining a high quality of life and proactively managing health concerns.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

Silverhill's location, while offering a tranquil atmosphere, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most healthcare-related journeys. The primary arteries connecting Silverhill to medical facilities are Alabama State Route 104 and County Road 64. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience increased traffic during peak hours, potentially impacting drive times.

For routine appointments, the Baldwin County Health Department in Robertsdale (approximately 5 miles) is a readily accessible option. This short drive, typically taking under 10 minutes, makes preventative care and basic medical services easily attainable.

More specialized care often necessitates travel to larger medical centers. The South Baldwin Regional Medical Center in Foley (approximately 10 miles) offers a wider range of services, including emergency care, specialized surgeries, and diagnostic imaging. The drive to Foley, via AL-104 and US-98, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

For advanced medical treatments, including those offered by specialists and tertiary care facilities, residents often travel to Mobile, Alabama (approximately 45-60 miles). This journey, primarily via the I-10, can take up to an hour, potentially longer during rush hour. This longer travel time highlights the importance of planning and considering potential delays when scheduling appointments.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Landscape**

Public transportation options in Silverhill are limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. Baldwin County does offer a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are restricted. The system primarily serves Robertsdale, Foley, and other surrounding communities, with limited service directly within Silverhill.

Riders should contact the Baldwin County Public Transit to confirm routes and schedules. The availability of ADA-accessible vehicles is a critical factor for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. Information on ADA accessibility, including ramp availability and designated seating, is readily available through the Baldwin County Public Transit.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Silverhill, providing an alternative to public transportation and personal vehicles. However, their availability can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Residents should factor in potential wait times and surge pricing when relying on ride-sharing for healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services are available for individuals requiring specialized assistance. These services cater to patients who need transportation to and from medical appointments but are unable to drive themselves. Several medical transport providers operate in Baldwin County, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation companies. Researching and contacting these providers in advance is crucial to ensure timely and reliable transportation.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Assessment**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Silverhill, Alabama, is moderate. While the town boasts proximity to some essential medical services, such as the Baldwin County Health Department, the reliance on personal vehicles for specialized care and the limited public transportation options pose challenges.

The drive times to larger medical centers, especially those in Mobile, can be significant, potentially impacting the ability to access timely care. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport provides some relief, but their reliability and cost must be considered.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

Individuals considering moving to Silverhill should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. For those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations, exploring the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services is crucial.

Furthermore, proactive planning is essential. Scheduling appointments in advance, considering traffic conditions, and having backup transportation plans can help mitigate potential challenges.

The availability of healthcare professionals and specialists within Silverhill itself is limited. Residents may need to travel to neighboring towns or cities for specialized care. Therefore, researching the availability of specialists and the associated travel times is essential.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Silverhill, Alabama, is a 6 out of 10. This score reflects a balance between the accessibility of some essential services and the challenges posed by limited public transportation, reliance on personal vehicles, and longer drive times to specialized medical facilities.

The score highlights the importance of individual planning, proactive research, and utilizing available resources to ensure timely and reliable access to healthcare. The community's commitment to improving transportation options and healthcare infrastructure would significantly enhance the Overall Health Score and improve the quality of life for all residents, particularly those considering moving to Silverhill.