36579, Stockton, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36579, Stockton, Alabama is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.22 percent of residents in 36579 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is North Baldwin Infirmary with a distance of 11.53 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36579 (Stockton, AL)

The overall health score for residents of Stockton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36579), hinges significantly on the ease with which they can access healthcare. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape, examining drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, all crucial components in determining the accessibility of medical services. The ability to reach a doctor's office, hospital, or specialist directly impacts the health and well-being of individuals and the community as a whole. This write-up provides a comprehensive overview, considering the realities of living and *moving to Stockton*, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in its transportation infrastructure.

The primary mode of transportation in Stockton is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on driving to reach healthcare facilities. Drive times, therefore, become a critical factor. Depending on the specific location within Stockton, the journey to the nearest hospitals and clinics varies. Access to specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to larger cities like Mobile or Pensacola, significantly increasing drive times.

For those seeking primary care, the drive to clinics in nearby towns like Bay Minette or Atmore is generally manageable, typically taking between 15 to 30 minutes. The most direct routes involve utilizing **Highway 31** and **Highway 21**. These highways, while relatively well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, especially around the towns' centers.

Traveling to Mobile, which offers a wider array of specialized medical services, requires a longer commute. The most direct route involves taking **Highway 31** south, connecting to **Interstate 65** (I-65). The drive on I-65 can be particularly challenging, especially during rush hour, potentially adding significant time to the journey. Expect a drive of approximately one hour to reach hospitals and specialist offices in Mobile.

For those needing to access healthcare in Pensacola, Florida, the journey involves traveling east on **Highway 31** and then south on **Highway 29**. This trip can take approximately one hour and 30 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Public transportation options in Stockton are limited. The availability of public transit significantly impacts healthcare access, particularly for those who do not own vehicles, cannot drive, or have physical limitations. Currently, there are no dedicated public bus routes that serve Stockton directly. This lack of public transit presents a major barrier to healthcare access for a substantial portion of the population, particularly the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities.

The absence of public transit underscores the importance of considering the needs of all residents. The lack of readily available transportation options exacerbates existing health disparities and limits access to vital medical care. This lack of public transit is a significant negative factor in the overall health score for residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles. However, their availability in Stockton is variable. Ride-sharing services may be less readily available in rural areas like Stockton compared to larger cities. Even when available, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for some residents, further limiting their ability to access healthcare.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another option. These services are often utilized by individuals with mobility limitations or those who require specialized assistance. Several medical transport brands operate in the area, but availability and coverage vary. Researching and securing these services requires proactive planning and can add complexity to the healthcare journey.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features on any available transportation are critical. Any potential expansion of public transit or the increased availability of ride-sharing services must prioritize ADA compliance, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This includes accessible vehicles, ramps, and other accommodations.

Healthcare access, therefore, in Stockton is significantly influenced by transportation limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the absence of public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services, creates challenges for residents. The drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly for specialized care, are considerable, adding to the burden of accessing medical services.

When *moving to Stockton*, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Prospective residents should carefully consider their healthcare needs and the accessibility of medical services. Assessing their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to provide transportation, and the potential costs of ride-sharing or medical transport services is essential.

The overall health score for Stockton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36579), is significantly impacted by these transportation factors. The limited public transit options, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. While the drive times to primary care facilities in nearby towns are relatively manageable, access to specialized care in larger cities requires longer commutes.

Improving the overall health score for Stockton requires addressing these transportation challenges. Investing in public transit, promoting ride-sharing services, and ensuring the availability of affordable medical transportation are crucial steps. Additionally, increasing the availability of healthcare services within Stockton itself would significantly improve healthcare access for all residents. The future health and well-being of the community depend on addressing these transportation and healthcare access issues.