36585, Wagarville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36585, Wagarville, Alabama is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.31 percent of residents in 36585 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jackson Medical Center with a distance of 10.77 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Wagarville, AL (ZIP Code 36585)

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Wagarville, Alabama, requires a keen understanding of transportation options. This assessment analyzes the accessibility of medical services, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for residents, particularly those contemplating moving to Wagarville, allowing informed decisions about healthcare access. This score reflects the ease with which individuals can reach necessary medical appointments and emergency care.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in 36585 is the reliance on personal vehicles. Wagarville is a rural community, and the absence of robust public transit significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score." The nearest hospitals and specialized medical facilities are located outside the immediate vicinity, necessitating travel on state highways and county roads. This dependence on private transportation poses challenges for individuals without vehicles, those with mobility limitations, and those unable to drive.

Drive times to healthcare facilities constitute a critical element of the "Overall Health Score." The closest hospital, North Baldwin Infirmary in Bay Minette, is approximately a 25-30 minute drive via **Highway 59** and **Highway 287**. This drive time is generally manageable but can be affected by traffic, especially during peak hours. Specialist appointments, such as cardiology or oncology, often require travel to Mobile or Fairhope, extending drive times significantly. Reaching these facilities involves navigating **Highway 59** south, then connecting to **Interstate 10** or **Highway 98**. These trips can easily exceed an hour, impacting the "Overall Health Score" negatively, especially for those requiring frequent appointments.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Wagarville, significantly diminishing the "Overall Health Score." There is no established public bus system serving the area. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. The absence of these services necessitates reliance on alternative methods, such as ride-sharing, which may not always be readily available or affordable.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, offering an alternative to private vehicles. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly in rural areas like Wagarville. Surge pricing during peak hours or times of high demand, such as during medical emergencies, can also make ride-sharing an expensive option. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments is a crucial consideration. The "Overall Health Score" is negatively impacted by the uncertainty and potential cost associated with ride-sharing.

Medical transport services provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and MedStar offer ambulance services for emergencies. However, the response time for ambulance services in rural areas can be longer than in urban settings, potentially impacting the "Overall Health Score" during critical situations. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services are also available, providing transportation to and from medical appointments for individuals with mobility limitations or other needs. These services often require advance booking and can be costly, further affecting the "Overall Health Score."

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is a crucial aspect of the "Overall Health Score." While specific details on the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of all transportation options are difficult to ascertain, the lack of public transit and the reliance on private vehicles pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility impairments. Ride-sharing services may or may not have vehicles equipped for wheelchair accessibility, and NEMT services are essential for those who require specialized assistance. The availability and affordability of these services directly influence the "Overall Health Score."

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Wagarville, AL (36585) is moderately impacted by the limited transportation options. The area’s reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the absence of public transit, creates significant challenges for individuals without access to a car. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternatives, their availability, cost, and reliability can be significant factors.

Considering the factors discussed, we can provide a preliminary "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Wagarville. The score would reflect the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate, with manageable distances to the nearest hospital but longer travel times for specialized care.
* **Public Transit:** Very Limited, with no existing public bus system.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability is variable, with potential for higher costs and inconsistent service.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but requires advance booking and may be costly.
* **ADA Accessibility:** Limited, due to the lack of public transit and the variable accessibility of ride-sharing services.

The "Overall Health Score" in Wagarville, AL (36585) is influenced by these factors, and it's essential to consider these points when evaluating the healthcare landscape. Residents should plan for transportation needs, especially for those considering moving to Wagarville. The community would benefit from initiatives to improve transportation options, such as expanding ride-sharing services or implementing a demand-response transit system. These improvements would significantly enhance the "Overall Health Score" and improve healthcare access for all residents.