36587, Wilmer, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36587, Wilmer, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.27 percent of residents in 36587 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 Providence Hospital with a distance of 12.40 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36587 (Wilmer, Alabama)

This report analyzes the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 36587, focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access** through various **transportation** modalities. It considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability, providing a comprehensive picture for individuals considering **moving to Wilmer**, Alabama, and their ability to reach vital medical services.

The health score, in this context, is intrinsically linked to the ease and efficiency with which residents can access necessary medical care. Factors such as travel time, mode of transport, and the availability of accessible options are weighted to assess the overall health score. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests significant challenges in reaching healthcare providers.

**Driving Times and Road Infrastructure**

For those relying on personal vehicles, the primary arteries connecting Wilmer to healthcare facilities are US Highway 98 and AL-181. These roads are essential for navigating to larger cities like Mobile, where a concentration of hospitals, specialist clinics, and urgent care centers is located. The drive time to these facilities significantly impacts the health score.

Traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can dramatically affect drive times. Rush hour congestion on US-98, especially closer to Mobile, can extend travel times considerably. This is a crucial factor when considering the urgency of medical needs. Residents must also factor in the potential for accidents or unforeseen delays, which can further exacerbate the challenge of timely **healthcare access**.

The condition of the roads themselves is another important consideration. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and inadequate lighting can increase the risk of accidents and make driving more challenging, particularly for elderly individuals or those with disabilities. The quality of road maintenance directly impacts the safety and efficiency of **transportation** to healthcare facilities.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options within ZIP code 36587 are severely limited. The Mobile Transit Authority (MTA) provides bus services, but routes serving Wilmer are infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. This severely restricts **healthcare access** for those who do not own a vehicle.

The availability of ADA-accessible buses is a critical factor for individuals with disabilities. While the MTA strives to provide accessible services, the frequency and route coverage may still pose challenges. Furthermore, the wait times between buses and the total travel time can be significantly longer than driving, potentially deterring individuals from utilizing public transit for medical appointments.

The lack of comprehensive public transit highlights a significant vulnerability in the community’s ability to ensure **healthcare access**. This is especially true for those who cannot afford a car or are unable to drive due to age or disability. The absence of robust public transit significantly lowers the overall health score for residents of Wilmer.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, offering an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower population density. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, especially those with limited incomes.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the availability and cost of medical transport services can vary, and they may require advance booking.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services adds an extra layer of complexity to **healthcare access**. While they offer viable alternatives, they are not always readily available or affordable. This further impacts the overall health score, particularly for individuals with limited mobility or financial resources.

**Impact on Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for residents of ZIP code 36587 is significantly impacted by the limitations in **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the infrequent public transit, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical transport, creates barriers to **healthcare access**.

The score is further affected by the drive times to healthcare facilities in Mobile. The longer the drive time, the lower the score, as it increases the risk of delayed medical attention and adds to the stress of accessing care. This is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring urgent medical attention.

The lack of readily available and affordable **transportation** options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. These individuals may face significant challenges in accessing necessary medical care, leading to poorer health outcomes.

**Recommendations and Conclusion**

To improve the overall health score for residents of ZIP code 36587, several key improvements are needed. Enhancements to public transit are crucial, including increased route frequency, expanded coverage, and improved ADA accessibility. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and traffic management, can also reduce drive times and improve the safety of **transportation**. Furthermore, community outreach programs to educate residents about available **healthcare access** resources are essential.

In conclusion, while the current state of **transportation** in Wilmer presents challenges to **healthcare access**, targeted improvements can significantly enhance the overall health score for residents. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that all residents have timely and convenient access to the medical care they need. Individuals considering **moving to Wilmer** should carefully consider these factors when assessing their ability to access healthcare.