36740, Forkland, Alabama Overall Health Score

The Overall Health Score in 36740, Forkland, Alabama is 7 out of 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

92.28 percent of the population in 36740 drive to work alone. 0.00 percent of the people take some form of public transportation like the bus or the train to work. Approximately 51.01 percent of the residents get to work in less than 30 minutes. 23.49 percent of the residents in 36740 get to work in more than 60 minutes. The average household size is approximately 1.58 members with about 1.91 cars available per household.

An estimate of 78.49 percent of the residents in 36740 has some form of health insurance. 45.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.24 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase.

A resident in 36740 would have to travel an average of 8.60 miles to reach the nearest hospital with an emergency room, Whitfield Regional Hospital . In a 20-mile radius, there are 103 healthcare providers accessible to residents in 36740, Forkland, Alabama.

As of , an estimate of 1,083 residents live in 36740 with a median age of 44.8 years. 12.83 percent of the population is under the age of 18, and 13.30 percent of the population is at least 65 years of age. 44.36 percent of the residents in 36740 is currently married, and 18.72 percent of the population has never been married.

The monthly median household income in 36740 is $9,389.67. The monthly median housing costs for residents in 36740 is approximately $374. The median household spends about 3.98 percent of their income on housing.

Forkland, Alabama, is a small and charming community located in Greene County. With a population of just over 600 residents, this rural town offers a peaceful and close-knit environment for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As with any potential relocation, access to healthcare amenities is a crucial consideration, particularly for individuals with long-term illnesses or disabilities.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

While Forkland may be small, it is not lacking in healthcare amenities. The closest hospital to Forkland is the Hale County Hospital, located in Greensboro, which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the town. This full-service hospital provides a range of medical services including emergency care, surgery, imaging, and laboratory services.

For primary care needs, residents of Forkland have access to several clinics and medical practices within a reasonable distance. Additionally, there are pharmacies in nearby towns where residents can fill prescriptions and purchase over-the-counter medications.

For individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges, it's important to note that healthcare facilities in the area are equipped to accommodate those with special needs. Accessible parking spaces, ramps, and ADA-compliant facilities are available to ensure that everyone can access the care they require.

Local Health Initiatives

Forkland may be small, but it has a strong sense of community and a proactive approach to health and wellness. The town regularly hosts health fairs and wellness events aimed at promoting healthy living and preventive care. These events often include free health screenings, educational seminars, and resources for accessing local healthcare services.

Additionally, the Greene County Health System actively engages with the community by providing outreach programs that focus on chronic disease management, nutrition education, and mental health support. These initiatives play a vital role in ensuring that residents have the knowledge and resources they need to lead healthy lives.

Accessibility of Healthcare

In terms of transportation options for accessing healthcare facilities outside of Forkland, most residents rely on personal vehicles due to the rural nature of the area. Having a car is essential for easy access to medical appointments and services beyond the town limits.

Public transportation options such as buses are limited in this rural area. While there are no public bus routes directly serving Forkland itself, some neighboring towns have bus services that connect to larger cities where additional healthcare options may be available.

For those who may not have access to personal transportation or are unable to drive themselves due to health reasons or disabilities, ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft may be viable alternatives for getting to medical appointments outside of Forkland.

Brief History

Forkland has a rich history dating back to its establishment in the early 19th century. Originally inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, European settlers later arrived in the area seeking fertile land for agriculture. The town's name is derived from its location at the fork of the Black Warrior River.

The town flourished as an agricultural center with cotton plantations driving its economy during the antebellum period. Today, remnants of this history can still be seen in some of the historic plantation homes that dot the countryside surrounding Forkland.

Local Healthcare Access

Given its rural setting, accessing healthcare in Forkland often involves a combination of local resources and travel to nearby towns for specialized care. For routine medical needs such as primary care visits and minor ailments, residents can rely on local clinics and practices within a reasonable distance from the town.

In cases where more specialized care or services are required, residents typically make use of personal vehicles or arrange transportation with friends or family members. In some instances where transportation is not readily available, community organizations may provide assistance in coordinating rides for individuals in need.

In conclusion, while Forkland may be a small town nestled amidst Alabama's picturesque countryside without accessibly centralized hospitals nor numerous accessible transport options such as public buses nor ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft readily available within its ZIP Code boundaries; however it does offer essential healthcare amenities within reasonable driving distance along with active local health initiatives aimed at promoting wellness within its close-knit community.