36749, Jones, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36749, Jones, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.00 percent of residents in 36749 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.68 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vaughan Regional Medical Center Parkway Campus with a distance of 12.83 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36749

ZIP Code 36749, encompassing the town of Jones, Alabama, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, inextricably linked to the accessibility of healthcare. A critical component of well-being is the ability to reach medical services promptly and efficiently. This write-up delves into the transportation infrastructure available, evaluating its impact on healthcare access and providing an overall health score reflecting the challenges and opportunities faced by residents. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability.

The geography of Jones, nestled within Dallas County, dictates that residents often rely on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary arteries connecting Jones to healthcare facilities are Highway 80 and County Road 1. These roads, while offering direct routes, can be subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or due to accidents. The drive time to the nearest hospital, Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, is approximately 20 to 30 minutes under optimal conditions, a significant factor in emergency situations. The condition of these roads, with potential for potholes and limited shoulders, can also impact travel times and safety.

Public transit in Jones and surrounding areas is limited, posing a substantial barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission (CARPDC) operates a demand-response public transportation system. However, service frequency, route coverage, and accessibility features like wheelchair lifts are often limited, especially in rural areas like Jones. The availability of ADA-compliant vehicles is crucial, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access medical appointments without undue hardship. The lack of fixed-route bus services necessitates reliance on pre-arranged rides, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced flexibility.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Selma, but their presence in Jones is less consistent. The availability of these services is often dependent on driver density and demand. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be expensive and unreliable, particularly in emergencies. The cost factor, coupled with the potential for extended wait times, further exacerbates healthcare access challenges. Furthermore, the lack of readily available ride-sharing options highlights the dependence on personal vehicles and the difficulties faced by those who cannot drive.

Medical transport services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized care. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, providing ambulance and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services, while essential, can be costly and require advance booking, potentially delaying access to urgent care. The responsiveness and availability of these services are critical, especially for residents requiring regular medical appointments or those facing sudden health crises. The efficiency and reliability of medical transport directly influence the overall health outcomes of the community.

The overall health score for access to healthcare in ZIP Code 36749 is **5 out of 10**. This score reflects the significant challenges posed by limited transportation options. While the drive to the nearest hospital is relatively short, the reliance on personal vehicles creates barriers for those without them. The scarcity of public transit, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to the low score.

The lack of readily available transportation options creates disparities in healthcare access. Residents without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals, face significant obstacles in reaching medical facilities. This can lead to delayed or missed appointments, exacerbating existing health conditions and contributing to poorer health outcomes. The limited transportation infrastructure also affects preventative care, as residents may be less likely to seek routine check-ups or screenings due to transportation difficulties.

To improve the overall health score, several interventions are necessary. Expanding public transit options, including fixed-route bus services and increased demand-response services, is crucial. Enhancing the frequency, coverage, and accessibility of these services, with a focus on ADA compliance, would significantly improve healthcare access. Furthermore, incentivizing ride-sharing companies to operate more consistently in the area could provide a more affordable and convenient transportation alternative.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and the addition of bike lanes and sidewalks, would also enhance transportation safety and accessibility. Promoting community-based transportation initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs or carpooling arrangements, could provide additional support for residents in need. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential to address the transportation challenges and improve healthcare access.

For individuals considering moving to Jones, the transportation landscape should be a significant factor in their decision-making process. Assessing personal transportation needs, evaluating the availability of healthcare services, and understanding the limitations of public transit are essential steps. Prospective residents should also explore the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transport options.

The overall health score for ZIP Code 36749 underscores the importance of addressing transportation barriers to healthcare access. By investing in improved infrastructure, expanding public transit options, and promoting community-based transportation initiatives, the community can significantly improve the health and well-being of its residents. This is an area where focused attention and strategic investments can yield substantial benefits, fostering a healthier and more equitable community for all. The ongoing efforts to enhance transportation and healthcare access are vital for the overall health and prosperity of Jones and its residents.