36767, Orrville, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36767, Orrville, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.68 percent of residents in 36767 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.97 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vaughan Regional Medical Center Parkway Campus with a distance of 14.26 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Orrville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36767)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Orrville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36767), necessitates a deep dive into the crucial element of **healthcare access**, specifically the ease with which individuals can reach necessary medical services. This analysis considers the various **transportation** options available, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking care. The score will be a subjective assessment, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of health and the limitations of solely focusing on commute times.

Orrville, a small community nestled in Dallas County, presents unique considerations. Its rural setting impacts the availability and accessibility of healthcare facilities. The ability to reach doctors, specialists, hospitals, and pharmacies directly affects the overall health and well-being of the community. This evaluation will serve as a guide for individuals **moving to Orrville**, providing insights into the practical realities of accessing healthcare.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Orrville residents is likely the personal vehicle. The primary artery connecting Orrville to larger towns and cities is Alabama State Route 14, a two-lane highway that winds its way through the rural landscape. Traveling east on Route 14 will take you to Selma, the county seat, and the closest location for a significant concentration of healthcare providers. The drive to Selma, approximately 15 miles, can take between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This estimate assumes clear weather and moderate traffic.

Further afield, Montgomery, the state capital, offers a wider array of specialized medical services and hospitals. Reaching Montgomery from Orrville involves traveling east on Route 14 and then connecting to US Highway 80. The total distance is roughly 60 miles, and the drive can take between 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes, again, contingent on traffic and road conditions. This longer commute time significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing emergencies.

Westward travel on Route 14 leads to various smaller towns and communities, but the availability of healthcare services diminishes in that direction. The nearest hospital to the west is likely in Demopolis, but the drive is still considerable, potentially exceeding an hour.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

Public transit options in Orrville and the surrounding areas are extremely limited. Dallas County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transportation system. The availability of buses or other forms of public transit is scarce, making it a challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive, those with disabilities, or those who cannot afford a personal vehicle. The lack of accessible transportation, including vehicles with ADA features, compounds the difficulty for people with mobility limitations. This scarcity significantly lowers the overall health score.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Selma and Montgomery, but their presence in Orrville itself is uncertain. The availability of these services depends on driver density and demand, which is often lower in rural areas. Even if available, the cost of ride-sharing to reach medical appointments can be a significant financial burden for many residents.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline for individuals with mobility issues or those who cannot drive. Several medical transport companies operate in the area, including, but not limited to, Rural Medical Transport and First Call Medical Transport. These services typically require pre-booking and can be costly, depending on the distance and level of care required. However, they are a vital resource for ensuring that individuals can access necessary medical care.

**Overall Health Score and Conclusion:**

Considering the various factors discussed, the overall health score for **healthcare access** in Orrville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36767) is moderate, with significant areas for improvement. The primary challenge lies in the limited **transportation** options, especially the lack of public transit. The reliance on personal vehicles and the distances to larger cities with comprehensive medical facilities create barriers to timely and convenient access to healthcare.

The drive-time analysis reveals the dependence on Alabama State Route 14 and US Highway 80, highlighting the potential for delays due to traffic or road conditions. The absence of readily available ride-sharing services in Orrville further exacerbates the problem. While medical transport services offer a valuable solution, their cost and the need for pre-booking may pose challenges for some residents.

For individuals **moving to Orrville**, a thorough understanding of the **healthcare access** limitations is crucial. Careful consideration should be given to the availability of personal **transportation** or the potential reliance on medical transport services. The community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving public transit options, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and supporting the growth of medical transport providers. These improvements would significantly enhance the overall health score and improve the quality of life for all residents. Addressing these challenges is essential to ensure that the residents of Orrville have the same opportunities to access vital medical care as those in more urbanized areas.