36773, Safford, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36773, Safford, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

7.69 percent of residents in 36773 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is J Paul Jones Hospital with a distance of 20.41 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36773**

The health and well-being of residents in ZIP Code 36773, encompassing the charming community of Safford, Alabama, are significantly influenced by their ability to access healthcare. This assessment delves into the transportation landscape, a critical determinant of healthcare access, providing an “Overall Health Score” that reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Safford and evaluating its healthcare infrastructure.

The primary challenge in 36773 is its rural nature. Healthcare access, therefore, is inextricably linked to personal transportation. Drive times to medical facilities are a significant factor, with the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics situated in neighboring towns. The most direct route often involves navigating the well-maintained but sometimes lightly traveled roads.

**Driving to Healthcare: The Road Ahead**

The primary arteries for accessing healthcare from Safford are US-80 and AL-14. Heading east on US-80 offers a direct route to Selma, approximately a 20-30 minute drive, where Vaughan Regional Medical Center provides a range of services. This hospital, a vital resource for the area, is the closest major medical facility.

Alternatively, traveling west on US-80 leads to Demopolis, about a 45-minute drive. Here, Whitfield Regional Hospital offers another option for medical care. The drive is relatively straightforward, but traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can impact travel times.

AL-14 provides an alternative route, often used for accessing facilities in Selma or traveling to the state capital, Montgomery, which is about a 1.5-hour drive. While AL-14 offers scenic views, it can be slower than US-80 due to its winding nature and potential for encountering slower-moving vehicles.

The condition of these highways is generally good, but weather conditions, especially during the rainy season, can occasionally cause delays. Residents should always check road conditions before embarking on a healthcare-related journey.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in 36773 are limited. The availability of public transit directly impacts healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles. The absence of a robust public transit system presents a significant hurdle for those unable to drive or who lack access to a car.

The Dallas County Area Transit System (DCATS) might offer limited services, but the routes and schedules are often infrequent and may not directly serve Safford. It is essential to contact DCATS directly to ascertain the availability of routes and schedules, particularly those connecting to medical facilities in Selma.

The absence of comprehensive public transit underscores the reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods for healthcare access in this ZIP code.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have limited availability in Safford and the surrounding areas. Their presence depends on driver availability, which can fluctuate. The reliability of ride-sharing for time-sensitive medical appointments can be questionable.

Medical transport services, on the other hand, play a crucial role in bridging the healthcare access gap. These services, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments.

Ambulance services are readily available for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. NEMT services cater to individuals who require assistance with transportation but do not need emergency medical care. Several local and regional providers offer NEMT services, ensuring access to medical appointments for those who cannot drive or lack other transportation options.

**Specific Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Care Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **First Response Ambulance Service:** Another option for emergency and non-emergency transport.
* **Local Taxi Services:** While not specifically medical transport, local taxi companies might offer rides to medical appointments.

It is crucial to research and pre-arrange transportation options, especially for regular medical appointments.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The availability of ADA-compliant transportation is a critical consideration. Both DCATS (if available) and NEMT providers should offer accessible vehicles for individuals with disabilities. When booking transportation, it is essential to specify any accessibility requirements to ensure appropriate accommodations.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

The “Overall Health Score” for healthcare access in 36773 reflects the challenges and opportunities presented by the transportation landscape.

**Factors contributing to a lower score:**

* **Limited public transit:** The absence of a robust public transit system significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Reliance on personal vehicles:** The dependence on driving necessitates vehicle ownership and maintenance, posing financial burdens and logistical challenges.
* **Ride-sharing limitations:** The potential for limited ride-sharing availability introduces uncertainty and potential delays.
* **Drive times:** While manageable, the drive times to the nearest hospitals and specialist clinics require planning and can be affected by traffic and weather.

**Factors mitigating the challenges:**

* **Medical transport services:** The availability of ambulance and NEMT services provides essential support for those needing assistance with transportation.
* **Well-maintained highways:** The generally good condition of US-80 and AL-14 ensures relatively smooth travel.
* **Proximity to Selma:** The relatively short drive to Selma and Vaughan Regional Medical Center offers a readily accessible healthcare option.

**Conclusion: Navigating the Healthcare Landscape**

For individuals considering moving to Safford, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. Healthcare access is primarily reliant on personal vehicles, with limited public transit options. While ride-sharing availability might be limited, medical transport services and well-maintained highways provide essential support.

The “Overall Health Score” for 36773 reflects a mixed picture. The need for personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit present challenges. However, the availability of medical transport services and the proximity to healthcare facilities in Selma and Demopolis provide crucial support.

Those moving to Safford should proactively research and arrange transportation options, especially for regular medical appointments. This includes identifying NEMT providers, understanding the availability of ride-sharing services, and planning for potential delays due to traffic or weather. By taking these steps, residents can effectively navigate the transportation landscape and ensure access to the healthcare they need. The health and well-being of the community hinge on accessible transportation.