36786, Uniontown, Alabama Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 36786, Uniontown, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.26 percent of residents in 36786 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.09 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hale County Hospital with a distance of 16.72 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36786 (Uniontown, Alabama)

The overall health score for accessing healthcare in Uniontown, Alabama (ZIP code 36786) paints a picture of challenges, particularly concerning transportation. This rural community, nestled in Perry County, faces significant hurdles in ensuring its residents can readily reach medical facilities. The score is impacted by limited transportation options, long travel distances, and the socioeconomic realities of the area. This assessment considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare access landscape. For those considering moving to Uniontown, understanding these factors is paramount.

The primary factor influencing the health score is the reliance on personal vehicles. The landscape is dominated by the need to drive, making transportation a critical determinant of healthcare access. Major highways and roads serving the area include Alabama State Route 14, the primary artery connecting Uniontown to Selma and Marion. U.S. Highway 80, another crucial thoroughfare, offers access to larger medical centers further east. Secondary roads like County Road 17 and County Road 21 provide access to smaller towns and local clinics, but often involve unpaved sections and varying road conditions. These routes, while essential, contribute to longer travel times and potential delays, especially during inclement weather.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a significant concern. The nearest hospital, Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, is approximately a 30-to-45-minute drive, depending on traffic and road conditions. This distance can be a barrier for those needing urgent care or regular appointments. Specialty care often necessitates even longer journeys. Accessing specialists in Tuscaloosa or Birmingham, for instance, can involve drives of two to three hours, significantly impacting the ability to receive timely and specialized medical attention.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Uniontown and Perry County. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The lack of regular bus routes or other public transportation options leaves many residents stranded, particularly the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals. This transportation void contributes significantly to the overall low health score.

While ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in larger cities, their presence in Uniontown is sporadic and unreliable. The limited availability of ride-sharing services presents a significant challenge. The cost of these services, when available, can also be prohibitive for many residents, further exacerbating the transportation barriers. This lack of dependable ride-sharing options compounds the difficulties faced by those seeking healthcare.

Medical transport services offer a lifeline for some, but they also come with limitations. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, but they are not a solution for routine appointments or preventative care. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, such as those contracted by Medicaid or private insurance, may offer some assistance. However, the availability of NEMT services can vary, and scheduling can be complex, potentially leading to delays in accessing care.

The socioeconomic factors in Uniontown further compound the transportation challenges. The community faces high rates of poverty and limited access to resources. The financial burden of owning and maintaining a vehicle, coupled with the cost of fuel and insurance, can be a significant obstacle for many residents. These economic constraints limit healthcare access, creating a cycle of health disparities. This cycle is a critical consideration when evaluating the health score.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Uniontown, Alabama, is significantly impacted by the transportation limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, long drive times, the absence of public transit, and the unreliable nature of ride-sharing services create substantial barriers to accessing timely and appropriate medical care. The socioeconomic realities of the community further exacerbate these challenges, making healthcare access a critical concern.

The health score is a reflection of the complex interplay of transportation infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, and the availability of healthcare resources. The limited options for transportation directly affect the ability of residents to receive the care they need. This situation requires a multi-faceted approach to improve healthcare access, including investments in public transportation, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the support of medical transport options.

The health score underscores the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access in Uniontown. Addressing the transportation challenges is crucial to improving the overall health of the community. This includes exploring alternative transportation models, such as community-based transportation programs, and increasing access to telehealth services.

The health score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the lived experiences of the residents of Uniontown. It highlights the importance of addressing the transportation barriers to ensure that everyone has equal access to healthcare. The challenges of transportation directly impact the overall health of the community.

The health score emphasizes the urgent need for solutions. The health score is a call to action, urging stakeholders to work together to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Uniontown, Alabama. The transportation challenges must be addressed.

The health score is a stark reminder of the importance of transportation in healthcare access. The health score is a critical indicator of the overall health of the community. The health score is a call to action. The health score emphasizes the need for innovative solutions.