32181, Pomona Park, Florida Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 32181, Pomona Park, Florida is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.71 percent of residents in 32181 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Putnam Hospital with a distance of 12.01 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 32181 (Pomona Park, Florida)

The health of a community is intricately woven with its ability to access vital resources, especially healthcare. For residents of Pomona Park, Florida (ZIP Code 32181), the ease or difficulty of reaching medical services significantly impacts their overall well-being. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape, providing an "Overall Health Score" assessment based on commute times, available transportation options, and the challenges faced in accessing healthcare. The score will reflect the realities of navigating the roads, public transit, and other mobility solutions in this rural area.

The primary challenge for residents of 32181 lies in its relative isolation. Pomona Park is a small, unincorporated community in Putnam County, a region characterized by its vast stretches of natural beauty but also by limited infrastructure. This remoteness directly affects healthcare access, making the "Overall Health Score" a critical indicator of community well-being. The score will consider the practicalities of reaching medical facilities, factoring in travel times, accessibility, and the financial burden associated with transportation.

Driving is the dominant mode of transportation in Pomona Park. The main arteries connecting the community to healthcare facilities are **US Highway 17**, **State Road 19**, and various local roads. Traveling south on US-17, residents can reach Palatka, the county seat, where Putnam Community Medical Center is located. The drive, depending on traffic, can take approximately 20-30 minutes. Northbound on US-17 offers access to facilities in Welaka, but these are generally smaller clinics and practices. State Road 19 offers an alternative route, but it often involves longer distances and potentially slower travel times due to its more rural nature.

The condition of these roads is also a factor. While US-17 is generally well-maintained, some local roads can be rough, particularly after heavy rain. This can pose a challenge for those with mobility issues or those driving older vehicles. The "Overall Health Score" will acknowledge these infrastructural limitations, recognizing their impact on healthcare access.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in 32181. Putnam County does offer a public transit system, the **Putnam County Transit**, but its services are sparse, and routes are often infrequent. The system primarily focuses on serving Palatka and may not have direct routes to Pomona Park. Even when routes are available, the travel times can be significantly longer than driving, making it a less practical option for many, especially those with urgent medical needs. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles and stops is crucial for individuals with disabilities, and the reliability of these features will be considered in the "Overall Health Score." Information on specific route numbers and ADA accessibility needs to be verified to ensure accuracy.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which tends to be lower in rural areas like Pomona Park. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, particularly for those with limited incomes. The "Overall Health Score" will weigh the practicality of ride-sharing, considering both availability and affordability.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **First Choice Medical Transport** and **American Medical Response** operate in the region. These services can be valuable for individuals who are unable to drive themselves, but they often require advance booking and can be expensive. The "Overall Health Score" will assess the availability, cost, and reliability of these medical transportation options.

The "Overall Health Score" will also take into account the location of various healthcare providers. While Putnam Community Medical Center in Palatka is the primary hospital, residents may need to travel further for specialized care. Jacksonville, approximately an hour's drive away, offers a wider range of medical services. The travel time to Jacksonville, particularly during peak traffic hours, adds to the complexity of healthcare access.

The financial implications of transportation are a crucial component of the "Overall Health Score." The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees can place a significant burden on residents, especially those with chronic health conditions requiring frequent appointments. The score will consider the financial impact of transportation on the overall health and well-being of the community.

For individuals considering moving to Pomona Park, the "Overall Health Score" is a vital piece of information. It highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and the availability of services before making a decision. The proximity to healthcare facilities, the reliability of transportation options, and the associated costs are all critical factors to consider.

The "Overall Health Score" for 32181 is likely to be moderate, reflecting the challenges of rural living. While driving provides the most direct route to healthcare, the limited public transit options, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transportation create significant barriers. The distance to specialized care in Jacksonville further compounds these challenges. The score will be adjusted based on the most current data available on route numbers, ADA accessibility, and the pricing structures of transportation services.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in Pomona Park is directly tied to transportation. The community's well-being is intrinsically linked to the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. Improving public transit, increasing the availability of ride-sharing services, and exploring innovative transportation solutions are critical steps towards enhancing healthcare access and improving the "Overall Health Score" for the residents of 32181. The community's health is a reflection of its access to care, and the transportation infrastructure plays a pivotal role in this equation.