30179, Temple, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 30179, Temple, Georgia is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.03 percent of residents in 30179 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.21 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tanner Medical Center Villa Rica with a distance of 6.22 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Temple, GA (ZIP Code 30179)

Temple, Georgia, nestled in the western reaches of the Atlanta metropolitan area, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, particularly in the context of healthcare access. This analysis, focused on ZIP Code 30179, considers the critical element of transportation as a primary determinant of a resident's ability to receive timely and effective medical care. We will explore the drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability, culminating in an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare landscape.

The ability to reach healthcare facilities is paramount to well-being. The physical distance, travel time, and available modes of **transportation** directly impact a community's health outcomes. For residents of Temple, this assessment will highlight the existing infrastructure and the potential challenges and opportunities for improving **healthcare access**. For those **moving to Temple**, understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.

**Drive Times: Navigating the Roads**

The primary arteries serving Temple are Interstate 20 (I-20) and US Highway 78. I-20, running east-west, provides the most direct route to major medical centers in Atlanta, approximately 45 to 60 minutes away, depending on traffic. US 78 offers a more local connection, leading to healthcare facilities in nearby towns like Douglasville and Villa Rica, typically within a 15- to 30-minute drive.

Accessing specialty care or emergency services in Atlanta requires navigating the often-congested I-20 corridor, particularly during peak hours. Local roads such as Dallas-Acworth Highway (GA-381) and Old Villa Rica Road offer alternative routes, but they may add to the travel time, especially during rush hour. The efficiency of these routes is directly linked to the overall **healthcare access** score.

The availability of a personal vehicle is a significant factor. While the commute times are relatively manageable, the reliance on a car can be a barrier for those without one, impacting their ability to seek timely medical attention.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

Public transit options within Temple and the surrounding areas are limited. The primary provider is the Cobb County Transit (CCT) system, but its service area primarily focuses on Cobb County, with limited routes extending into neighboring counties like Paulding County, where Temple is located.

There are no direct bus routes from Temple to major medical centers in Atlanta. The closest CCT routes may require a transfer, significantly increasing travel time and complexity. This is a major challenge for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle.

ADA accessibility is a critical consideration for public transit. CCT strives to provide accessible services, but the limited routes and the potential for multiple transfers can still pose difficulties for individuals with disabilities. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the **healthcare access** score.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Temple, providing an alternative to driving or relying on public transit. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a barrier for some, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and Rural Metro Ambulance, are available for non-emergency and emergency medical transport. These services are essential for individuals with mobility issues or those requiring specialized transportation. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and the availability may be limited, particularly during peak demand.

The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are essential for supplementing the limited public transit options. These services play a crucial role in bridging the gap in **transportation** options, but their accessibility and cost-effectiveness are crucial factors in the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score: A Composite Assessment**

The "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Temple (ZIP Code 30179) is influenced by several factors, including the relatively manageable drive times to nearby healthcare facilities, the limitations of public transit, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the presence of medical transport options.

The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation is a primary factor. While drive times to local facilities are generally reasonable, the need to travel to Atlanta for specialized care or emergency services can be time-consuming, especially during peak traffic hours.

The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the score, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who face mobility challenges. The limited options and potential for multiple transfers create barriers to accessing healthcare.

Ride-sharing and medical transport services provide valuable alternatives, but their cost and availability can pose challenges. The overall score reflects a mixed picture, with both strengths and weaknesses in the **transportation** infrastructure.

**Score and Recommendations**

Based on the analysis, the "Overall Health Score" for **healthcare access** in Temple, GA (ZIP Code 30179) is a **6 out of 10**.

This score indicates that while residents have access to healthcare, the availability of **transportation** options is a significant limiting factor.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Expand Public Transit:** Advocate for increased CCT service, including routes connecting Temple to major medical centers and neighboring counties.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Programs:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates or subsidized transportation for medical appointments.
* **Support Medical Transport Services:** Ensure the availability and affordability of medical transport services, particularly for individuals with mobility issues.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for improvements to local roads to alleviate traffic congestion and provide alternative routes to healthcare facilities.
* **Community Education:** Educate residents about available **transportation** options, healthcare resources, and financial assistance programs.
* **Attract Healthcare Providers:** Encourage the establishment of more healthcare facilities within Temple to reduce travel times and improve access.

By addressing these recommendations, Temple can significantly improve its "Overall Health Score" and enhance the well-being of its residents, making it a more attractive place to live, especially for those **moving to Temple** and seeking a community with strong **healthcare access**. The ability to get to the doctor, the hospital, and other crucial medical services is a fundamental aspect of community health.