30519, Buford, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 30519, Buford, Georgia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.40 percent of residents in 30519 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.73 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Northside Hospital Gwinnett with a distance of 9.15 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 30519 (Buford, Georgia)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Buford, Georgia (ZIP Code 30519), considering the transportation landscape and its impact on residents' ability to reach medical services. The score is not a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities presented by the local transportation infrastructure. Understanding these factors is crucial for anyone considering moving to Buford or for current residents seeking to optimize their healthcare access.

Buford, a rapidly growing suburb north of Atlanta, faces the common challenges of suburban sprawl. While offering desirable living conditions, the community's reliance on personal vehicles for transportation presents a significant hurdle to healthcare access for some. This analysis delves into the nuances of this reality, examining drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation providers.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary arteries for navigating Buford and accessing healthcare facilities are Interstate 85 (I-85), Georgia Highway 20 (GA-20), and Buford Highway (US-23). These highways and roads are the lifeblood of the area, but their efficiency can be compromised by rush hour traffic, especially on I-85.

Accessing healthcare facilities located in Buford itself, such as Northside Hospital Buford, generally involves shorter drive times, typically under 15 minutes for residents within the ZIP code. However, specialized care or facilities located outside of Buford, like those in Duluth or Atlanta, can significantly extend travel times. Peak traffic on I-85 can easily double or triple travel durations, making a 30-minute drive a potential hour-long ordeal.

GA-20 offers an alternative route, but it too experiences congestion, particularly near major intersections. Buford Highway provides a more localized option, but its slower speeds and numerous traffic lights can make it less efficient for longer journeys. The overall health score suffers due to the potential for lengthy commutes, particularly during peak hours, which can deter individuals from seeking timely medical attention.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Accessibility:**

Public transportation options in Buford are limited, presenting a significant barrier to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The primary public transit provider is the Gwinnett County Transit (GCT) system. However, GCT service within Buford is not extensive, and routes often have limited frequency, particularly during evenings and weekends.

The routes that do serve the area, such as Route 40 (Sugarloaf Mills to Hamilton Mill) and Route 10A (Duluth to Hamilton Mill), offer some connectivity, but they may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. Moreover, the need for transfers can add significant travel time and inconvenience.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration. GCT buses are equipped with features like ramps and priority seating, but the availability of accessible routes and the overall convenience of public transit remain a concern. The lack of robust public transit options negatively impacts the overall health score, especially for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: A Partial Solution:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation option for accessing healthcare. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier, particularly for frequent medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand, can be unreliable.

Medical transportation services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) and CareRide, provide specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services are typically designed for non-emergency medical transport, such as appointments and dialysis. While they offer a valuable service, they can be expensive and require prior scheduling.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services improves the overall health score, but their limitations, including cost and availability, prevent them from being a complete solution for all residents. These options can be especially crucial for those moving to Buford and unfamiliar with the area’s transportation complexities.

**Impact on Healthcare Access and the Overall Health Score:**

The transportation challenges outlined above directly impact healthcare access. The potential for long travel times, the limited availability of public transit, and the cost of ride-sharing services can deter individuals from seeking preventative care, attending scheduled appointments, or accessing specialized medical services. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, worsening health conditions, and increased healthcare costs in the long run.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 30519 is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. While residents with personal vehicles have relatively good access to local healthcare facilities, those reliant on public transit, ride-sharing, or medical transportation face significant challenges. The lack of robust public transit options, coupled with the potential for lengthy commutes during peak hours, negatively impacts the score. The score would improve with increased public transit service, more affordable ride-sharing options, and greater awareness of available medical transportation services.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score and enhance healthcare access in Buford, several initiatives are recommended. Expanding GCT service, particularly during evenings and weekends, and improving route frequency are crucial. Strategic placement of bus stops near healthcare facilities would also be beneficial.

Promoting the use of ride-sharing services through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers could make them more affordable. Increased education about available medical transportation services and their eligibility requirements is also essential.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as traffic signal optimization and dedicated bus lanes, could reduce travel times and improve the efficiency of the transportation network. Encouraging the development of healthcare facilities within Buford, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances, is also a key factor.

By addressing these transportation challenges, Buford can significantly improve its overall health score and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare services they need. This is especially important for those considering moving to Buford, as it allows for a more informed decision-making process regarding healthcare access.