31539, Hazlehurst, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 31539, Hazlehurst, Georgia is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

66.05 percent of residents in 31539 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.93 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jeff Davis Hospital with a distance of 0.98 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 31539

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Hazlehurst, Georgia (ZIP Code 31539), requires a deep dive into a critical aspect of well-being: access to healthcare. This analysis focuses on the transportation infrastructure and available options for reaching medical facilities, a crucial factor influencing health outcomes. The ability to readily access doctors, specialists, and emergency services directly impacts preventative care, timely treatment, and overall quality of life.

Hazlehurst, a rural community nestled in Jeff Davis County, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The population, while relatively small, faces geographical limitations that impact transportation choices. The availability and efficiency of these choices directly influence the overall health score for the community.

**Drive Times and Road Networks**

The primary mode of transportation in 31539 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road network, while adequate, presents constraints. The primary thoroughfare is **US Highway 23**, which runs north-south through Hazlehurst, connecting the town to larger regional hubs. Traveling south on US-23 leads to Jesup, approximately 30 miles away, where residents can access Wayne Memorial Hospital.

Going north on US-23 takes residents towards McRae-Helena, about 35 miles distant, providing access to Fairview Park Hospital. These drive times, typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and speed, represent a significant commitment of time, especially for those requiring frequent appointments or experiencing medical emergencies.

**Georgia State Route 19** intersects US-23 in Hazlehurst, providing an east-west corridor. This route offers access to smaller towns and communities but generally does not lead to major healthcare facilities. Secondary roads, such as **Georgia State Route 135** and county roads, offer alternative routes, but they are often less maintained and can increase travel times.

The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can further complicate travel. Potholes, flooding, and the occasional accident can significantly delay travel times, exacerbating the challenges faced by those seeking healthcare. These factors directly impact the overall health score by potentially delaying critical medical interventions.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Hazlehurst are extremely limited. The county does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This scarcity severely restricts healthcare access for those who cannot drive, lack access to a vehicle, or are unable to afford the costs associated with owning and operating a car.

While there might be informal transportation arrangements within the community, they are not a reliable or readily available option. The absence of structured public transit, including buses with accessible features for individuals with disabilities (ADA-compliant), significantly lowers the overall health score for the community.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft is minimal in 31539. This lack of availability presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those who need on-demand transportation. The absence of these services further compounds the transportation challenges.

Medical transport services, such as non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available but may have limited capacity or require advance booking. Companies like **MedTrans** or **LogistiCare** could be options, but their availability and response times are crucial factors. The efficiency of these services directly impacts the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**

The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the limited transportation options, creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for residents of 31539. The lack of readily available transportation can lead to delayed or missed appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and poorer health outcomes.

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and mental health professionals, within a reasonable distance is also a critical factor. If residents must travel long distances to see specialists, the transportation burden is further amplified, impacting their health and well-being.

**Factors Impacting the Overall Health Score**

Several factors contribute to the overall health score related to healthcare access in 31539:

* **Drive Times:** The time it takes to reach healthcare facilities significantly impacts the score. Longer drive times negatively affect the score.
* **Public Transportation Availability:** The absence of a robust public transit system severely lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing Services:** The lack of readily available ride-sharing services also reduces the score.
* **Medical Transport Options:** The availability, efficiency, and cost of medical transport services influence the score.
* **Road Conditions:** The quality of roads and the impact of weather conditions on travel times affect the score.
* **Healthcare Facility Proximity:** The distance to primary care physicians, specialists, and emergency services influences the score.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving the overall health score for 31539 requires a multi-pronged approach to enhance healthcare access. Some recommendations include:

* **Advocating for Public Transportation:** Lobbying for the implementation of a public transportation system, even a limited one, would significantly improve access for those without personal vehicles. ADA-compliant buses are essential.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing:** Encouraging ride-sharing services to expand their presence in the area could provide on-demand transportation options.
* **Supporting Medical Transport:** Enhancing the availability and affordability of medical transport services is crucial.
* **Improving Road Infrastructure:** Investing in road maintenance and improvements can reduce travel times and enhance safety.
* **Encouraging Telehealth:** Promoting telehealth services can reduce the need for travel for certain appointments.
* **Attracting Healthcare Providers:** Efforts to attract more healthcare providers, including specialists, to the area would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for care.

**Conclusion: Moving to Hazlehurst**

The overall health score for healthcare access in 31539 is significantly impacted by the limited transportation options. While the community offers a rural charm, the challenges of accessing healthcare are undeniable. For those considering moving to Hazlehurst, it is crucial to carefully consider the transportation limitations and their potential impact on healthcare access. The absence of robust public transit, the minimal presence of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers that can negatively affect health outcomes. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in transportation infrastructure and healthcare services is essential to improve the overall health score and enhance the well-being of the residents of Hazlehurst. The community's health hinges on its ability to overcome these geographical and logistical obstacles, ensuring that all residents can readily access the care they need.