31549, Lumber City, Georgia Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 31549, Lumber City, Georgia is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.66 percent of residents in 31549 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jeff Davis Hospital with a distance of 6.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Lumber City (ZIP Code 31549)

Lumber City, Georgia, nestled in the heart of Telfair County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when assessing its residents’ overall health. A critical component of well-being is **healthcare access**, a factor inextricably linked to **transportation** options. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for the residents of ZIP Code 31549, focusing on the accessibility of medical facilities, considering the various **transportation** methods available. This information is vital for anyone **moving to Lumber City**, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

The score considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport options. The further one must travel for healthcare, the lower the score. Factors such as the availability of specialized care, the presence of urgent care facilities, and the overall quality of healthcare providers also contribute to the final assessment.

**Drive Time and Road Network:**

The primary challenge in Lumber City is its rural location. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are in McRae-Helena, approximately 15 miles away, and Dublin, roughly 40 miles distant. The primary routes for accessing these facilities are Highway 280 and Highway 441.

Traveling to McRae-Helena via Highway 280 is generally a straightforward drive, taking around 20-30 minutes under normal traffic conditions. This route is relatively well-maintained. However, traffic can be impacted by farm equipment, especially during harvest seasons. Dublin, with its more comprehensive healthcare options, requires a longer commute. The journey via Highway 441 can take up to an hour, depending on traffic.

The condition of these highways is generally good, although the occasional pothole or construction delay can occur. Secondary roads, such as those leading to smaller towns or specialist clinics, may be less well-maintained, potentially adding to travel time and making them less accessible, especially for those with mobility limitations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Lumber City and the surrounding Telfair County are extremely limited. There is no readily available public bus system. This lack of public **transportation** significantly reduces **healthcare access** for individuals who cannot drive, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. This is a significant drawback when considering the overall health score.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are generally unavailable in Lumber City and the immediate surrounding areas. This absence further compounds the **transportation** challenges. Residents must rely on personal vehicles, family and friends, or medical transport services for healthcare appointments.

Medical transport services, while available, can be costly. Companies like MedTrans and Firstat Medical Transport operate in the region, providing non-emergency and emergency medical **transportation**. However, the cost of these services can be a significant barrier for many residents, particularly those with limited financial resources. This financial burden can lead to delayed or missed appointments, negatively impacting their health outcomes.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Lumber City is limited. Residents typically rely on facilities in McRae-Helena and Dublin. McRae-Helena offers a hospital, several primary care physicians, and a few specialist clinics. Dublin provides a more extensive range of healthcare services, including a larger hospital, various specialist practices, and urgent care facilities.

The quality of healthcare in these facilities is generally good, but the distance required to access them can be a significant impediment to timely care. The lack of local urgent care facilities means that residents must travel to McRae-Helena or Dublin for immediate medical attention, further increasing travel time and the potential for delayed treatment.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors above, the Overall Health Score for residents of ZIP Code 31549 is moderate. The primary strengths are the generally good road conditions and the availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, albeit with longer commutes. The weaknesses include the lack of public **transportation**, the limited availability of ride-sharing services, the cost of medical **transportation**, and the absence of local urgent care facilities.

For individuals **moving to Lumber City**, it is crucial to consider the **transportation** challenges and plan accordingly. This includes ensuring access to a reliable vehicle, exploring the availability of family or friend support for rides, and budgeting for potential medical **transportation** costs.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Overall Health Score, several measures could be implemented. The introduction of a limited public **transportation** system, even if it is a demand-response service, would significantly enhance **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. Encouraging ride-sharing companies to expand their services to the area would also be beneficial.

Investing in local healthcare infrastructure, such as establishing an urgent care facility or attracting additional specialist practices, would reduce travel times and improve **healthcare access**. Furthermore, increasing awareness of available medical **transportation** options and exploring potential subsidies for low-income residents could help mitigate the financial barriers to care.

**Conclusion:**

The Overall Health Score for Lumber City residents is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, with **transportation** being a central element. While the area offers access to healthcare, the limitations in **transportation** options create challenges, particularly for those with mobility issues or limited financial resources. By addressing these **transportation** gaps and investing in local healthcare resources, Lumber City can improve its residents' health outcomes and make the community more attractive for those **moving to Lumber City**.