37190, Woodbury, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37190, Woodbury, Tennessee is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.49 percent of residents in 37190 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.28 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Stones River Hospital with a distance of 1.57 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37190**

The overall health of a community is inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape of Woodbury, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37190), assessing the ease with which residents can reach medical facilities. Our focus is on commute times, transportation options, and the practical realities of navigating the area's infrastructure. We aim to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access, crucial information for anyone considering moving to Woodbury.

Woodbury, nestled in the heart of Cannon County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. While the town itself is relatively small, access to specialized medical care often necessitates travel to larger cities like Murfreesboro or Nashville. This creates a reliance on personal vehicles, which becomes a critical factor in determining the overall health score.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

The primary roadways serving Woodbury are Tennessee State Route 53 (also known as McMinnville Highway), Tennessee State Route 146 (Woodbury Highway), and U.S. Route 70S. These roads provide the main arteries for travel, with varying levels of traffic congestion depending on the time of day. Driving to the nearest hospital, Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital in Woodbury, is typically a short trip, often under 10 minutes.

However, for more specialized care, residents often travel to Murfreesboro, approximately 30-45 minutes away via Highway 53 and Interstate 24. Nashville, with its extensive medical facilities, is roughly a 1-hour to 1-hour and 15-minute drive, primarily via Interstate 24. These longer commutes significantly impact the overall health score, particularly for those with chronic conditions or needing urgent care. The condition of the roads, while generally good, can be affected by weather, further impacting travel times and safety.

**Public Transportation Options**

Public transportation options in Woodbury are extremely limited. Cannon County does not have a dedicated public transit system. This deficiency is a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to a vehicle.

While the lack of a formal public transit system is a major concern, it is worth noting the potential for future development. Expanding public transit options, even with limited routes, could significantly improve the health score. Implementing ADA-compliant features on any potential future transit routes would be a crucial step in ensuring accessibility for all residents.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Woodbury, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments can be unreliable, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in receiving care.

Medical transportation services are another option, though they often cater to specific needs, such as non-emergency medical transport for individuals with mobility limitations. Companies like FirstMed Transport and MedTrans offer services in the area, but their availability and cost can vary. These services are often more expensive than personal transportation, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

**Healthcare Access and the Health Score**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Woodbury (ZIP Code 37190) is negatively impacted by the lack of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles. While the town itself has a local hospital, the need to travel to Murfreesboro or Nashville for specialized care creates longer commute times, which can be a significant burden.

The lack of alternative transportation options, such as reliable public transit or readily available ride-sharing, further exacerbates the problem. For individuals who cannot drive, healthcare access becomes significantly more challenging, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments. This is a critical consideration for anyone considering moving to Woodbury.

**Impact on Vulnerable Populations**

The challenges in transportation disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. These groups often face greater barriers to accessing healthcare, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes.

For the elderly, the inability to drive or the difficulty of navigating long commutes can be particularly challenging. Individuals with disabilities may require specialized transportation or assistance, which may not be readily available. Low-income residents may struggle to afford the cost of ride-sharing or medical transportation services.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving healthcare access in Woodbury requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, exploring the feasibility of establishing a public transit system is essential. Even a limited system with routes to Murfreesboro and Nashville could significantly improve healthcare access.

Supporting the expansion of ride-sharing services in the area could also be beneficial. Working with ride-sharing companies to ensure greater availability and affordability, particularly for medical appointments, could help bridge the transportation gap.

Finally, promoting the availability and affordability of medical transportation services is crucial. Providing financial assistance or subsidies for these services could help ensure that all residents have access to the care they need.

**Conclusion**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Woodbury (ZIP Code 37190) reflects the limitations of the current transportation infrastructure. While the town has local healthcare options, the need to travel to larger cities for specialized care, coupled with the lack of public transportation, creates challenges for many residents.

For anyone considering moving to Woodbury, a thorough understanding of these transportation limitations is essential. While the town offers a close-knit community and a slower pace of life, the practical realities of accessing healthcare must be carefully considered. Addressing these transportation challenges is crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of the Woodbury community. A concerted effort to improve transportation options, including public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, is necessary to enhance the health score and ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.