37325, Delano, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37325, Delano, Tennessee is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

55.59 percent of residents in 37325 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.42 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Starr Regional Medical Center Athens with a distance of 14.83 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37325**

Delano, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of McMinn County, presents a unique tapestry of rural charm and evolving healthcare needs. Understanding the ease of accessing medical services is crucial for residents and those considering *moving to Delano*. This analysis, focusing on ZIP Code 37325, provides an 'Overall Health Score' by evaluating *transportation* options and their impact on *healthcare access*. We'll delve into drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals seeking medical care in this community.

The 'Overall Health Score' considers various factors, including the proximity of healthcare facilities, the efficiency and reliability of *transportation* methods, and the availability of specialized services. It acknowledges that *healthcare access* is not merely about the presence of hospitals and clinics but also about the ability to reach them safely, affordably, and with minimal stress. This assessment aims to provide a clear picture for current residents and prospective newcomers, empowering them to make informed decisions about their well-being.

**Driving the Roads to Wellness**

The primary mode of *transportation* in Delano and its surrounding areas is the personal vehicle. The most direct route to Athens, the county seat and home to the primary healthcare facilities, involves navigating US-411, a major north-south artery. Driving times to Athens, approximately 10 miles away, typically range from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within the city. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the 'Overall Health Score,' offering reasonable *healthcare access* for those with personal vehicles.

However, the reliance on personal vehicles presents challenges. Residents without access to a car face significant hurdles in reaching medical appointments. The absence of reliable alternative *transportation* options can lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can also impact travel times and safety, further complicating *healthcare access*.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transit options in Delano and McMinn County are limited. The Athens Area Council for Transportation (AACT) provides a demand-response service, meaning rides must be scheduled in advance. This service operates within the city limits of Athens and the surrounding areas, including Delano. While AACT offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the limited operating hours and the need for pre-booking can pose significant barriers to *healthcare access*, especially for those requiring urgent care or with unpredictable schedules.

The AACT’s routes are not identified by specific numbers. Instead, the service operates on a door-to-door basis, picking up and dropping off passengers at their requested locations within the designated service area. This personalized approach can be beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations, but it also means that travel times can vary considerably depending on the number of passengers and the distance between destinations. The limited scope of the service, coupled with its reliance on pre-arranged bookings, significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score' for those dependent on public transit.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Athens area, including Delano. However, the availability of drivers can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for low-income individuals, potentially hindering their ability to access necessary medical care. The reliability and affordability of ride-sharing services are thus variable, contributing a mixed impact on the 'Overall Health Score.'

Medical transport services, such as those offered by companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and other local providers, are available for non-emergency and emergency medical needs. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. While medical transport offers a valuable solution for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance, the cost of these services can be substantial, impacting the affordability of *healthcare access*.

**Healthcare Facilities and Their Accessibility**

The primary healthcare facilities serving Delano residents are located in Athens. These include Starr Regional Medical Center, which provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient care, and specialized services. Several clinics and physician practices are also located in Athens, offering primary care, specialist consultations, and other medical services. The proximity of these facilities to Delano, despite the challenges of *transportation*, is a positive factor in the 'Overall Health Score.'

The availability of specialized healthcare services, such as those offered by specialists in cardiology, oncology, and other fields, is also a critical consideration. While Athens offers a reasonable range of specialized care, residents may need to travel to larger cities like Chattanooga or Knoxville for certain services, increasing travel times and *transportation* costs. This factor impacts the 'Overall Health Score' by highlighting the potential for increased travel burdens for individuals requiring specialized medical attention.

**The Impact of Distance and Time**

The distance and time required to reach healthcare facilities significantly influence the 'Overall Health Score.' While the drive to Athens is relatively short, the lack of robust public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services can create challenges for those without personal vehicles. The time spent traveling to and from medical appointments can also impact the quality of life, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical care.

Furthermore, the availability of urgent care facilities and after-hours medical services in Delano and Athens is a critical factor. The ability to access timely medical attention in case of an emergency or unexpected illness is essential for maintaining good health. The 'Overall Health Score' considers the availability of these services and their accessibility to residents of 37325.

**The Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The 'Overall Health Score' for *healthcare access* in ZIP Code 37325 reflects a mixed picture. The relatively short drive times to healthcare facilities in Athens are a positive factor, offering reasonable *healthcare access* for those with personal vehicles. However, the limited public transit options, the variable availability and affordability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport services create significant challenges, particularly for individuals without access to a car or those with limited financial resources.

The score is also influenced by the availability of specialized medical services, the potential need to travel to larger cities for certain treatments, and the importance of timely access to urgent care and after-hours medical services. These factors underscore the need for continued efforts to improve *transportation* options, address affordability barriers, and ensure that all residents of Delano have equitable *healthcare access*, especially for those *moving to Delano*.

In conclusion, while Delano offers a reasonable level of *healthcare access* for those with personal vehicles, improvements in public *transportation*, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport affordability are crucial for enhancing the 'Overall Health Score' and ensuring that all residents can receive the medical care they need.