37360, Normandy, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 37360, Normandy, Tennessee is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.36 percent of residents in 37360 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital with a distance of 3.70 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 37360 (Normandy, TN)

This report assesses the accessibility of healthcare services for residents of ZIP code 37360, Normandy, Tennessee, evaluating various transportation options and their impact on overall health. The ability to reach medical care swiftly and reliably is a critical determinant of health outcomes. This analysis considers factors from drive times to public transit availability, offering a comprehensive view for potential residents and current inhabitants alike. We aim to provide a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to healthcare access in this rural community, vital for anyone considering moving to Normandy.

Normandy, nestled in Bedford County, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The area is predominantly rural, characterized by low population density and limited public transportation infrastructure. Consequently, personal vehicle ownership is essential for navigating the region. This reliance on cars, however, is not without its drawbacks. Long drive times, particularly during emergencies, can significantly impact health outcomes.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary arteries serving Normandy are State Route 231 and State Route 82. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion during peak hours, especially in the vicinity of larger towns like Shelbyville. A drive to the nearest major hospital, *Tennova Healthcare – Shelbyville*, located approximately 10 miles away, can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. This drive necessitates navigating a combination of rural roads and sections of SR-82.

Further afield, residents may need to travel to Murfreesboro or Nashville for specialized care. Reaching Murfreesboro, about a 45-minute drive, involves using SR-82 and I-24. Nashville, a major healthcare hub, is roughly an hour and a half away, requiring travel on I-24. These longer distances highlight the importance of reliable transportation, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility. The condition of the roads themselves, while generally good, can be affected by weather, particularly during winter months, further complicating travel.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Normandy are severely limited. The *Bedford County Transit* system, if operational, may offer some limited routes, but its frequency and coverage are likely insufficient to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community. Information on specific routes, schedules, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is difficult to obtain, suggesting a lack of robust public transportation infrastructure. The absence of a comprehensive public transit system presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a car, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability in a rural setting like Normandy are questionable. Availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in response to urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, further exacerbating healthcare access disparities.

Medical transport services, including ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are crucial for individuals requiring assistance with travel to and from medical appointments. *LifeFlight*, for instance, provides air ambulance services for critical emergencies. NEMT providers, such as *MedTrans* or local ambulance companies, may offer transportation for non-emergency appointments. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and long wait times can be a significant concern, especially for those with chronic conditions or limited mobility.

**Impact on Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 37360 is negatively impacted by the limitations in transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the lack of robust public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, creates significant challenges. Long drive times, particularly to specialized medical facilities in Murfreesboro or Nashville, can delay access to critical care. The absence of readily available and affordable transportation options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve healthcare access in Normandy, several strategies are recommended. Strengthening the *Bedford County Transit* system, including increasing route frequency, expanding coverage, and ensuring ADA accessibility, would be a significant step. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Furthermore, promoting awareness of available medical transport services and streamlining the process for accessing these services is crucial.

**Conclusion:**

The health score for healthcare access in Normandy, TN (37360) is moderate, highlighting the challenges posed by the limited transportation options. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within a reasonable driving distance, the lack of public transit, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical transport services create significant barriers for many. Addressing these transportation challenges is essential to improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all residents of Normandy, making it a more attractive place for those moving to Normandy. Continued investment in transportation infrastructure and services is vital to support the health and well-being of this rural community.