38021, Crockett Mills, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38021, Crockett Mills, Tennessee is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 38021 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dyersburg Regional Medical Center with a distance of 17.84 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in 38021 (Crockett Mills, TN)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of Crockett Mills, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38021), focusing specifically on the crucial element of *transportation* and its impact on *healthcare access*. We will examine the available modes of travel, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, evaluating their feasibility and efficiency in connecting residents with essential medical services. This analysis is particularly relevant for those *moving to Crockett Mills*, as understanding these factors is vital for informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Crockett Mills, a small rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in the realm of healthcare accessibility. Its location in West Tennessee, while offering a tranquil lifestyle, necessitates careful consideration of the distances and travel times involved in reaching medical facilities. The "Overall Health Score" will reflect the ease or difficulty with which residents can obtain necessary medical care, considering factors such as proximity to providers, mode of transportation, and the overall time commitment required.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation for most Crockett Mills residents is the personal vehicle. The nearest significant healthcare facilities are located in the neighboring towns of Alamo and Bells, as well as the city of Jackson. Reaching Alamo, approximately 10 miles away, typically involves a drive of around 15-20 minutes via TN-54. This route is generally well-maintained, but traffic can be a factor during peak hours.

Bells, situated roughly 12 miles from Crockett Mills, is accessible via TN-88, with a drive time of approximately 20-25 minutes. This road, while less congested than major highways, may experience slower speeds due to its rural nature.

Jackson, the regional hub for healthcare, is located approximately 35 miles from Crockett Mills. The most direct route involves traveling on TN-54 to US-45 Bypass, and then onto US-45. The drive time to Jackson can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions and the specific location of the healthcare facility within the city. This extended travel time significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for those requiring urgent or frequent medical attention.

**Public Transit Limitations:**

Public transit options within Crockett Mills and the surrounding areas are severely limited. There is no established bus system or fixed-route public transportation serving the immediate area. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to *healthcare access* for individuals who do not own a vehicle, are unable to drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with personal vehicle ownership.

While some regional transit authorities may offer demand-response services (such as Dial-a-Ride), these services are often limited in their operating hours, availability, and geographic coverage. Furthermore, the accessibility of these services for individuals with disabilities (ADA features) may vary, requiring careful investigation and planning. This absence of readily available public transit negatively impacts the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in larger cities like Jackson, but their presence in Crockett Mills and the surrounding rural areas is often sporadic and unreliable. The availability of drivers and the associated costs can be prohibitive, making ride-sharing an impractical solution for many residents.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, are available but are typically reserved for emergency situations or individuals with specific medical needs. The cost of these services can be substantial, and they are not a viable option for routine medical appointments or preventative care.

**Healthcare Provider Proximity:**

The location of healthcare providers within and around Crockett Mills is a crucial factor in assessing *healthcare access*. While Crockett Mills itself may have limited medical facilities, the proximity to Alamo, Bells, and Jackson provides residents with access to a wider range of healthcare services. However, the drive times to these facilities, as discussed above, can pose a significant challenge.

The availability of primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and urgent care centers within a reasonable distance is essential for maintaining good health. The lack of readily accessible healthcare providers within Crockett Mills underscores the importance of reliable *transportation* options.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed above, the "Overall Health Score" for *healthcare access* in Crockett Mills (38021) is **moderately low**. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the lack of public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services, creates significant barriers for many residents. The extended drive times to healthcare facilities in Jackson further exacerbate these challenges.

Individuals *moving to Crockett Mills* should be aware of these limitations and factor them into their decision-making process. Those without reliable access to a personal vehicle may face considerable difficulties in obtaining necessary medical care. Careful planning and consideration of alternative *transportation* options are essential.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

Improving the "Overall Health Score" requires a multi-faceted approach. The following recommendations are crucial:

* **Advocate for Public Transit Expansion:** Efforts should be made to explore the feasibility of establishing or expanding public transit services in the area. This could involve partnering with regional transit authorities or exploring demand-response options tailored to the needs of Crockett Mills residents. This is essential for improving *healthcare access*.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Increase awareness of ride-sharing services and their availability in the area. Encourage local partnerships to ensure reliable and affordable ride-sharing options.
* **Support Telehealth Initiatives:** Encourage the adoption of telehealth services to provide remote access to healthcare providers, particularly for routine consultations and follow-up appointments. This can help mitigate the impact of long travel times.
* **Encourage Healthcare Provider Recruitment:** Work to attract healthcare providers to Crockett Mills or nearby communities. This would reduce drive times and improve *healthcare access*.
* **Explore Community-Based Transportation Solutions:** Investigate the potential for community-based *transportation* initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs or carpooling networks, to assist residents in accessing healthcare.

By implementing these recommendations, Crockett Mills can work towards improving its "Overall Health Score" and ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This commitment to improving *transportation* options will be essential for creating a healthier and more vibrant community, especially for those *moving to Crockett Mills*.