38066, Rossville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38066, Rossville, Tennessee is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.56 percent of residents in 38066 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.25 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Methodist Hospitals Of Memphis with a distance of 27.77 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Rossville, TN (ZIP Code 38066)

Evaluating the overall health score for residents of Rossville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38066), requires a deep dive into their access to healthcare. A crucial element of this access is the ease and efficiency of transportation. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for those contemplating **moving to Rossville** or seeking to understand the community's strengths and weaknesses regarding **healthcare access**.

The foundation of this assessment lies in the understanding that healthcare is not merely about the availability of doctors and hospitals; it's also about the ability to reach them. This is especially true for a community like Rossville, which, while offering a charming rural character, presents unique challenges concerning **transportation**. The health score, therefore, reflects the combined impact of geographical factors, infrastructure, and service availability on residents' ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

**Drive Times: The Road to Wellness**

For residents of Rossville, the primary arteries for accessing healthcare are the major roadways that weave through the area. The most direct route to Memphis, a major healthcare hub, is via **Highway 57**, also known as Poplar Avenue. Drive times to major hospitals like Methodist Germantown Hospital or Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis can vary significantly depending on traffic. During peak hours, the 30-mile journey can easily stretch to an hour or more.

Heading east, access to healthcare facilities in Collierville and Germantown is facilitated by **Highway 57** and **Highway 72**. These routes provide access to facilities like Baptist Collierville and various urgent care centers. Drive times to these closer destinations are generally shorter, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, offering a more convenient option for routine medical needs. However, the quality of care and the specialization of services available in these locations might be limited compared to the larger Memphis hospitals.

The condition of the roads, including **Highway 57** and the local roads connecting to it, plays a significant role in the overall health score. Potholes, poor lighting, and lack of sidewalks can increase the risk of accidents and make it more difficult for those with mobility issues to access healthcare. The distance to these facilities, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, can be a significant barrier, especially in emergencies. This is a critical factor for anyone **moving to Rossville**, as it directly impacts their ability to seek medical attention.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options within and around Rossville are limited. The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) does not directly serve Rossville. This leaves residents heavily reliant on personal vehicles or alternative transportation methods. This lack of public transit significantly impacts the health score, particularly for those who cannot drive, such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a car.

While MATA does offer some limited services in the surrounding areas, accessing these services from Rossville would require a combination of walking, driving, or relying on ride-sharing services. The absence of readily available public transit exacerbates the challenges of **healthcare access** for many residents. The lack of ADA-accessible buses further compounds the issue, potentially isolating individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Rossville, providing a potential alternative to driving. However, the availability of these services can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some, especially for frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private ambulance companies or specialized medical transportation providers, are available for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services are particularly important for those with mobility limitations or those who require medical supervision during transport. However, these services can be expensive and may not be covered by all insurance plans.

The reliance on ride-sharing and medical transport services highlights the limitations of the existing **transportation** infrastructure in Rossville. While these services provide valuable assistance, they are not a substitute for a reliable and affordable public transit system. They also add to the overall cost of healthcare, potentially impacting the financial well-being of residents.

**The Impact on the Overall Health Score**

The overall health score for Rossville residents, considering **transportation** to healthcare, is moderately impacted. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant challenges.

The long drive times to major hospitals in Memphis, coupled with the potential for traffic delays, can be particularly problematic in emergencies. The lack of readily available public transit disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with disabilities.

The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services provides some relief, but their cost and inconsistency limit their effectiveness. The overall health score is further impacted by the need for residents to navigate the roadways, which can be challenging due to the condition of the roads and the potential for accidents.

**Moving to Rossville:** **A Consideration for Health**

For individuals considering **moving to Rossville**, the accessibility of healthcare should be a primary consideration. While the community offers a desirable rural lifestyle, the challenges related to **transportation** and **healthcare access** must be carefully evaluated.

Potential residents should factor in the potential drive times to medical facilities, the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport services, and the availability of support systems. They should also consider their own health needs and mobility limitations.

Understanding the existing **transportation** limitations is crucial for making an informed decision. The health score is, therefore, a reflection of the community's current state and a call to action for improving access to healthcare for all residents.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

Improving the overall health score for Rossville residents requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes advocating for improved public transit options, supporting initiatives to improve the condition of local roads, and exploring ways to make ride-sharing and medical transport services more affordable and accessible.

Addressing the challenges related to **transportation** is crucial for ensuring that all residents have equal access to healthcare. This will ultimately contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community for everyone, making Rossville a more attractive place to live and a more supportive environment for those in need of medical care. The ability to reach healthcare facilities in a timely and efficient manner is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, and improvements in this area will have a profound impact on the health and quality of life for all residents, especially those **moving to Rossville**.