38076, Williston, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38076, Williston, Tennessee is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.17 percent of residents in 38076 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital with a distance of 25.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Williston, TN (ZIP Code 38076)

This assessment delves into the intricate relationship between transportation and healthcare access within Williston, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38076), a crucial factor for anyone considering moving to this rural community. Understanding the ease or difficulty of reaching medical facilities is paramount to evaluating the overall health and well-being of residents. This report provides a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" based on the availability and accessibility of transportation options for healthcare appointments.

The score considers various factors, including drive times, public transportation, ride-sharing services, and specialized medical transport. Each aspect is weighted based on its practical utility and the potential challenges faced by different demographics, particularly those with mobility limitations or limited financial resources. This analysis aims to provide a clear picture for prospective residents, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure**

Williston, a small town in Hardeman County, relies heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. The primary roadways impacting healthcare access are **Highway 64**, the main east-west artery, and **Highway 57**, running north-south. Access to these highways is generally good, but traffic can be a factor, particularly during peak hours.

The nearest major healthcare facilities are located in nearby towns, primarily in Bolivar (approximately 15 miles away) and Somerville (around 20 miles). Drive times to these facilities can vary depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination. Expect a 20-30 minute drive to Bolivar and a 25-35 minute drive to Somerville, assuming normal traffic flow. During inclement weather or rush hour, these times can increase significantly.

The roads themselves are generally well-maintained, though some secondary roads may be less so, potentially posing challenges for individuals with certain medical conditions or those driving older vehicles. The absence of significant public transportation options elevates the importance of reliable personal vehicles and well-maintained roadways for healthcare access.

**Public Transportation Limitations**

Unfortunately, Williston and the surrounding areas lack robust public transportation options. There is no established bus system or readily available public transit network within the immediate vicinity. This severely limits healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or prefer not to drive.

This absence of public transit disproportionately affects seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. These groups often face the greatest challenges in accessing healthcare, making the lack of public transportation a significant barrier to overall health and well-being. The absence of ADA-compliant features further exacerbates the problem for individuals with mobility impairments.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Williston is limited. While these services may be available, their reliability and cost can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in response to urgent medical needs. This makes ride-sharing a less dependable option for routine healthcare appointments or emergencies.

Specialized medical transportation services are available, but they typically cater to specific needs, such as non-emergency medical transport for individuals requiring assistance with mobility or those unable to drive. These services, often provided by companies like **First Transit** or local ambulance services, may require advance booking and can be costly. The availability of these services and their coverage area should be carefully investigated.

**Healthcare Facility Proximity and Options**

The availability of healthcare facilities within Williston itself is limited. Residents typically rely on facilities in Bolivar and Somerville for primary care, specialist appointments, and hospital services. This necessitates travel, adding to the complexity of healthcare access.

Bolivar offers a hospital, **Hardeman County Memorial Hospital**, and various clinics and medical practices. Somerville provides similar healthcare options, including **Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare - Somerville**. The quality of care and the availability of specific specialists should be researched thoroughly when considering moving to the area.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for commuting to healthcare in ZIP Code 38076 is **moderate**. While the drive times to nearby healthcare facilities are manageable for those with personal vehicles, the lack of public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for certain segments of the population.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for Public Transportation:** Encourage the development of a public transportation system, even a limited one, to serve the needs of residents, particularly those without personal vehicles.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Facilitate partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer subsidized or discounted transportation options for patients.
* **Promote Medical Transportation Awareness:** Increase awareness of available medical transportation services and their eligibility requirements.
* **Support Community Health Initiatives:** Encourage community health programs that provide transportation assistance or mobile healthcare services.
* **Invest in Road Infrastructure:** Ensure the continued maintenance and improvement of local roads to facilitate safe and efficient travel to healthcare facilities.

**Conclusion**

Moving to Williston offers a unique lifestyle, but prospective residents must consider the challenges associated with healthcare access. While the community is generally well-served by healthcare facilities in nearby towns, the lack of public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services pose potential obstacles. By carefully evaluating these factors and considering the recommendations above, individuals can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensure their overall well-being in this rural Tennessee community. The focus on improving transportation options and healthcare access is critical to fostering a healthy and thriving community for all residents.