38389, Yorkville, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38389, Yorkville, Tennessee is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

76.92 percent of residents in 38389 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.76 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Dyersburg Regional Medical Center with a distance of 14.68 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Yorkville, TN (ZIP Code 38389)

The quaint town of Yorkville, Tennessee, nestled in the heart of Gibson County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. This analysis, focused on ZIP code 38389, will delve into the intricacies of transportation options, crucial for residents seeking medical care. We will examine drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, culminating in an overall health score reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare within this community. This information is particularly relevant for anyone considering moving to Yorkville, TN, and seeking to understand the practicalities of healthcare access.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Yorkville is the automobile. Personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation for most residents. The geographical layout necessitates reliance on roadways for reaching medical facilities. The major thoroughfare connecting Yorkville to larger towns with medical facilities is **Highway 45**, a vital artery for residents. Driving south on Highway 45 provides access to Trenton, a short 10-15 minute drive, where the Gibson County Hospital is located. Further south, about a 30-minute drive, is Jackson, home to larger hospitals like Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Smaller roads, such as **Highway 54**, offer alternative routes, though these typically involve longer travel times and may be less well-maintained. Navigating these roads, especially during inclement weather, can significantly impact healthcare access. The condition of these roads, including potholes and lack of proper lighting, becomes a crucial factor in assessing the overall health score.

Public transportation options within Yorkville and the surrounding areas are severely limited. Currently, there are no established public bus routes operating directly within Yorkville or providing regular connections to nearby cities with healthcare facilities. This lack of public transit 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. The absence of a public transit system directly impacts the overall health score, particularly concerning healthcare access for those with limited mobility.

The absence of public transit is exacerbated by the lack of readily available ride-sharing services. While ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in larger cities like Jackson, their presence in Yorkville is sporadic, and availability may be limited. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments is therefore unreliable, especially for urgent care or scheduled appointments. This lack of consistent ride-sharing options further diminishes the overall health score.

For individuals requiring specialized medical transport, the options are limited. Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available but are often reserved for specific medical needs or pre-arranged appointments. The availability of these services depends on the nature of the medical condition and the distance to the healthcare facility. Emergency medical services, crucial for life-threatening situations, are available, but response times can be affected by distance and road conditions.

The accessibility of healthcare facilities is also a critical factor. The Gibson County Hospital in Trenton, while relatively close, may not offer all the specialized services required by residents. Jackson, with its larger hospitals, provides a wider range of medical specialties, but the longer travel time presents a significant challenge. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, within a reasonable distance is a crucial consideration for the overall health score.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Yorkville, TN (38389) is moderately impacted by the transportation challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, while common, creates a dependency on car ownership and the ability to drive. The limited public transportation options and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services restrict healthcare access for a significant portion of the population. The geographical isolation and the distance to larger medical centers further compound these challenges.

Considering all these factors, the overall health score for healthcare access in Yorkville, TN (38389) is assessed as “fair”. While residents have access to healthcare facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of reliable public transportation, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers. Individuals with mobility limitations, those without access to a car, or those facing financial constraints may experience considerable difficulty in accessing healthcare.

This analysis underscores the importance of considering transportation infrastructure when evaluating the health and well-being of a community. For those moving to Yorkville, TN, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial for making informed decisions about healthcare access. The development of improved public transit options, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the enhancement of road infrastructure could significantly improve the overall health score and enhance the quality of life for Yorkville residents.