38568, Hilham, Tennessee Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38568, Hilham, Tennessee is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.67 percent of residents in 38568 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Livingston Regional Hospital with a distance of 7.37 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Hilham, TN (ZIP Code 38568)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Hilham, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38568), requires a deep dive into the crucial element of healthcare access, specifically the ease and efficiency of transportation to medical facilities. This analysis considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by those seeking medical care in this rural community.

The very fabric of a healthy community is interwoven with the ability to reach medical professionals promptly and reliably. Residents of Hilham, a small unincorporated community nestled within Overton County, often rely on personal vehicles for their transportation needs. This dependence immediately introduces vulnerabilities, particularly for those without a car, those with mobility limitations, or those facing financial constraints.

**Drive Time Dynamics:**

The primary healthcare hubs serving Hilham are located in Cookeville, approximately 15 to 20 miles away. The most direct route involves navigating **Highway 111** south, a major thoroughfare connecting the region. Traffic flow on **Highway 111** is generally manageable, but peak hours, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times, can add delays.

Alternatively, residents can utilize **Highway 70**, a more winding but scenic route that can sometimes offer a slightly shorter drive time depending on the specific destination within Cookeville. Secondary roads, such as **Buffalo Valley Road** and **Willow Avenue**, provide access points to Cookeville, but these routes are less direct and may involve more stop signs and slower speed limits.

For specialized care or emergency situations, residents may need to travel further afield. Nashville, approximately 90 miles away, offers a wider range of medical specialists and hospitals. This journey typically involves **Highway 111** south to **Interstate 40** west. The drive time to Nashville can range from 1.5 to 2 hours, significantly impacting access to urgent care.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape:**

Public transportation options in Hilham are extremely limited. Overton County does not have a dedicated public transit system. The absence of buses, trains, or other forms of mass transit significantly restricts healthcare access for those unable to drive.

The nearest public transportation options are located in Cookeville. The Cookeville Transit System (CTS) operates a limited bus service within the city limits. However, the CTS routes do not extend to Hilham, effectively excluding residents from utilizing public transit for their healthcare needs.

The lack of public transit poses a significant challenge, particularly for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a personal vehicle. The absence of accessible public transportation exacerbates healthcare disparities and can contribute to delayed or missed medical appointments.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Cookeville, but their presence in Hilham is less consistent. Availability depends on driver density, which is typically lower in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for individuals with mobility limitations or specific medical needs. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services often involve wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel.

Some of the medical transport brands serving the area include:

* **Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transportation.
* **Care Medical Transport:** Offers medical transport services.
* **A-1 Medical Transport:** Provides medical transport services.

While medical transport services can be a valuable resource, they can also be costly and may require advance booking. Availability can also be limited, particularly during peak demand periods.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation and facilities. However, the lack of public transit in Hilham creates a significant barrier for individuals with disabilities. Even in Cookeville, the CTS buses are equipped with ADA-compliant features, such as ramps and designated seating.

Medical facilities in Cookeville, including hospitals and clinics, are generally ADA-compliant, ensuring accessibility for patients with mobility impairments. However, the reliance on personal vehicles or specialized transportation services to reach these facilities highlights the ongoing challenges for individuals with disabilities in Hilham.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for residents of Hilham, TN (ZIP Code 38568), is significantly impacted by the challenges associated with healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create barriers for many residents.

Drive times to Cookeville, while manageable, can be impacted by traffic. The longer travel times to Nashville for specialized care pose a significant hurdle. The lack of public transit exacerbates healthcare disparities, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial lifeline for some, but these services can be expensive and may not always be readily available. The lack of accessible transportation options further compounds the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations:**

Improving healthcare access in Hilham requires a multi-faceted approach.

* **Advocating for Public Transit:** Exploring the feasibility of establishing a public transit route that connects Hilham to Cookeville would significantly enhance healthcare access.
* **Supporting Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Collaborating with ride-sharing companies to increase driver density and offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could improve access.
* **Expanding Medical Transport Services:** Increasing the availability and affordability of medical transport services would benefit residents with mobility limitations.
* **Community Education:** Educating residents about available transportation options and resources is essential.
* **Telehealth Integration:** Promoting telehealth services can reduce the need for travel for routine medical appointments.

**Moving to Hilham:**

Individuals considering moving to Hilham should carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The lack of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles should be a key consideration. Researching available medical transport services and understanding the drive times to healthcare facilities is crucial.

The overall health score for Hilham reflects the need for ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access. Addressing the transportation challenges will be vital to ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to receive timely and appropriate medical care. The community must actively seek solutions to improve transportation and healthcare access to foster a healthier future for its residents.