35650, Moulton, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35650, Moulton, Alabama is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.46 percent of residents in 35650 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.22 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Lawrence Medical Center with a distance of 0.99 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Moulton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35650)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It necessitates accessible, reliable, and efficient transportation. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 35650 (Moulton, Alabama), assesses the ease of reaching crucial breast cancer care facilities, considering various transportation options. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Moulton, as healthcare access significantly impacts quality of life.

Moulton, nestled in Lawrence County, presents a unique challenge. Its rural setting means healthcare access is often geographically limited. The "Breast Cancer Score" will evaluate the drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services to determine the overall accessibility for residents needing breast cancer-related care. This score will provide a realistic picture of the transportation landscape, assisting informed decisions about healthcare access.

**The Drive Time Dilemma:**

The primary mode of transportation in Moulton is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The "Breast Cancer Score" must, therefore, meticulously analyze drive times to the nearest facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer services. These facilities include diagnostic imaging centers, surgical oncology practices, radiation oncology centers, and support services.

The primary arteries for travel are Highway 33, Highway 157, and County Road 41. The drive to the nearest comprehensive cancer center, likely located in Decatur or Huntsville, will involve navigating these roads. The drive to Decatur, a city offering multiple healthcare options, typically involves heading east on Highway 33, then connecting to Highway 31. This trip, covering approximately 30-40 miles, can take 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Huntsville, a larger metropolitan area with more extensive healthcare resources, is further afield. The drive to Huntsville from Moulton requires traveling east on Highway 33, then connecting to Highway 20, and finally to I-65. This journey is significantly longer, approximately 60-70 miles, and can take 1.5 to 2 hours, especially during peak traffic times. The "Breast Cancer Score" will incorporate these drive times, factoring in the potential for increased fatigue and stress for patients undergoing treatment.

**Public Transit: A Limited Reality:**

Public transportation options in Lawrence County are scarce. The "Breast Cancer Score" must acknowledge the limitations of the local transit infrastructure. There is no readily available public bus system that provides regular routes to Decatur or Huntsville. This lack of public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to their condition or treatment side effects.

The absence of robust public transit underscores the importance of exploring alternative transportation solutions. The "Breast Cancer Score" will assess the potential for utilizing demand-response transportation services, if available, that might offer limited transportation to medical appointments. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited operating hours, further complicating healthcare access. The absence of ADA-compliant features in any public transit options would also be a significant factor in the score, as it would affect the mobility of patients with disabilities.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, but their availability in rural areas like Moulton is often inconsistent. The "Breast Cancer Score" will investigate the presence and reliability of these services in the area. Factors such as surge pricing during peak hours and the potential for long wait times will be considered.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are a crucial component of the "Breast Cancer Score." Several companies specialize in this service, offering transportation in vehicles equipped to accommodate patients with mobility limitations. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with entering and exiting the vehicle. The "Breast Cancer Score" will identify and evaluate the availability, cost, and service area of medical transport providers operating in or serving Lawrence County. Companies like First Medical Transport, or other local providers, would be researched.

**The Score and Its Implications:**

The final "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 35650 will be a composite metric, weighing the factors discussed above. The score will reflect the overall ease or difficulty of accessing breast cancer-related healthcare services, considering drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing reliability, and medical transport options. A higher score indicates better access, while a lower score suggests significant transportation challenges.

This score will be a valuable resource for individuals considering moving to Moulton, providing a realistic assessment of healthcare access. It will highlight the importance of planning for transportation needs, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. The score will also serve as a call to action for local authorities and healthcare providers to address the transportation gaps, perhaps by exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, expanding medical transport options, or advocating for the development of a more robust public transit system.

**Conclusion:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Moulton, Alabama, will not only quantify the challenges of accessing healthcare but also illuminate the importance of transportation in overall well-being. Understanding these transportation limitations is vital for residents and those contemplating a move to the area. By acknowledging the existing gaps and proactively seeking solutions, the community can enhance healthcare access and improve the quality of life for all, especially those battling breast cancer. The score will provide a tangible framework for assessing and improving healthcare access in a rural environment, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for the residents of Moulton. This analysis underscores the critical link between effective transportation and equitable healthcare access, particularly for a vulnerable population facing a life-altering diagnosis.