36312, Ashford, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36312, Ashford, Alabama is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.38 percent of residents in 36312 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 7.46 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in Ashford, Alabama (ZIP Code 36312)**

Considering a move to Ashford, Alabama (ZIP code 36312), or already residing there? Access to healthcare, especially for critical needs like breast cancer screening and treatment, is a paramount consideration. This analysis provides a "Breast Cancer Score" evaluating the ease of transportation to relevant medical facilities, offering insights into healthcare access within and beyond the Ashford community. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability, painting a comprehensive picture for residents and prospective movers.

Ashford, a charming town in Houston County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. While the town itself may not house a comprehensive cancer center, the surrounding areas offer critical resources. This analysis focuses on the commute to facilities offering breast cancer services, considering the diverse transportation options available. The “Breast Cancer Score” will be a subjective evaluation, reflecting the overall accessibility of care based on the factors mentioned.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary mode of transportation in Ashford is the personal vehicle. The availability of a car significantly impacts healthcare access. Driving times to key medical facilities will be the cornerstone of our assessment. The most direct route to Dothan, the nearest city with comprehensive medical services, is typically via US-84 East. This highway is the lifeblood of Ashford's connectivity.

Southeast Health Medical Center in Dothan, a primary destination for breast cancer services, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from Ashford. This relatively short commute time is a significant positive factor in our score. The route is generally straightforward, with minimal traffic congestion outside of peak hours. The drive is manageable for regular appointments and emergencies.

Another crucial destination is the Flowers Hospital in Dothan. This facility also offers comprehensive cancer care. The drive time to Flowers Hospital is also approximately 20-25 minutes, using US-84 East and then navigating city streets. These drive times are relatively short, contributing to a favorable "Breast Cancer Score."

For those seeking specialized care or second opinions, the drive to larger medical centers in Montgomery or Birmingham may be necessary. These trips, however, are significantly longer, potentially impacting the "Breast Cancer Score" negatively. The drive to Montgomery, using US-84 East to US-231 North, is roughly a 2-hour journey. The drive to Birmingham, using US-84 East to I-65 North, is approximately 3 hours.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in Ashford are limited. Houston County does not have a robust public transit system. This lack of readily available public transportation is a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. The absence of reliable public transit negatively impacts the "Breast Cancer Score."

While there may be informal ride-sharing arrangements within the community, these are not a dependable solution for consistent healthcare access. The lack of a structured public transit system necessitates reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or assistance from family and friends.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The lack of public transit also means there are no specific ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features to consider. This is a significant issue for individuals with mobility limitations who rely on public transportation. The absence of accessible public transit further diminishes the "Breast Cancer Score" for those with disabilities.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dothan area. However, their reliability and availability in Ashford may be less consistent. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some individuals, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical transportation services, such as non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), are available in the area. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals to medical appointments. However, they often require advance booking and may have associated costs. These services can be a valuable resource for those without personal transportation, yet their availability and cost impact the "Breast Cancer Score."

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport brands operate in the Dothan area. These brands include, but are not limited to, companies like MedStar and First Response Ambulance Service. The availability of these services is a positive factor, but their cost and booking requirements must be considered.

**Overall "Breast Cancer Score" for Ashford (36312):**

Considering all factors, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Ashford (36312) is moderately positive. The relatively short drive times to Dothan, with access to Southeast Health Medical Center and Flowers Hospital, are a significant advantage. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services also provides additional options.

However, the lack of a robust public transit system and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services negatively impact the score. Individuals without personal vehicles may face significant challenges in accessing healthcare. The absence of ADA-accessible public transit is a serious concern for individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations for Prospective Movers:**

For individuals considering moving to Ashford, or those already residing there, it is crucial to assess their transportation needs. Owning a personal vehicle is highly recommended to ensure reliable access to healthcare.

Researching ride-sharing availability and cost in advance is also advisable. Exploring medical transport options, if needed, is essential. Building a support network of family and friends who can provide transportation assistance is also a valuable strategy.

**Conclusion:**

Healthcare access, particularly for breast cancer services, is a critical aspect of any community. Ashford, Alabama (36312), offers reasonable access to care due to its proximity to Dothan and the availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. However, the lack of public transit presents a significant challenge for some residents. Understanding these transportation factors is vital for making informed decisions about healthcare access and overall quality of life, especially when considering moving to Ashford. The "Breast Cancer Score" reflects the balance of these positive and negative factors, providing a valuable perspective for residents and prospective movers.