36316, Chancellor, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36316, Chancellor, Alabama is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.54 percent of residents in 36316 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.63 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medical Center Enterprise with a distance of 8.37 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Chancellor, Alabama (ZIP Code 36316)

The sun-drenched fields of Chancellor, Alabama, a community nestled in the heart of Coffee County, offer a tranquil life. However, for residents facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the serenity can be shattered by the complexities of accessing timely and effective healthcare. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 36316, delves into the critical element of transportation, a key determinant of healthcare access, especially when battling a serious illness. This score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those moving to Chancellor and needing breast cancer care.

The most significant factor in this score is the drive time to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers. The closest major facility is likely in Dothan, approximately 30 miles south. The primary route is **Highway 84**, a two-lane highway that can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours. A typical drive, under ideal conditions, takes around 45 minutes. However, traffic, weather, or even a slow-moving tractor can significantly extend this time, adding stress and anxiety to an already difficult situation.

Another option involves using **Highway 27** south, which intersects with **Highway 84**. This route offers a slightly shorter distance but may involve more stop-and-go traffic, depending on the time of day. The condition of these roads, while generally well-maintained, can deteriorate after heavy rains, further impacting travel times and safety.

Public transportation options within Chancellor and to Dothan are extremely limited. Coffee County does not have a formal public transit system. While there may be informal community-based services, they are unlikely to offer consistent or reliable routes to medical facilities. This lack of public transit significantly disadvantages individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility issues or financial constraints. For those moving to Chancellor, this is a critical consideration.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Dothan area. However, their presence in Chancellor is less certain. Availability fluctuates based on driver density and demand. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular appointments, such as chemotherapy or radiation treatments, is risky. The unpredictability of availability, coupled with the potential cost, creates a significant barrier to healthcare access. This is a major concern for those seeking healthcare access in Chancellor.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies specializing in non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) operate in the region. These services provide door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, often accommodating wheelchairs and other mobility aids. While offering a valuable service, NEMT can be expensive, and scheduling requires advance planning. Furthermore, the availability of these services may be limited, potentially leading to delays in accessing care. The success of healthcare access hinges on transportation.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Chancellor (ZIP code 36316) is therefore impacted by the lack of robust public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport. The drive times to treatment centers, while manageable under ideal circumstances, can be significantly impacted by external factors.

For individuals moving to Chancellor, the availability of a reliable personal vehicle is almost essential. This is especially true for those undergoing breast cancer treatment, as regular appointments and potential side effects of treatment can make driving difficult.

The score also highlights the importance of community support. Family, friends, and local organizations can play a crucial role in providing transportation assistance. This could involve offering rides to appointments, assisting with errands, or providing emotional support during treatment.

Furthermore, the score underscores the need for proactive planning. Individuals diagnosed with breast cancer should research transportation options early in their treatment journey. This includes exploring medical transport services, inquiring about ride-sharing availability, and identifying potential sources of support within the community.

The healthcare access picture in Chancellor is not entirely bleak. The presence of medical facilities in Dothan, while requiring travel, offers a reasonable level of care. However, the challenges associated with transportation create a significant obstacle for those seeking breast cancer treatment. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for improved transportation options, increased community support, and proactive planning to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents of Chancellor, Alabama. This is particularly relevant for those moving to Chancellor and prioritizing healthcare access. The success of healthcare access hinges on transportation.