36525, Creola, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36525, Creola, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.62 percent of residents in 36525 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Usa Health University Hospital with a distance of 13.15 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Creola, Alabama (ZIP Code 36525)

The journey to effective breast cancer care is a complex one, often fraught with emotional and physical challenges. But for residents of Creola, Alabama, ZIP code 36525, the journey begins with a crucial first step: transportation. Understanding the available options and their limitations is paramount in assessing **healthcare access** and ensuring timely treatment. This write-up, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the intricacies of **transportation** within and around Creola, offering insights for both current residents and those **moving to Creola**, particularly those seeking quality breast cancer care.

Creola, a community nestled in Mobile County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to **healthcare access**. While the town itself is relatively small, its proximity to the larger metropolitan area of Mobile provides access to a wider range of medical facilities. However, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive consistent and timely care.

**Driving the Distance: Highways and Byways**

For most Creola residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The most direct route to major medical centers in Mobile involves navigating the well-traveled thoroughfares. Interstate 65 (I-65) provides a crucial north-south artery, connecting Creola to the city. A drive to the University of South Alabama (USA) Medical Center, a prominent healthcare provider with a comprehensive cancer center, typically takes around 25-35 minutes, depending on traffic. The journey often involves taking the off-ramp from I-65 onto US Highway 98, a busy road that leads directly to the medical complex.

Another vital route involves US Highway 43, which runs parallel to I-65. This road offers an alternative, potentially less congested route, particularly during peak hours. However, it's important to note that traffic conditions can vary significantly, especially during rush hour. Residents should always factor in potential delays when planning their appointments.

For those seeking care at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, another major healthcare provider, the route involves a combination of I-65 and city streets. The drive time is comparable to that of USA Medical Center, generally ranging from 30-40 minutes. Navigating city traffic, especially around the downtown area, can add extra time to the commute.

Smaller, more local roads like Creola Road and Celeste Road provide access within the town and to nearby communities. These roads are generally less congested, but they may not be suitable for long-distance travel to specialized medical facilities. The conditions of these roads vary, and some may be prone to flooding during heavy rainfall, impacting **transportation** options.

**Public Transit: A Limited Landscape**

The public **transportation** landscape in Creola is, unfortunately, quite limited. The Mobile Transit Authority (MTA) operates a bus system within the city of Mobile, but its service to Creola is minimal. There are no direct bus routes that serve the town. Residents relying on public transit would likely need to arrange for a ride to a designated MTA stop, which could be several miles away, adding significant time and complexity to the journey.

The MTA does, however, offer some ADA-accessible buses, which are equipped with features like ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the lack of service to Creola severely limits their usefulness for residents seeking breast cancer care.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible **transportation** option for residents of Creola. However, the availability of these services can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in the more rural areas surrounding the town. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation treatments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are another avenue to consider. Companies like First Choice Medical Transportation and others provide specialized services, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. These services often offer door-to-door **transportation**, eliminating the need for patients to navigate public transit or rely on family members. However, the cost of medical **transportation** can be substantial, and it's essential to investigate insurance coverage and financial assistance options.

**Assessing the Breast Cancer Score**

Evaluating the **healthcare access** in Creola, particularly for breast cancer patients, involves considering several factors. The reliance on personal vehicles presents a significant challenge for those who are unable to drive due to illness, treatment side effects, or financial constraints. The limited public transit options further exacerbate this issue.

The availability of ride-sharing services offers a degree of flexibility, but their cost and reliability can be problematic. Medical **transportation** services provide a valuable alternative, but their cost and availability should be carefully considered.

The proximity to major medical centers in Mobile is a positive factor, but the drive times and potential traffic congestion can add to the stress and burden of treatment. The lack of local support services, such as patient navigators or transportation assistance programs, further complicates the situation.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

To improve the "Breast Cancer Score" for Creola residents, several steps are crucial.

* **Advocacy for Public Transit Expansion:** Working with the Mobile Transit Authority to extend bus routes to Creola or establish a demand-response **transportation** system would significantly improve **healthcare access**.
* **Promoting Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Educating residents about the availability and cost of ride-sharing services, including potential discounts for medical appointments, would be beneficial.
* **Expanding Medical Transportation Options:** Encouraging the development of more medical **transportation** providers and advocating for insurance coverage for these services is essential.
* **Establishing Local Support Services:** Creating a local patient navigator program or partnering with existing organizations to provide **transportation** assistance and support services would be invaluable.
* **Community Education:** Raising awareness about breast cancer screening and treatment options, along with the available **transportation** resources, is crucial.

**Conclusion**

For individuals **moving to Creola** or currently residing there, the "Breast Cancer Score" reveals a complex picture. While the proximity to quality medical facilities in Mobile is a definite advantage, the limitations in **transportation** options pose significant challenges. By acknowledging these challenges and advocating for improvements in public transit, ride-sharing accessibility, and medical **transportation** services, the community can work towards ensuring that all residents have equitable **healthcare access** and the support they need to navigate the journey of breast cancer care. This will ultimately improve the quality of life for those in need and make Creola a more supportive environment for those seeking treatment.