36562, Perdido, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36562, Perdido, Alabama is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.32 percent of residents in 36562 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Atmore Community Hospital with a distance of 10.26 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Perdido, Alabama (ZIP Code 36562)

The sun-drenched shores of Perdido, Alabama (ZIP code 36562) beckon with promises of coastal living, a slower pace, and a welcoming community. But beneath the idyllic surface lies a crucial consideration for anyone, particularly women, contemplating a move or already residing in this charming locale: **healthcare access**, specifically, the ease of navigating **transportation** to and from vital medical appointments, including those related to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities relevant to breast cancer care from various points within Perdido, considering **transportation** options.

Our analysis focuses on the practicalities of reaching essential medical services, acknowledging that the availability of these services is paramount. We will examine drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services to provide a comprehensive picture of the **healthcare access** landscape for residents of Perdido. This assessment is not a definitive medical guide, but rather an informational tool to help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs within the context of their geographic location.

The primary concern is the timely and convenient access to healthcare, especially in the context of a potential breast cancer diagnosis. Early detection is key, and the ability to reach screening centers, diagnostic facilities, and treatment centers without undue stress or delay is crucial. The following sections delve into the specific **transportation** options available to residents of Perdido, Alabama, for accessing these vital services.

**Driving Times and Roadways:**

Perdido, Alabama, is a relatively rural area, and the primary mode of **transportation** for most residents is the personal vehicle. Drive times to healthcare facilities are significantly influenced by the location within Perdido, traffic conditions, and the specific destination.

The nearest hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer care are located in nearby cities. Gulf Coast Medical Center in Foley, Alabama, is a critical destination, offering a range of services. From central Perdido, the drive to Gulf Coast Medical Center involves navigating scenic but often congested roads. The most direct route typically utilizes **Alabama State Route 180** (commonly known as the "Beach Road") to **Alabama State Route 59** north. Expect a drive time of approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic, particularly during peak tourist seasons and weekends.

Further afield, Mobile, Alabama, offers more specialized care. The drive to Mobile involves a longer journey, typically taking about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The primary route involves taking **Alabama State Route 180** east, merging onto **U.S. Highway 98** and then connecting to **Interstate 10** west towards Mobile. This longer drive necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Traffic congestion can be a significant factor, especially during the peak tourist season. Accidents or road closures on **Alabama State Route 180**, **Alabama State Route 59**, or **Interstate 10** can drastically increase travel times. Residents should always check real-time traffic conditions using apps like Google Maps or Waze before departing for appointments.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Perdido and the surrounding areas are limited. There is no established public bus system that directly serves Perdido. This lack of public **transportation** presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

The nearest public **transportation** options are in the larger cities like Mobile and Pensacola, Florida, which are too far for regular use. For those who cannot drive, this lack of public **transportation** severely restricts **healthcare access**.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Perdido, though their availability can be variable, especially during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution for **transportation** to medical appointments, it is crucial to factor in potential wait times, surge pricing, and the reliability of service. Booking rides in advance is highly recommended, especially for early morning appointments or those requiring travel to more distant locations.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedRide or other specialized providers, offer non-emergency medical **transportation** for individuals who require assistance getting to and from medical appointments. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. While these services can be a valuable resource, they typically require advance booking and may involve associated costs.

**ADA Considerations:**

For individuals with disabilities, ensuring **healthcare access** includes consideration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for public transit, ride-sharing, and medical **transportation**. The availability of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, ramps, and other accommodations is critical. When utilizing ride-sharing services, it is essential to confirm the availability of accessible vehicles in advance. Medical **transportation** providers typically offer ADA-compliant vehicles.

**Breast Cancer Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Perdido, Alabama, is moderate. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities in nearby cities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public **transportation** and ride-sharing services present challenges.

The moderate score highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of **transportation** logistics when accessing healthcare services. Residents should proactively assess their **transportation** needs, explore available options, and plan for potential delays.

**Recommendations:**

* **Personal Vehicle:** Owning a personal vehicle is the most reliable form of **transportation** for accessing healthcare facilities in Perdido.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Utilize ride-sharing services, but book rides in advance and factor in potential wait times and surge pricing.
* **Medical Transportation:** Consider medical **transportation** services for individuals who require assistance or have mobility limitations.
* **Community Support:** Explore local community resources and support networks for assistance with **transportation** to medical appointments.
* **Advocacy:** Advocate for improved public **transportation** options and increased availability of ride-sharing services in the area.

**Conclusion:**

**Moving to Perdido** presents a unique opportunity to embrace a coastal lifestyle. However, a thorough understanding of **healthcare access** and the available **transportation** options is essential. The "Breast Cancer Score" assessment provides a framework for evaluating the accessibility of healthcare services, emphasizing the importance of proactive planning, exploring available resources, and advocating for improved **transportation** infrastructure to ensure that residents of Perdido have timely and convenient access to the care they need. Understanding these nuances is a crucial step in ensuring a smooth transition and a healthy future for anyone considering making Perdido their home.