36703, Selma, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36703, Selma, Alabama is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.59 percent of residents in 36703 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Vaughan Regional Medical Center Parkway Campus with a distance of 4.24 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Selma, Alabama (ZIP Code 36703)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, requires more than just medical expertise. It necessitates reliable **transportation**, timely access, and a support system that extends beyond the doctor's office. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 36703 (Selma, Alabama), examines the intricate web of **transportation** options available, evaluating their impact on **healthcare access** for individuals facing this challenging disease. This is vital information for anyone **moving to Selma** or seeking to understand the local healthcare landscape.

Selma, a city steeped in history, presents unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to healthcare. The availability of specialized breast cancer care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, directly influences the **Breast Cancer Score**. This analysis focuses on the practical aspects of reaching these vital services, recognizing that the physical journey is often the first hurdle in the fight against cancer.

**Drive Times: The Open Road and its Obstacles**

For many residents of 36703, the car remains the primary mode of **transportation**. The drive times to key medical facilities are thus critical. Baptist Health Medical Center South, located in Montgomery, is a major regional healthcare provider. The most direct route involves traversing US Highway 80 East, a vital artery connecting Selma to the state capital. Expect a drive time of approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic, which can be particularly heavy during peak commuting hours.

Navigating US 80 can be a test of patience. The road, while generally well-maintained, can experience delays due to construction, accidents, or heavy truck traffic. The journey necessitates careful planning, especially for appointments that require precise timing, like chemotherapy infusions or radiation treatments. The drive also requires a significant financial commitment, considering the cost of fuel and vehicle maintenance.

Another option is to travel west on US 80 to access care in Demopolis, Alabama. This trip, while shorter, may not offer the same breadth of specialized services as those available in Montgomery. The drive time is approximately one hour, again contingent on traffic and road conditions.

For local services within Selma, such as the Vaughan Regional Medical Center, drive times are generally shorter, often within 10-15 minutes. However, the availability of comprehensive breast cancer services within Selma is limited, potentially necessitating travel to larger medical centers.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public **transportation** options in Selma are limited, which significantly impacts the **Breast Cancer Score**. The city operates a public transit system, but its routes and frequency are not designed to cater specifically to the needs of patients requiring frequent medical appointments.

The bus system's routes, while providing a basic level of service, may not directly connect residential areas with medical facilities. The lack of dedicated medical transport routes and the potential for multiple transfers can add significant time and stress to the journey.

ADA accessibility is a crucial consideration for patients with mobility limitations. The public transit system is required to provide accessible vehicles, but the availability and reliability of these services can vary. Patients with disabilities may face additional challenges in navigating the system, potentially requiring assistance from family members or friends.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in Selma is inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for patients with limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those provided by specialized companies, are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services often offer door-to-door service and can accommodate patients with mobility limitations. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and the availability of these services may be limited depending on insurance coverage and local resources.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Medicaid Transportation:** This is a government program that provides free or low-cost rides to medical appointments for eligible individuals.
* **Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT):** This is a service that provides transportation for individuals who are not able to transport themselves to medical appointments.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** This is a private ambulance company that provides medical transportation services.
* **CareRide:** This is a transportation service that provides rides to medical appointments.

**The Impact on the Breast Cancer Score**

The **Breast Cancer Score** for ZIP Code 36703 is significantly influenced by the limitations in **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services create barriers to **healthcare access**.

Patients facing a breast cancer diagnosis require frequent and timely access to medical care. Delays in accessing appointments for diagnostic imaging, treatment, and follow-up care can negatively impact outcomes. The stress and anxiety associated with navigating the **transportation** challenges can also exacerbate the emotional and physical toll of the disease.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

Improving the **Breast Cancer Score** for Selma requires a multi-faceted approach. Expanding the public transit system, with dedicated routes to medical facilities and increased frequency, is essential. Enhancing the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical **transportation** services is also crucial.

Community initiatives, such as volunteer driver programs and partnerships with local organizations, can help bridge the **transportation** gap. Increasing awareness of available resources and providing assistance with navigating the healthcare system can empower patients to overcome the challenges they face.

For those **moving to Selma**, understanding these **transportation** limitations is critical. It is imperative to factor in the potential travel time and costs when considering healthcare options. The **Breast Cancer Score** serves as a reminder that access to healthcare extends beyond medical expertise. It encompasses the ability to reach care, and that is an ongoing challenge in Selma, Alabama.