36758, Plantersville, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36758, Plantersville, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.16 percent of residents in 36758 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 21.51 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hale County Hospital with a distance of 24.59 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Plantersville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36758)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is a complex one. It involves not only medical expertise but also the crucial element of **transportation**. In the rural landscape of Plantersville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36758), this challenge is amplified, requiring a careful assessment of **healthcare access** options. This report provides a "Breast Cancer Score" analysis, examining the available transportation infrastructure and services that impact a resident's ability to reach essential medical care. It's a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Plantersville** or currently residing within its boundaries.

The very nature of breast cancer treatment demands consistent access. Appointments for diagnosis, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are frequent and often require specialized equipment and expertise. This creates a significant burden on individuals and families, especially when coupled with the stress of a serious illness. The Breast Cancer Score aims to quantify this burden, evaluating the accessibility of healthcare facilities from a transportation perspective.

Plantersville, nestled in Dallas County, presents a unique set of circumstances. The nearest major medical centers equipped to handle comprehensive breast cancer care are located in Selma and Prattville, both requiring travel. The primary arteries for this journey are Highway 14 and Highway 22. However, the availability of alternatives, such as public transit or ride-sharing, is limited, potentially restricting **healthcare access**.

Driving times are a primary factor in the Breast Cancer Score. To reach the Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, a journey of approximately 25 miles, residents typically utilize Highway 14. Under normal traffic conditions, the drive averages 30-45 minutes. This time can fluctuate significantly due to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or when accidents occur. For those requiring more specialized care, such as surgical oncology or advanced imaging, the drive to a larger facility in Prattville, roughly 40 miles away, via Highway 14 and Highway 31, is more demanding. This trip can take upwards of an hour, impacting a patient's physical and emotional well-being.

Public transportation options are sparse in Plantersville, presenting a significant challenge to **healthcare access**. The Dallas County Area Transportation System (DCATS) provides limited services. While they may offer demand-response transportation, the routes are infrequent, and scheduling requires advanced notice. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles, crucial for patients with mobility limitations, needs to be confirmed. The reliance on DCATS for breast cancer patients is problematic, especially considering the need for frequent and often unpredictable appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not consistent. Availability can fluctuate based on driver density and demand, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. This uncertainty poses a considerable risk for patients needing timely transportation for treatments or urgent medical needs. The cost of ride-sharing, which can be substantial for frequent trips, adds another layer of financial burden.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for non-emergency medical transport, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Medical Transport and MedStar Mobile Healthcare operate in the region. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients. However, the cost of these services can be high, and availability may be limited, especially for short-notice appointments.

The Breast Cancer Score also considers the impact of these transportation limitations on a patient's overall well-being. Long travel times can lead to increased stress, fatigue, and isolation, all of which can negatively affect a patient's treatment outcomes. The lack of reliable transportation can also create barriers to accessing support groups, counseling services, and other essential resources.

The score is not merely a numerical value but a comprehensive assessment of the challenges and opportunities related to **healthcare access**. It takes into account the distance to medical facilities, the availability of transportation options, the cost of these options, and the impact on the patient's quality of life. The higher the score, the greater the challenges in accessing care.

For individuals **moving to Plantersville**, this score is a crucial factor to consider. It highlights the need for careful planning and preparation to ensure consistent access to medical care. It is essential to research available transportation options, explore financial assistance programs, and build a strong support network.

The Breast Cancer Score for Plantersville (ZIP Code 36758) reveals significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles for long-distance travel, the limited public transit, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services create considerable barriers to **healthcare access**. The financial burden of transportation, combined with the physical and emotional toll of long travel times, can significantly impact a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care.

The score underscores the need for community initiatives to improve **transportation** options. This could include advocating for expanded public transit services, promoting ride-sharing programs, and establishing partnerships with medical transportation providers. Increased awareness of the challenges faced by breast cancer patients in rural areas is essential to foster support and advocate for improved **healthcare access**.

Ultimately, the Breast Cancer Score is a call to action. It highlights the urgent need to address the transportation challenges faced by individuals in Plantersville and other rural communities. By improving **healthcare access**, we can empower patients to focus on their health and well-being, ensuring they receive the care they deserve. The journey to recovery from breast cancer is arduous; making it easier to access care is essential.