32181, Pomona Park, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 32181, Pomona Park, Florida is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.71 percent of residents in 32181 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.44 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hca Florida Putnam Hospital with a distance of 12.01 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 32181 – Pomona Park

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, can be a complex and emotionally taxing experience. Geographic isolation, a reality for residents of Pomona Park (ZIP Code 32181), compounds these challenges. This analysis explores the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services from this rural Putnam County community, providing a "Breast Cancer Score" based on transportation options and their associated time commitments. We aim to illuminate the realities of healthcare access for those considering moving to Pomona Park or currently residing within its borders, offering a critical perspective on the practicalities of receiving timely and comprehensive care.

The Breast Cancer Score considers factors such as drive times to oncology centers, radiation facilities, and surgical specialists; the availability and practicality of public transportation; and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services. It acknowledges that the ease of transportation significantly impacts the patient experience, influencing everything from initial diagnosis to ongoing treatment and follow-up appointments. This assessment prioritizes the patient's perspective, recognizing that every minute spent traveling is time away from family, work, and the crucial task of focusing on their health.

The primary artery connecting Pomona Park to more populated areas is **US Highway 17**. This north-south route provides the most direct access to Palatka, approximately a 20-minute drive, and beyond to Jacksonville, about an hour and a half away. **County Road 305** offers a slightly slower alternative, weaving through the more rural landscapes of Putnam County. For those seeking specialized care, the drive times to major medical centers are significant, emphasizing the importance of understanding the transportation landscape.

The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in Jacksonville. Driving to the **Mayo Clinic Jacksonville** via US-17 and I-95 typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. The **UF Health Jacksonville** campus, also accessible via I-95, is a similar distance, presenting a comparable time commitment. These drive times, while manageable for occasional appointments, become a considerable burden for frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Public transportation options in Pomona Park and the surrounding areas are limited. The **Putnam County Transit System** operates a demand-response service, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This service, while offering a lifeline for some, is not designed for frequent, time-sensitive medical appointments. Information regarding specific routes and ADA accessibility features is difficult to ascertain without direct contact with the transit authority. The lack of readily available route information and the need for pre-booking severely limit its practicality for breast cancer patients.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the region, but their reliability and affordability in a rural area like Pomona Park are subject to fluctuations. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or for longer trips to Jacksonville. The cost of these services can quickly accumulate, posing a financial barrier for patients already facing significant medical expenses.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients who require assistance with transportation. Companies like **American Medical Response (AMR)** and other private providers operate in the region, offering non-emergency medical transportation. However, these services are often costly, and availability may be limited, especially during peak demand.

The Breast Cancer Score for Pomona Park reflects the challenges associated with healthcare access. The dependence on personal vehicles for transportation, coupled with the limitations of public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services, paints a picture of significant logistical hurdles. The long drive times to major medical centers in Jacksonville necessitate careful planning and consideration for patients and their families.

For individuals considering moving to Pomona Park, the Breast Cancer Score serves as a crucial factor in their decision-making process. It highlights the need to factor in the time and financial costs associated with healthcare access. Those with pre-existing conditions or a family history of breast cancer must carefully assess their ability to manage the transportation demands of treatment and follow-up care.

The score also underscores the importance of community support. Neighbors, friends, and family members can play a crucial role in providing transportation assistance, offering a lifeline for patients facing the challenges of frequent medical appointments.

Furthermore, the Breast Cancer Score encourages a proactive approach to healthcare planning. Patients should explore all available options, from telehealth consultations to local support groups, to mitigate the impact of transportation barriers. They should also investigate the availability of financial assistance programs to help offset the costs of transportation and medical care.

The Breast Cancer Score for 32181 is not merely a numerical assessment; it is a call to action. It prompts a deeper understanding of the realities of healthcare access in a rural community and encourages a collective effort to improve the patient experience. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive support systems that address the practical challenges of transportation, allowing patients to focus on their health and well-being.