32355, Saint Marks, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 32355, Saint Marks, Florida is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

42.50 percent of residents in 32355 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare with a distance of 20.65 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 32355**

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 appointments, and a supportive environment. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 32355 (Saint Marks, Florida), provides a "Breast Cancer Score" by evaluating the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services. It takes into account **transportation** options, travel times, and the availability of support services, providing a comprehensive view for residents and those considering **moving to Saint Marks**.

The score considers drive times to key healthcare facilities offering breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. These facilities include hospitals, imaging centers, and oncology clinics. The analysis also incorporates the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical **transportation** options, acknowledging that not everyone has a personal vehicle.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Asphalt Arteries of Care**

The primary challenge for residents of 32355 is its relative isolation. The nearest comprehensive medical centers are located in Tallahassee, approximately 45 miles away. The most direct route involves traveling on US-98 East, a scenic but often congested highway, especially during peak hours. The journey typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within Tallahassee.

Another option is to take County Road 365 North, connecting to US-98. This route offers a slightly shorter distance but may involve navigating more rural roads, potentially increasing travel time due to slower speed limits and the possibility of encountering wildlife.

For those needing to access facilities in Crawfordville, about 30 miles away, the journey involves traveling on US-98 West. This route is generally less congested than the Tallahassee route, offering a travel time of approximately 45 minutes to an hour.

The condition of these roadways is generally good, but the lack of alternative routes can be problematic. Any unforeseen closures or accidents can significantly impact travel times and potentially delay access to crucial medical care. The reliance on a single highway, US-98, highlights the vulnerability of healthcare access in this area.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public **transportation** options in 32355 are extremely limited. The StarMetroMetro bus system, which serves Tallahassee, does not extend its routes to Saint Marks. This absence of public transit presents a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles or those unable to drive.

The lack of ADA-compliant buses further exacerbates the challenges for individuals with disabilities. Without accessible **transportation**, attending appointments for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment becomes exceptionally difficult. This deficiency underscores the urgent need for expanded public transit services, particularly for healthcare access.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Tallahassee area but their presence in Saint Marks is less consistent. Availability can be unreliable, especially during off-peak hours or in emergencies. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies and specialized medical **transportation** providers, are available but often require prior arrangements. These services are typically reserved for individuals with specific medical needs, such as those who are unable to drive or require assistance getting in and out of vehicles. They can be costly, and their availability may be limited, especially during peak demand.

**Support Services: A Crucial Component**

Beyond **transportation**, access to support services is critical for individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. These services include support groups, counseling, and financial assistance programs. The availability of these services in the immediate vicinity of 32355 is limited, often requiring travel to Tallahassee or other larger cities.

The lack of local support services adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by individuals with breast cancer. The need to travel for support can exacerbate feelings of isolation and increase the burden of care.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for 32355 is significantly impacted by the limitations in **transportation** options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited availability of public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access.

The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The distance to healthcare facilities in Tallahassee and Crawfordville.
* **Public Transit:** The absence of public transit services.
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** The inconsistency of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** The availability and cost of medical **transportation**.
* **Support Services:** The limited local availability of support services.

**Recommendations: Enhancing Healthcare Access**

Improving healthcare access in 32355 requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in expanded public transit services, including routes that connect Saint Marks to Tallahassee and Crawfordville, is essential. These routes must be ADA-compliant to ensure accessibility for all residents.

Collaborating with ride-sharing services to improve their presence and reliability in the area is another crucial step. Subsidized ride-sharing programs for medical appointments could alleviate the financial burden on patients.

Increasing the availability of medical **transportation** services, including those that can accommodate individuals with disabilities, is also vital. Providing financial assistance to help cover the cost of medical **transportation** would further improve healthcare access.

Establishing local support groups and counseling services in Saint Marks or nearby communities would reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for support. Telehealth services can also play a crucial role in providing access to healthcare and support services.

**Moving to Saint Marks:**

For those considering **moving to Saint Marks**, this Breast Cancer Score analysis highlights the importance of carefully considering the **transportation** challenges and the limited access to healthcare services. Individuals with a history of breast cancer or those at high risk should carefully evaluate their ability to access necessary medical care and support services.

The Breast Cancer Score for 32355 reflects the significant challenges in accessing healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Only through collaborative action can we ensure that all residents of 32355 have equitable access to the care they need.