33922, Bokeelia, Florida Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 33922, Bokeelia, Florida is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.83 percent of residents in 33922 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.72 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cape Coral Hospital with a distance of 11.90 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bokeelia (ZIP Code 33922)

The sun-drenched shores of Bokeelia, Florida, offer a tranquil escape, a haven for those seeking a slower pace of life. But for residents, particularly those navigating the complexities of healthcare, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: geographical isolation. This write-up assesses the "Breast Cancer Score" for Bokeelia (ZIP Code 33922), focusing on **transportation** options and **healthcare access** related to breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support. This analysis is particularly relevant for individuals **moving to Bokeelia**, considering the implications of its remote location.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't a numerical value but a qualitative assessment of the ease and efficiency with which a resident can access essential breast cancer services. It considers drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. The goal is to provide a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals in Bokeelia requiring these critical services.

**The Tyranny of Distance: Driving to Care**

Bokeelia, situated on Pine Island, is inherently reliant on vehicular **transportation**. The primary artery connecting the island to the mainland is Pine Island Road (County Road 78). This two-lane road, while scenic, is the only direct route. From Bokeelia, accessing specialized breast cancer care typically means a drive to Fort Myers or Cape Coral, the closest urban centers with comprehensive medical facilities.

The drive to Lee Health’s Regional Cancer Center in Fort Myers, for instance, is approximately 25-35 miles, depending on the specific location within Bokeelia. During off-peak hours, this translates to a drive time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour. However, traffic congestion, particularly on Pine Island Road and the connecting roads, can significantly extend this time. The journey often involves navigating intersections and potential delays, adding stress and impacting the timeliness of appointments.

The alternative route to Cape Coral involves crossing the Matlacha Bridge and then utilizing Pine Island Road to access Del Prado Boulevard. This route, while potentially offering some traffic relief, is still subject to congestion and adds a few extra miles to the journey. The drive time is comparable to the Fort Myers route, typically taking around an hour, depending on traffic conditions.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in Bokeelia and the surrounding areas are severely limited. LeeTran, the county's public transportation system, operates a route that serves Pine Island. However, the frequency of service is low, and the route's coverage is not comprehensive. This makes relying on public transit for frequent medical appointments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, extremely challenging.

The LeeTran route on Pine Island (Route 70) primarily focuses on connecting residential areas with commercial centers and other key locations on the island. While this route does provide some access to the mainland, it is not directly linked to major hospitals or cancer centers. Passengers would need to transfer to other LeeTran routes to reach these destinations, significantly increasing travel time and complexity.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, such as wheelchair accessibility, are available on LeeTran buses. However, the limited frequency and the need for transfers can still present challenges for individuals with mobility limitations or those undergoing cancer treatment. The extended travel times and potential for delays can be particularly burdensome.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Bokeelia, offering a more convenient **transportation** option than public transit. However, the availability of drivers can vary, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening, when many medical appointments are scheduled. This can necessitate advance planning and potentially lead to delays.

Medical transport services provide a specialized solution for individuals who require assistance with **transportation** to and from medical appointments. Several companies operate in the area, offering services ranging from basic non-emergency medical **transportation** to more specialized options, such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be particularly valuable for individuals who are unable to drive or who require assistance with mobility.

The cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services can be a significant factor, especially for individuals with limited financial resources. The distance from Bokeelia to major medical centers, coupled with the frequency of appointments, can quickly accumulate substantial **transportation** expenses.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands operate in Southwest Florida, including:

* **American Medical Response (AMR):** Offers both emergency and non-emergency medical **transportation**.
* **First Response Ambulance:** Provides non-emergency medical **transportation** services.
* **CareRide:** Specializes in non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
* **MedStar Medical Transport:** Offers a range of medical **transportation** services, including stretcher and wheelchair transport.

It is crucial to research and compare the services and costs of different providers to find the most suitable option.

**The Support Network: Beyond Treatment**

The "Breast Cancer Score" also considers the availability of support services, such as support groups, counseling, and financial assistance. While Bokeelia itself may not have these resources, residents can access them in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen, and local hospitals often offer support groups and resources.

The distance and **transportation** challenges can make accessing these support services more difficult. This underscores the importance of proactive planning, utilizing online resources, and leveraging the support of family and friends.

**Conclusion: A Call for Awareness**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Bokeelia highlights the critical importance of **transportation** in accessing **healthcare access**. While the area offers a peaceful lifestyle, the geographical isolation presents significant challenges for individuals needing breast cancer care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services create a complex landscape.

For individuals **moving to Bokeelia**, a thorough assessment of **transportation** needs and the availability of medical services is crucial. Proactive planning, including researching **transportation** options, identifying medical providers, and exploring support services, is essential.

The community, healthcare providers, and local authorities can collaborate to improve **healthcare access** for Bokeelia residents. This could involve exploring options for expanding public transit, partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates, and advocating for increased medical transport services. By addressing these challenges, the community can help ensure that residents of Bokeelia have equitable access to the vital care they need. The journey to recovery is challenging enough; access to care should not be an additional burden.