31419, Savannah, Georgia Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 31419, Savannah, Georgia is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.93 percent of residents in 31419 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 4.96 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Joseph's Hospital - Savannah with a distance of 2.20 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 31419

Considering a move to Savannah, Georgia, and specifically the 31419 ZIP code? This area, encompassing parts of the Isle of Hope and surrounding neighborhoods, offers a charming coastal lifestyle. However, when assessing any new location, especially for those prioritizing healthcare access, a thorough understanding of transportation options is crucial. This write-up provides a "Breast Cancer Score" analysis, focusing on transportation to key healthcare facilities relevant for breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and support within the 31419 ZIP code.

The "Breast Cancer Score" isn't a formal metric, but rather a qualitative assessment considering the ease of transportation to essential healthcare resources. It evaluates drive times, public transit accessibility, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation options, all vital factors influencing healthcare access. This analysis considers the specific needs of individuals facing breast cancer, acknowledging the frequent appointments, potential side effects of treatment, and the importance of timely access to care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

Navigating Savannah's roadways is a core element of healthcare access. From the 31419 ZIP code, several major healthcare providers are within a reasonable driving distance. Memorial Health University Medical Center, a comprehensive facility offering oncology services, is generally accessible via the Truman Parkway. The drive, typically around 15-20 minutes, can fluctuate depending on traffic, especially during peak hours. The Truman Parkway itself provides a relatively smooth and direct route, however, bottlenecks may occur at intersections.

St. Joseph's/Candler, another prominent hospital system, is reachable via several routes. Taking the Isle of Hope Road and then merging onto the Abercorn Street Extension, or using the Truman Parkway to connect with the Oglethorpe Avenue, are common routes. Drive times vary from 20-30 minutes, again contingent on traffic conditions. The Abercorn Street Extension can experience congestion, particularly during rush hour, impacting healthcare access.

Smaller clinics and specialized facilities, such as those offering imaging or radiation therapy, are often located throughout the city. These facilities may be closer, with drive times varying from 5-15 minutes. Navigating local roads, like Skidaway Road and Waters Avenue, is essential for reaching these locations. These routes, though shorter, can also be subject to traffic delays.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Chatham Area Transit (CAT)**

Public transportation plays a crucial role for those without personal vehicles or who prefer not to drive. The Chatham Area Transit (CAT) provides bus service throughout Savannah, including routes that serve the 31419 ZIP code. However, the accessibility of public transit to healthcare facilities requires careful consideration.

Several CAT routes offer connections to major healthcare providers. Route 10, which runs along Abercorn Street, provides access to Memorial Health. Route 14, traversing Waters Avenue, offers a connection to St. Joseph's/Candler. However, the frequency of these routes, particularly during evenings and weekends, can be a limiting factor.

For individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, the physical demands of navigating public transit, including walking to bus stops, waiting in potentially inclement weather, and the length of the overall journey, can be challenging. While CAT strives to provide ADA-accessible buses, with ramps and designated seating, the overall experience may not always be optimal for those experiencing fatigue or mobility issues.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft offer a convenient alternative to driving or relying solely on public transit. These services are readily available in Savannah and provide on-demand transportation to healthcare facilities. Ride-sharing offers the benefit of door-to-door service, eliminating the need to walk to bus stops or navigate parking challenges.

However, ride-sharing costs can accumulate, especially with frequent appointments. For individuals with limited financial resources, the expense can become a significant barrier to healthcare access. Furthermore, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer a specialized solution. These services, such as CareRide and others, provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. Medical transportation services often offer door-to-door service, assisting with mobility and ensuring patients reach their appointments safely and comfortably.

These services are particularly valuable for individuals who require assistance with mobility, are unable to drive, or prefer not to rely on public transit or ride-sharing. However, medical transportation services typically require advance booking and may have associated costs, which should be factored into the overall healthcare access assessment.

**Breast Cancer Score Summary for 31419:**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for the 31419 ZIP code is moderately favorable, but with caveats. Drive times to major healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, but traffic congestion can impact accessibility. Public transit offers connections, but frequency and accessibility can be limitations. Ride-sharing provides a convenient option, but costs and availability should be considered. Medical transportation services offer a specialized solution, but require planning and may have associated costs.

**Moving to Savannah: Considerations for Healthcare Access:**

For individuals considering a move to Savannah and prioritizing healthcare access, careful planning is essential. Researching the specific healthcare providers and services needed, assessing the proximity of these facilities to potential residences, and evaluating the available transportation options are crucial steps.

Living within close proximity to major roadways, such as the Truman Parkway, can significantly improve drive times. Exploring the availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation options in the area is also advisable. Understanding the CAT routes and schedules is beneficial, even if not the primary mode of transportation.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" for the 31419 ZIP code highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare access. While Savannah offers a range of healthcare resources, carefully evaluating transportation options and planning for potential challenges is essential for ensuring timely and convenient access to care. This proactive approach will contribute to a smoother transition and a more positive healthcare experience for those moving to Savannah.