02724, Fall River, Massachusetts Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 02724, Fall River, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.25 percent of residents in 02724 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.13 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Saint Anne's Hospital with a distance of 0.58 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Fall River (ZIP Code 02724)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not just the medical expertise of physicians and the support of loved ones, but also the crucial element of *transportation*. This analysis focuses on *healthcare access* for residents of Fall River, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02724), assessing the ease with which individuals can reach essential breast cancer services. For anyone *moving to Fall River*, understanding these transportation dynamics is paramount. This write-up considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, offering a comprehensive 'Breast Cancer Score' to illuminate the landscape.

Fall River, a city steeped in history and revitalizing its urban core, presents a unique transportation environment. Its location, nestled near the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border, influences commuting patterns. The city's layout, with its winding roads and historic architecture, shapes how residents access medical facilities. The Breast Cancer Score considers these factors, aiming to provide a realistic appraisal of the challenges and opportunities.

**Drive Times: The Road to Recovery**

For many, the private automobile remains the primary mode of *transportation*. The major arteries serving Fall River are critical to understanding *healthcare access*. The primary route is Interstate 195 (I-195), which slices through the city, connecting it eastward to Cape Cod and westward to Providence, Rhode Island. This highway is a lifeline, but its congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times to medical appointments.

From central Fall River, a drive to Saint Anne's Hospital, a key healthcare provider in the city, is typically a short one, often achievable within 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic on roads like Pleasant Street and Highland Avenue. However, accessing specialized breast cancer centers, such as those in Providence, Rhode Island, or Boston, Massachusetts, necessitates longer journeys. A drive to Providence, utilizing I-195 West, can take 30-45 minutes, again contingent on traffic conditions.

Venturing further, to Boston, requires navigating the complexities of I-195 West to I-95 North, and then onto I-93 North. This journey can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a significant commitment in terms of time and energy. The Breast Cancer Score must reflect these extended travel times, particularly considering the potential for fatigue and the need for frequent medical appointments.

The condition of local roads also matters. Roads like North Main Street and South Main Street, while providing direct access to some medical facilities, can be prone to potholes and congestion. These factors contribute to the overall transportation experience.

**Public Transit: Navigating the Network**

For those without access to a personal vehicle, public transit is a vital component of *healthcare access*. The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) provides bus services within Fall River and to neighboring communities. Several routes are relevant for accessing breast cancer services.

The Route 1 bus, for instance, often serves as a key connector, running along major thoroughfares and providing access to medical facilities. Route 2, another crucial line, connects various parts of the city, potentially offering access to diagnostic centers and treatment facilities. The Breast Cancer Score must acknowledge the limitations of bus transit.

While SRTA strives to offer accessible services, including ADA-compliant buses with ramps and priority seating, the frequency of service can be a barrier. Waiting times, particularly during off-peak hours, can be substantial. Furthermore, the need to transfer between routes can add significant time to the journey.

The Breast Cancer Score will also consider the availability of real-time tracking information for SRTA buses, which can assist patients in planning their trips more effectively. The provision of shelters at bus stops, particularly during inclement weather, is another crucial factor in enhancing the overall *transportation* experience.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, offering an alternative to both driving and public transit. In Fall River, these services are generally available, providing on-demand *transportation* to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

The Breast Cancer Score will evaluate the average cost of ride-sharing trips to various medical facilities, comparing them to the cost of public transit. It will also consider the availability of ride-sharing services during off-peak hours and the reliability of their service.

Medical *transportation* services, specifically designed to cater to the needs of patients with mobility limitations or other medical requirements, also play a critical role. Companies like MedRide and CareRide specialize in providing non-emergency medical *transportation*. These services often offer door-to-door service, ensuring patients can travel comfortably and safely.

The Breast Cancer Score will include an assessment of the availability and cost of medical *transportation* services in Fall River, considering factors such as insurance coverage and the types of vehicles available. The ability of these services to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices is also a key consideration.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for ZIP Code 02724 is not a simple numerical rating. It's a comprehensive evaluation of the *transportation* landscape, considering the interplay of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical *transportation* services.

The score will incorporate several key metrics: average drive times to various medical facilities, frequency of SRTA bus service on relevant routes, the cost of ride-sharing trips, the availability of medical *transportation* services, and the accessibility features of public transit.

The Breast Cancer Score will also consider the proximity of medical facilities to residential areas, the availability of parking, and the overall ease of navigating the city's *transportation* network.

For individuals *moving to Fall River* and facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the Breast Cancer Score will provide a valuable resource. It will empower them to make informed decisions about where to live, how to access medical care, and how to navigate the challenges of *transportation*. The goal is to facilitate *healthcare access* and reduce the burden of *transportation*, allowing patients to focus on their health and well-being. The Breast Cancer Score will be a dynamic tool, reflecting the evolving *transportation* landscape and the ongoing efforts to improve *healthcare access* for all residents of Fall River.