28759, Mills River, North Carolina Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 28759, Mills River, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.94 percent of residents in 28759 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Margaret R Pardee Memorial Hospital with a distance of 8.21 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mills River (28759)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as significant as breast cancer, demands more than just medical expertise. It requires a thoughtful consideration of **transportation**, a critical component that shapes **healthcare access** and influences patient outcomes. This analysis, tailored to the ZIP Code 28759 (Mills River, North Carolina), assesses the availability and accessibility of breast cancer care, focusing on the practical realities of getting there. This is crucial for anyone **moving to Mills River** or seeking care within the area.

Mills River, nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, offers a serene lifestyle. However, its relative remoteness necessitates a careful examination of how residents can reach vital healthcare services. The "Breast Cancer Score" considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport to paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities.

The primary arteries for **transportation** in and out of Mills River are US-25 and US-25A. These highways, while scenic, can experience congestion, particularly during peak hours. Heading north on US-25, the drive to Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville, a facility offering comprehensive cancer care, is approximately 15-20 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. This is a relatively favorable drive time. However, the journey to larger hospitals in Asheville, such as Mission Hospital, a more specialized center for cancer treatment, involves a longer drive, typically around 30-45 minutes via US-25 or US-25A, depending on traffic flow.

Driving south on US-25, the options become more limited. The closest facilities offering breast cancer screening and initial treatment are still likely to be in Hendersonville or Asheville. This means the drive times remain similar to those mentioned above. The condition of the roads, particularly during inclement weather, can also affect travel times and safety, adding another layer of complexity to the equation.

Public **transportation** options in Mills River are limited. The Asheville Transit System (ATS) primarily serves the city of Asheville and its surrounding areas. While the ATS does offer some routes that extend into the broader region, their frequency and coverage in Mills River are minimal. There are no dedicated routes that directly serve the 28759 ZIP Code. This lack of public transit significantly impacts **healthcare access** for those who do not drive or cannot afford the costs associated with other modes of **transportation**. ADA accessibility on the few available routes is variable, and reliance on public transit for cancer treatment appointments, including chemotherapy and radiation, is a significant challenge.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Mills River area. However, their availability can fluctuate depending on demand and driver availability, particularly during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier for some patients, especially those requiring frequent trips for treatment. The reliability of these services for scheduled appointments is a critical consideration.

Medical **transportation** services are available, though they often come with higher costs. Companies like First Medical Transportation and MedTrans offer specialized services for patients with mobility limitations or those requiring assistance. These services provide door-to-door **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The availability of these services in Mills River is generally good, but booking in advance is essential, and the cost can be a significant financial burden.

The Breast Cancer Score for Mills River, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Hendersonville offers relatively quick access to some level of care, the reliance on personal vehicles or costly alternatives for access to more comprehensive cancer centers in Asheville presents a significant hurdle. The lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services exacerbate these challenges, particularly for those with limited mobility or financial resources.

For individuals **moving to Mills River** or currently residing there and facing a breast cancer diagnosis, meticulous planning is essential. This includes assessing the availability of family or friends to provide **transportation**, exploring financial assistance programs to cover **transportation** costs, and proactively scheduling appointments to account for potential delays.

The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for improved **healthcare access** in Mills River. This could include advocating for expanded public transit routes, partnering with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates for medical appointments, and increasing awareness of available medical **transportation** programs.

The journey through breast cancer is challenging enough. Ensuring reliable and affordable **transportation** to healthcare facilities is not just a logistical concern; it is a matter of ensuring equitable access to care and improving the overall quality of life for those affected by this disease. Addressing these **transportation** challenges is crucial for making Mills River a truly supportive community for individuals battling breast cancer.