37366, Pelham, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37366, Pelham, Tennessee is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.57 percent of residents in 37366 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southern Tennessee Regional Hlth System Winchester with a distance of 15.29 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pelham, TN (ZIP Code 37366)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for critical needs like breast cancer screening and treatment, is a complex equation. It's not simply about the availability of medical professionals; it's about the ease and accessibility of *transportation* to reach them. This write-up analyzes the *healthcare access* landscape for residents of Pelham, Tennessee (ZIP code 37366), focusing on the critical aspect of how individuals can physically reach the necessary medical facilities. For those considering *moving to Pelham*, this analysis offers a crucial insight into the practical realities of managing healthcare needs.

Pelham, nestled in the heart of Grundy County, presents a unique set of *transportation* challenges. The rural nature of the area, coupled with limited public transit options, necessitates a thorough understanding of available resources. The “Breast Cancer Score” for this region considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, all crucial factors in determining the ease with which residents can access potentially life-saving breast cancer care.

**Drive Times: The Dominant Mode of Transportation**

For many Pelham residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of *transportation*. The drive times to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care facilities are a significant factor in the Breast Cancer Score. The most direct route often involves navigating the winding roads of Grundy County, connecting to major highways.

The primary artery for travel is likely to be US-41, a major north-south thoroughfare. Heading north on US-41, residents can access facilities in and around Manchester, Tennessee, including those affiliated with the local hospital. The drive time to Manchester, depending on the exact location within Pelham, can range from 20 to 40 minutes. This drive, while manageable, requires careful planning, especially considering potential traffic and weather conditions.

Alternatively, traveling south on US-41 offers access to facilities in and around Monteagle and Sewanee. These locations may offer specialized services or diagnostic capabilities. The drive south, while geographically closer, may involve navigating more challenging terrain and potentially slower speeds due to winding roads. The drive time to these locations is generally within the 15 to 30-minute range.

For those seeking more comprehensive care, including specialized oncologists and advanced treatment options, a trip to Chattanooga, Tennessee, becomes necessary. This journey requires a longer drive, primarily via I-24 East. The drive time to Chattanooga can range from one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This longer commute underscores the importance of early detection and proactive screening, as well as the need for effective *transportation* planning.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public *transportation* options in Pelham are extremely limited. Grundy County, like many rural areas, lacks a robust public transit system. This severely restricts *healthcare access* for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

While specific bus routes and schedules are subject to change, the availability of public *transportation* is generally minimal. This means that residents who rely on public transit face significant challenges in accessing healthcare services, including breast cancer screenings and treatment.

The lack of public transit highlights the importance of alternative *transportation* options, such as ride-sharing services and medical transport providers. It also emphasizes the need for community-based initiatives to address the *healthcare access* gap.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution for *transportation* challenges. However, the availability of these services in Pelham may be limited, and wait times could be longer than in urban areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for frequent medical appointments.

Medical transport services, such as those offered by private companies, provide specialized *transportation* for individuals with medical needs. These services often offer door-to-door *transportation*, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, these services can be expensive and may require advance booking.

The availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services are crucial factors in determining the Breast Cancer Score for Pelham. These services can help bridge the *healthcare access* gap, but their limitations must be considered.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

Any assessment of *healthcare access* must consider the needs of individuals with disabilities. Public *transportation*, ride-sharing services, and medical transport providers must adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. This includes providing accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist individuals with mobility challenges.

The availability of ADA-compliant *transportation* is a crucial factor in ensuring that all residents of Pelham can access the healthcare services they need.

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

The Breast Cancer Score for Pelham, TN (37366) is a complex metric. It is influenced by drive times, the availability of public *transportation*, the presence of ride-sharing services, the availability of medical transport, and the accessibility of these services for individuals with disabilities.

The score reflects the overall ease with which residents can access breast cancer screening and treatment facilities. The longer drive times to comprehensive care centers, the limited public *transportation* options, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a lower score.

For individuals *moving to Pelham*, understanding the Breast Cancer Score is essential for planning their healthcare needs. Proactive screening, early detection, and careful planning are critical for navigating the *healthcare access* landscape. The community must work together to improve *transportation* options, promote awareness, and ensure that all residents have access to the potentially life-saving care they need.