The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 37642, Church Hill, Tennessee is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
65.00 percent of residents in 37642 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center with a distance of 8.58 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 37642, Church Hill, Tennessee
Breast Cancer Score | 49 |
---|---|
People Score | 27 |
Provider Score | 84 |
Hospital Score | 30 |
Travel Score | 50 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 37642 | Church Hill | Tennessee |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 0.39 | 0.39 | 1.84 |
1 Car | 11.49 | 11.49 | 17.99 |
2 Cars | 42.52 | 42.52 | 40.14 |
3 or More Cars | 45.60 | 45.60 | 40.03 |
Vehicular Access in 37642, Church Hill, Tennessee
**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Church Hill, Tennessee (ZIP Code 37642)**
Church Hill, Tennessee, a community nestled in the rolling hills of Hawkins County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access, particularly concerning breast cancer screening and treatment. The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP code 37642 considers the multifaceted challenges of transportation, a critical factor in ensuring timely and effective healthcare for residents. This analysis delves into the realities of commuting to healthcare facilities, exploring drive times, public transit options, ride-share availability, and medical transport services. The goal is to paint a clear picture of the accessibility challenges and opportunities for those seeking breast cancer care in this rural setting.
The primary challenge for residents of Church Hill is distance. While the town itself offers a sense of community, specialized healthcare services, including comprehensive breast cancer care, are often located in larger urban centers like Kingsport and Johnson City. This necessitates reliable transportation. The journey to these facilities can be time-consuming, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. The Breast Cancer Score, therefore, weighs heavily on the efficiency and availability of transportation options.
Driving is the most common mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in this region. Residents rely heavily on their personal vehicles to navigate the network of highways and roads. The primary artery connecting Church Hill to larger cities is **Interstate 81 (I-81)**. This interstate provides relatively direct access to Kingsport, approximately 20 miles away, and Johnson City, around 40 miles distant. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.
Accessing healthcare facilities in Kingsport requires navigating local roads like **Highway 11W** and **Lynn Garden Drive**. Similarly, the journey to Johnson City often involves traveling on **Highway 11E** and **State of Franklin Road**. These routes, while generally well-maintained, can be subject to delays due to accidents, construction, or weather conditions. The Breast Cancer Score considers these variables, factoring in potential travel time fluctuations and the impact on a patient’s ability to keep appointments.
Public transportation options in Church Hill are limited. The availability of public transit is a crucial component of the Breast Cancer Score, especially for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. Unfortunately, the region’s public transportation infrastructure is underdeveloped. The primary provider of public transit in the area is the **Kingsport Area Transit System (KATS)**. However, KATS’s service area is primarily focused on Kingsport and does not offer frequent or direct routes to Church Hill.
The KATS system operates a fixed-route bus service, but the routes that may serve Church Hill are limited in frequency and may not offer direct connections to medical facilities. The Breast Cancer Score recognizes the inadequacy of public transit, acknowledging that it does not meet the needs of many residents. ADA accessibility is a critical consideration, and KATS buses are equipped with features like ramps and lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, the limited routes and schedules remain a significant barrier to healthcare access.
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative transportation solution. The Breast Cancer Score evaluates the availability and cost-effectiveness of these services in Church Hill. The presence of ride-share services can be a significant advantage, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the availability of drivers can vary depending on the time of day and demand.
The cost of ride-share services can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly those with limited financial resources. The Breast Cancer Score considers the affordability of ride-share services, recognizing that the cost can be a significant burden for patients undergoing treatment or frequent appointments. The score also considers the reliability of ride-share services, factoring in potential wait times and the risk of driver cancellations.
Medical transportation services are another crucial element of the Breast Cancer Score. These services are specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, often providing specialized assistance for those with mobility limitations or other healthcare needs. Several medical transport providers operate in the region, including companies like **LifeCare Ambulance Service** and **American Medical Response (AMR)**.
These services offer a range of transportation options, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher transport. The Breast Cancer Score evaluates the availability, cost, and responsiveness of these services. The score considers the ability of medical transport providers to accommodate urgent requests and the availability of trained medical personnel to assist patients during transport.
The availability of medical transport is a critical factor, particularly for patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which often require frequent appointments. The Breast Cancer Score acknowledges the vital role of medical transport in ensuring that patients can access the care they need, regardless of their physical limitations or transportation challenges. The score also considers the coordination between medical transport providers and healthcare facilities, ensuring that patients arrive at their appointments on time and with minimal stress.
The Breast Cancer Score for Church Hill, Tennessee (ZIP code 37642) is a complex assessment, acknowledging the interplay of transportation, healthcare access, and the unique challenges of a rural community. The score considers the distances to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of various transportation options, and the affordability of these services. The score also considers the specific needs of breast cancer patients, including the frequency of appointments, the potential for mobility limitations, and the importance of timely access to care.
For individuals considering moving to Church Hill or for those already residing in the area, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The Breast Cancer Score provides a valuable framework for assessing healthcare access and identifying potential barriers to care. The score highlights the need for improved public transportation, increased ride-share availability, and enhanced medical transport services to ensure that all residents have equal access to vital healthcare, including breast cancer screening and treatment. The score also underscores the importance of community support and advocacy to address the transportation challenges and improve the overall health outcomes for residents of Church Hill.
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