38076, Williston, Tennessee Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 38076, Williston, Tennessee is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

37.17 percent of residents in 38076 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 24.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital with a distance of 25.57 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Williston, TN (ZIP Code 38076)

The decision to move to a new town, like Williston, Tennessee (ZIP code 38076), often involves a complex web of considerations. Beyond the charm of small-town living and the allure of affordable housing, prospective residents must assess critical elements, including healthcare access. For women, this assessment becomes particularly vital, especially concerning breast cancer screening and treatment. This write-up provides a “Breast Cancer Score” for Williston, focusing on transportation and its impact on healthcare access, offering a clear picture for informed decision-making.

Williston, nestled in Hardeman County, presents a unique challenge. While the town itself is small, its proximity to larger cities like Memphis and Jackson, where advanced medical facilities reside, is crucial. The score considers the ease of transportation to these centers, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport. This score aims to provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities for women seeking breast cancer care in Williston.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Foundation of Healthcare Access**

The primary mode of transportation for most Williston residents is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. This reliance underscores the importance of understanding drive times to relevant healthcare facilities. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer care options are in Memphis, approximately 80 miles west, and Jackson, about 60 miles east.

Traveling to Memphis typically involves taking **Highway 64** west. Traffic conditions, especially during peak hours, can significantly impact travel time. Expect a drive of around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the specific location of the medical facility within Memphis. **Interstate 22 (I-22)** offers an alternative route, potentially shortening the journey, but requires navigating a more complex network of roads.

Heading east to Jackson, the primary route is **Highway 64** east. The drive is generally shorter, averaging 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Traffic is typically less congested than in Memphis, but weather conditions can still affect travel times. Careful planning and awareness of road conditions are crucial for timely access to appointments and treatments.

**Public Transit: A Limited but Existing Option**

Public transportation options in Williston are limited, reflecting the rural nature of the area. There is no dedicated public transit system serving Williston itself. The closest public transit options are available in Memphis and Jackson, but accessing these systems from Williston requires a significant commute.

For those without personal vehicles, relying on public transit for healthcare access is challenging. The lack of readily available public transportation significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Williston, but their reliability and availability can vary. While they offer a convenient option for occasional trips, relying on them for regular medical appointments might be problematic, especially during peak hours or in inclement weather. Costs can also be a significant factor, potentially making ride-sharing an expensive solution for frequent travel.

Specialized medical transport services provide a vital link for individuals who cannot drive or lack access to other transportation. These services, such as those offered by private companies or non-profit organizations, cater specifically to medical appointments. While these services can be more expensive than ride-sharing, they offer a more reliable and often more comfortable option, especially for patients undergoing treatment or with mobility limitations.

**Medical Facilities and Their Impact on the Score**

The Breast Cancer Score is heavily influenced by the proximity and quality of healthcare facilities. While Williston itself lacks specialized cancer centers, the availability of comprehensive care in Memphis and Jackson is a positive factor.

Memphis boasts several renowned medical centers, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Healthcare, and Baptist Memorial Hospital. These facilities offer a wide range of breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials.

Jackson, although smaller than Memphis, also has reputable healthcare providers, including Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. This facility provides comprehensive cancer care services, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The distance to these facilities, coupled with the transportation challenges, directly impacts the Breast Cancer Score. The score reflects the necessity for residents to travel significant distances for specialized care, emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation options.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Composite Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Williston, TN (38076) is moderately impacted by the transportation landscape. The score considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The relatively long drive times to Memphis and Jackson, particularly during peak traffic, negatively affect the score.
* **Public Transit:** The absence of a local public transit system significantly lowers the score.
* **Ride-Sharing:** The variable availability and potential cost of ride-sharing services have a neutral impact.
* **Medical Transport:** The availability of specialized medical transport services provides a positive, but limited, impact.
* **Proximity to Healthcare Facilities:** The presence of comprehensive cancer care facilities in Memphis and Jackson offers a significant positive factor.

**Recommendations for Moving to Williston**

For women considering moving to Williston, TN (38076), understanding these factors is crucial. Here are some recommendations:

* **Assess Transportation Needs:** Evaluate your ability to drive and the availability of a reliable vehicle.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport Options:** Research local ride-sharing services and medical transport providers.
* **Plan for Travel Time:** Factor in travel time to Memphis or Jackson for appointments and treatments.
* **Consider Insurance Coverage:** Ensure your health insurance covers transportation costs.
* **Build a Support Network:** Establish a support network of family, friends, or community members who can assist with transportation.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective**

Williston offers a peaceful lifestyle, but prospective residents must acknowledge the transportation challenges impacting healthcare access. While the Breast Cancer Score is affected by the distance to specialized medical facilities, the availability of comprehensive care in Memphis and Jackson, coupled with the potential of ride-sharing and medical transport, provides a degree of access.

Moving to Williston requires careful planning and a proactive approach to healthcare. By understanding the transportation landscape and taking the necessary steps to ensure reliable access to care, women can make informed decisions and prioritize their health and well-being. The journey to healthcare in Williston requires careful navigation, but with planning and resources, a healthy life is within reach.