Health Scores Near 35013, Allgood, Alabama
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The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35013, Allgood, Alabama is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
0.00 percent of residents in 35013 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 26.26 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is St Vincent's St Clair with a distance of 24.60 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 35013, Allgood, Alabama
| Lung Cancer Score | 18 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 83 |
| Provider Score | 8 |
| Hospital Score | 41 |
| Travel Score | 9 |
| Housholds with Cars (%) | 35013 | Allgood | Alabama |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.85 |
| 1 Car | 0.00 | 0.00 | 18.18 |
| 2 Cars | 0.00 | 0.00 | 39.34 |
| 3 or More Cars | 100.00 | 100.00 | 40.63 |
Vehicular Access in 35013, Allgood, Alabama
## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in ZIP Code 35013
The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and possibility in Allgood, Alabama, ZIP code 35013. But beneath the surface of this rural haven lies a complex reality: the fight against lung cancer. This write-up explores the crucial link between transportation and healthcare access for residents of 35013, providing a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment based on available resources and potential challenges. This score illuminates the landscape, helping individuals understand the hurdles and opportunities they face in their journey to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
The Lung Cancer Score isn't a numerical grade; it's a comprehensive evaluation. It considers the time and effort required to reach essential healthcare services, encompassing drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and specialized medical transport. The aim is to paint a vivid picture of the transportation landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
**The Highway to Healthcare: Driving Dynamics**
For residents of 35013, personal vehicles are often the primary mode of transportation. The nearest major healthcare facilities are located in Oneonta, Birmingham, and Gadsden. Reaching these destinations necessitates navigating a network of highways and local roads.
Driving to Oneonta, the closest city with a hospital, typically involves a journey along County Road 29 and Alabama Highway 75. This drive, approximately 10-15 minutes, offers relatively straightforward access to local medical services. However, specialized care, such as advanced oncology, may require travel further afield.
Birmingham, approximately 45-60 minutes away, becomes the next major healthcare hub. The journey often begins on Alabama Highway 75, merging onto Interstate 65 South. This route, while primarily highway driving, can be subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours. This adds a significant variable to the commute time, potentially impacting the timely access to crucial medical appointments.
Gadsden, another potential destination, lies approximately 45-60 minutes east, accessible via Alabama Highway 75 and U.S. Highway 411. This route, while offering a different set of healthcare options, presents similar challenges in terms of travel time and potential traffic delays.
**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**
Public transit options in 35013 are extremely limited. Blount County does not have a county-wide public transit system. This lack of a robust public transportation infrastructure presents a significant barrier for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, those with mobility limitations, or those unable to drive.
The absence of a reliable public transit system underscores the critical importance of alternative transportation solutions, particularly for those facing the challenges of lung cancer. The ability to reach medical appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and follow-up care becomes a paramount concern.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Birmingham area. However, their presence in 35013 is less consistent, and their availability can be affected by factors such as driver availability and demand. The cost of ride-sharing can also become a significant financial burden, especially for frequent medical appointments.
Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer specialized support for individuals with medical needs. These services are crucial for patients who require assistance with mobility or have other medical conditions that make driving difficult or impossible. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and pre-booking is often required.
**The Lung Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**
The Lung Cancer Score for 35013 reflects a complex interplay of factors. The relatively short drive to Oneonta offers a degree of convenience for basic medical needs. However, the longer travel times to Birmingham and Gadsden, coupled with the limited public transit options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services, present significant challenges.
The lack of a robust public transit system, combined with the potential for traffic delays and the financial burden of ride-sharing, creates a vulnerable situation for lung cancer patients. Individuals without reliable transportation face significant barriers to accessing timely and appropriate care.
**The Impact on Healthcare Access**
The challenges in transportation directly impact healthcare access. Delays in reaching medical appointments can lead to delayed diagnoses, treatment initiation, and follow-up care. This can have a detrimental effect on patient outcomes, potentially leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
The stress and anxiety associated with navigating transportation challenges can also negatively affect a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The constant worry about getting to appointments, the financial strain of transportation costs, and the potential for delays can add to the already overwhelming burden of a lung cancer diagnosis.
**Moving to Allgood: Considerations for Prospective Residents**
For individuals considering moving to Allgood, 35013, the Lung Cancer Score provides crucial insights. Prospective residents, particularly those with a history of lung cancer or other respiratory illnesses, should carefully consider the transportation landscape.
The proximity to Birmingham and Gadsden, while offering access to specialized care, necessitates careful planning and consideration of transportation options. The lack of public transit and the potential for traffic delays require proactive strategies, such as exploring ride-sharing options, identifying medical transport services, and ensuring access to a reliable personal vehicle.
**Recommendations and Future Directions**
Improving healthcare access in 35013 requires a multifaceted approach. Investing in public transit infrastructure, even if it starts with a limited route, could significantly improve access to healthcare for residents. Partnering with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also help reduce financial barriers.
Promoting awareness of medical transport services and providing assistance with navigating the complex system is crucial. Supporting community-based initiatives that offer transportation assistance, such as volunteer driver programs, could also make a significant difference.
The Lung Cancer Score serves as a call to action. It highlights the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. By addressing the transportation challenges, the community can improve the lives of lung cancer patients and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to receive timely and appropriate care. The journey to healthcare in 35013 demands a commitment to improving access, creating a healthier future for all.
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