35036, Brookside, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35036, Brookside, Alabama is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 35036 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.80 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Medical West, An Affiliate Of Uab Health System with a distance of 19.20 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Brookside, Alabama (ZIP Code 35036)

Brookside, Alabama, a town nestled in Jefferson County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for its residents, particularly concerning healthcare access. This analysis focuses on evaluating the ease of **transportation** to and from healthcare facilities for individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. We'll delve into the realities of navigating the roads, public transit, and alternative **transportation** options, culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" designed to reflect the overall accessibility of care within and around ZIP Code 35036. This is crucial information for anyone **moving to Brookside**, as proximity to quality healthcare is paramount, especially when battling a serious illness.

The primary factor influencing healthcare access in Brookside is the availability and efficiency of **transportation**. The town's location, while offering a sense of community, necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. The major thoroughfare serving the area is Interstate 22, offering relatively quick access to Birmingham, the nearest metropolitan center with comprehensive medical facilities. However, the drive on I-22 can be subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours, potentially adding significant time and stress for patients needing urgent care or frequent appointments.

Beyond I-22, residents utilize local roads such as Brookside-Kimberly Road and Warrior-Brookside Road to navigate the area. These roads, while offering access to local amenities, can be winding and narrow, contributing to longer travel times, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those relying on emergency services. The condition of these roads, including potential potholes or inadequate lighting, can also exacerbate the challenges of **transportation**, particularly during inclement weather.

Public **transportation** options in Brookside are limited. The Birmingham-Jefferson County TransitBirmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA), also known as MAX, provides some bus service within the broader Birmingham area. However, direct routes to and from Brookside are scarce, and the reliance on transfers to reach major hospitals and cancer treatment centers in Birmingham significantly increases travel time. This is a critical consideration for lung cancer patients, who often require frequent appointments for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

The MAX system, while offering some ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible features on its buses, such as ramps and priority seating, the overall infrastructure presents challenges. The distance between bus stops and residences, combined with the potential for long wait times and transfers, can create significant barriers for individuals with mobility issues, making it difficult to access healthcare.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer an alternative **transportation** option. However, their availability and affordability in Brookside can vary. While these services provide door-to-door **transportation**, the cost can quickly accumulate, especially for frequent appointments. The reliability of ride-sharing services, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather, also needs to be considered.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Companies like CareRide and MedRide specialize in providing non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. These services can be invaluable for lung cancer patients who require assistance with mobility or are unable to drive. However, the availability of these services in Brookside, along with their associated costs, needs careful evaluation.

The distance to healthcare facilities is a crucial factor in determining the "Lung Cancer Score." The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital, a major cancer treatment center, is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Brookside via I-22, assuming normal traffic conditions. Other hospitals, such as St. Vincent's Birmingham and Brookwood Baptist Medical Center, are also within a reasonable driving distance, but the travel time can vary depending on traffic and the specific route taken.

The "Lung Cancer Score" will consider the following elements: the average drive time to the nearest major cancer treatment centers, the availability and accessibility of public **transportation**, the cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, the availability of medical **transportation** services, and the overall road conditions within and around Brookside. Each factor will be assigned a weighted value, reflecting its relative importance in determining healthcare access.

The score will be presented on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 representing very poor access and 10 representing excellent access. A score of 5-6 would indicate moderate access, suggesting that while healthcare is available, there are significant challenges related to **transportation**. A score below 5 would indicate a concerning level of difficulty in accessing care, potentially impacting the timeliness and quality of treatment.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" for Brookside, Alabama (ZIP Code 35036) is estimated to be a 5.5. This score reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** Relatively good access to major hospitals via I-22, with average drive times of 20-30 minutes.
* **Public Transit:** Limited public transit options, with reliance on transfers, making it less ideal for frequent appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing services are available, but cost and reliability can be a concern.
* **Medical Transportation:** Medical **transportation** services are available, but their cost and availability require further investigation.
* **Road Conditions:** Local roads can be challenging, particularly during inclement weather.

This score indicates that while healthcare is accessible, there are significant challenges related to **transportation** that can impact the quality of care for lung cancer patients. The limited public **transportation** options and the reliance on personal vehicles create barriers for individuals who cannot drive or have limited mobility. The cost and reliability of ride-sharing services, along with the need for medical **transportation** services, add further complexities.

For individuals **moving to Brookside** or those already residing in the area, understanding these factors is crucial. Planning for **transportation** needs, exploring available resources, and advocating for improved public **transportation** options are essential steps in ensuring that residents have timely and equitable access to healthcare, particularly for those battling serious illnesses like lung cancer. This analysis serves as a starting point for a more in-depth exploration of healthcare access in Brookside, highlighting the need for continued efforts to improve the **transportation** infrastructure and support services for all residents.