Lung Cancer Score

36353, Newville, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

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Travel Score in 36353, Newville, Alabama

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36353, Newville, Alabama is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

46.95 percent of residents in 36353 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.46 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Southeast Health Medical Center with a distance of 14.24 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 36353, Newville, Alabama

Lung Cancer Score 20
People Score 45
Provider Score 16
Hospital Score 43
Travel Score 42

Closest Hospital - SOUTHEAST HEALTH MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 36353 Newville Alabama
No Cars 3.66 3.66 1.85
1 Car 10.55 10.55 18.18
2 Cars 21.80 21.80 39.34
3 or More Cars 63.99 63.99 40.63

Vehicular Access in 36353, Newville, Alabama

Travel Score Review of 36353, Newville, Alabama

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Newville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36353)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and possibility in Newville, Alabama. But for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, the promise of this rural haven can be overshadowed by the daunting reality of healthcare access. This Lung Cancer Score examines the transportation landscape within and surrounding ZIP Code 36353, providing a crucial assessment of the challenges and opportunities for patients seeking treatment and support. Understanding the nuances of transportation is paramount, as timely and reliable access to care directly impacts survival rates and quality of life.

The very fabric of healthcare access in Newville is woven with the threads of transportation. The primary artery for movement is Alabama State Route 27, a two-lane highway that snakes its way through the heart of the community. This road connects Newville to larger towns and cities, but its limitations are clear. Traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours or adverse weather, potentially delaying critical medical appointments. Further complicating matters, the absence of sidewalks and bike lanes along much of Route 27 makes alternative modes of transport, such as walking or cycling, impractical and unsafe for many residents, especially those with mobility issues.

The nearest major healthcare facilities, including hospitals and specialized cancer centers, are located in Dothan, approximately 25 miles south of Newville. The journey to Dothan typically involves traveling on Route 27, merging onto U.S. Highway 84 East, and then navigating through the city’s traffic to reach the desired medical destination. Under ideal conditions, the drive takes around 45 minutes. However, this estimate can easily be extended due to traffic congestion, particularly during morning and afternoon commutes. This extended travel time presents a significant hurdle for patients requiring frequent treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Public transportation options in Newville are severely limited. The Wiregrass Area Transit System (WATS) provides some service within Houston County, but its routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to the needs of cancer patients. WATS routes may not directly serve Newville, and even if they do, the frequency of service is often insufficient for timely medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible vehicles, while mandated, can still be a challenge, potentially creating additional barriers for patients with disabilities. The lack of readily available public transit underscores the critical need for alternative transportation solutions for those battling lung cancer.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential lifeline for those without personal vehicles. However, their availability in Newville is inconsistent. Drivers may be scarce, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening, when appointments are frequently scheduled. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden, particularly for patients on fixed incomes or those facing substantial medical expenses. The financial strain of frequent rides can exacerbate the stress already associated with a cancer diagnosis, further hindering healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport. These services typically involve pre-booked rides, ensuring a reliable mode of transportation. However, they can be costly, and availability might be limited, especially for short-notice appointments or those requiring specialized equipment. The patient’s insurance coverage and the specific needs of the individual significantly influence the suitability of these services.

For residents considering moving to Newville, the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access should be a primary consideration. The absence of robust public transit, the limitations of ride-sharing, and the potential cost and availability issues of medical transport services necessitate careful planning. Individuals with a history of lung cancer or those at high risk should factor in the drive times to healthcare facilities, the potential for delays, and the financial implications of transportation costs. The decision to move to Newville should be informed by a realistic assessment of the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access.

The Lung Cancer Score for Newville, Alabama (36353) is significantly impacted by the challenges related to transportation. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of alternative options create a healthcare access gap for many residents. The drive times to specialized cancer centers in Dothan, the limitations of public transit, and the potential cost and availability issues of ride-sharing and medical transport services all contribute to a less-than-ideal environment for lung cancer patients. Addressing these transportation barriers is crucial to improving healthcare access and outcomes for those battling this devastating disease.

Improving healthcare access in Newville requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, advocating for increased ride-sharing availability, and supporting the expansion of medical transport services are all critical steps. Furthermore, community initiatives that provide transportation assistance, such as volunteer driver programs or subsidized transportation vouchers, can help bridge the gap. Ultimately, a concerted effort from local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations is needed to ensure that all residents of Newville, especially those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, have timely and reliable access to the care they need.

The journey through lung cancer is arduous enough without the added burden of transportation challenges. By carefully evaluating the existing transportation landscape and working collaboratively to improve access to care, Newville can strive to become a community where all residents have the opportunity to fight and thrive. This requires a commitment to addressing the transportation barriers that hinder healthcare access, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, can receive the care they deserve. This commitment will not only improve the lives of those battling lung cancer but will also strengthen the fabric of the entire community.

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Health Scores Near 36353, Newville, Alabama

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Health Scores in 36353, Newville, Alabama