36524, Coffeeville, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.59 percent of residents in 36524 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Grove Hill Memorial Hospital with a distance of 17.26 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Coffeeville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36524) and Transportation Challenges

The air hangs thick and humid in Coffeeville, Alabama, a town cradled in the embrace of the Tombigbee River. Here, the rhythm of life is slow, marked by the gentle sway of Spanish moss and the welcoming smiles of neighbors. But beneath this tranquil surface lies a complex reality: the challenges of healthcare access, particularly for those facing a life-altering diagnosis like lung cancer. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape in ZIP Code 36524, assessing the potential hurdles faced by individuals needing specialized care, and ultimately, offering a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating this crucial aspect of their journey.

The most significant factor influencing healthcare access in Coffeeville is transportation. The town’s relative isolation, coupled with limited public transit options, creates a landscape where the ability to reach specialized medical facilities becomes a pivotal concern. For someone diagnosed with lung cancer, regular appointments for diagnosis, treatment (chemotherapy, radiation), and follow-up care are essential. The ability to navigate these appointments, often while experiencing debilitating side effects, directly impacts their quality of life and, potentially, their survival.

The primary artery connecting Coffeeville to the outside world is **Highway 84**. This two-lane highway, while offering a direct route east towards larger towns, is often subject to traffic, particularly during peak hours. The drive to the nearest major medical center, Jackson Medical Center in Jackson, Alabama, is approximately 25 miles, translating to a drive time of around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive, while manageable for some, can prove challenging for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Further afield, Mobile, Alabama, a hub for specialized cancer care, is approximately 100 miles south, a journey that could take anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours, primarily via **Highway 43** and then **Interstate 65**. This longer commute necessitates careful planning, potentially requiring overnight stays for those undergoing intensive treatments. The drive itself, often tiring, can be exacerbated by the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment.

Public transportation options in Coffeeville are virtually nonexistent. There is no established bus route or train service that directly serves the town. This lack of public transit forces residents to rely heavily on personal vehicles, creating a significant barrier for those without access to a car or the ability to drive. This absence of public transportation disproportionately affects the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Mobile area, but their presence in Coffeeville is less certain. Availability is often limited, and the cost of a ride, particularly for longer distances to Mobile, can be prohibitive. This reliance on ride-sharing, if available, introduces an element of uncertainty and financial burden, adding another layer of complexity to the healthcare journey.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. However, their availability and coverage area in Coffeeville need to be investigated. These services, often catering to individuals with mobility limitations, can provide a crucial lifeline, but their cost and scheduling flexibility are critical considerations.

The nearest airport, Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), is a significant distance away, making air travel for medical purposes unlikely. The journey to the airport itself, and the associated costs, adds another layer of complexity to the transportation puzzle.

**Lung Cancer Score:**

Considering the factors discussed, the Lung Cancer Score for Coffeeville, Alabama (ZIP Code 36524) is **4 out of 10**. This score reflects the following:

* **Limited Access:** The absence of public transportation and the dependence on personal vehicles create significant barriers to healthcare access.
* **Distance to Specialized Care:** The distance to specialized cancer centers in Jackson and Mobile necessitates lengthy travel times, adding to the burden on patients.
* **Uncertainty of Ride-Sharing:** The limited availability and cost of ride-sharing services introduce uncertainty and potential financial strain.
* **Potential for Medical Transportation:** The potential availability of medical transportation services offers a glimmer of hope, but their reliability and cost need to be carefully evaluated.

This score highlights the critical need for improved transportation options to enhance healthcare access for Coffeeville residents, particularly those battling lung cancer.

**Moving to Coffeeville:**

For individuals considering a move to Coffeeville, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, a thorough assessment of transportation options is paramount. Prospective residents should investigate the availability and cost of medical transportation services. They should also factor in the potential for long commutes to access specialized medical care.

The absence of readily available public transit necessitates careful consideration of vehicle ownership and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the potential for reliance on family, friends, or neighbors for transportation should be carefully evaluated.

The decision to move to Coffeeville, like any relocation, involves weighing the benefits against the challenges. The tranquility of the town, the strong sense of community, and the lower cost of living may be attractive to some. However, the limitations in healthcare access, particularly concerning transportation, must be carefully considered, especially for individuals with chronic health conditions or those at risk of developing them.

In conclusion, the transportation landscape in Coffeeville presents significant challenges for individuals seeking access to specialized cancer care. While the town offers a peaceful environment, the lack of public transportation, the distances to medical facilities, and the uncertain availability of ride-sharing services create a complex situation. Addressing these transportation gaps is crucial to ensuring that residents of Coffeeville have equitable access to the healthcare they need, enabling them to navigate their journey with dignity and hope.