36576, Silverhill, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36576, Silverhill, Alabama is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.38 percent of residents in 36576 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.70 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Thomas Hospital with a distance of 7.49 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Silverhill, Alabama (ZIP Code 36576)

The shadow of a lung cancer diagnosis falls heavily, demanding swift and efficient access to specialized care. For residents of Silverhill, Alabama (ZIP Code 36576), the journey to healthcare becomes a critical factor in their overall prognosis. This write-up analyzes the transportation landscape, quantifying the challenges and opportunities in accessing vital lung cancer treatment, ultimately assigning a Lung Cancer Score reflecting the ease or difficulty of navigating this crucial healthcare journey. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access for those facing this formidable disease.

Silverhill, nestled in Baldwin County, presents a unique transportation environment. The town itself is relatively small, but the nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, including those specializing in oncology, are located in larger surrounding cities. This necessitates reliable transportation. The primary arteries for vehicular travel are the major highways: Interstate 10 (I-10) and the more local thoroughfares like US Highway 90 and Alabama State Route 104. These roads are the lifelines connecting Silverhill to the critical healthcare resources.

The most significant healthcare hubs for lung cancer treatment are in Mobile and Pensacola, Florida. Driving to Mobile, approximately 40 miles west, typically involves taking US-90 West to I-10 West. The drive time, under normal traffic conditions, can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific destination within Mobile and the time of day. Rush hour, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, can significantly extend this commute.

Pensacola, about 45 miles east, requires a similar journey. The most direct route utilizes Alabama State Route 104 East, connecting to I-10 East. Drive times are similar to those to Mobile, averaging around 45 minutes to an hour, again subject to traffic fluctuations. These drive times, while manageable, represent a significant commitment, especially for patients undergoing frequent treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. The physical and emotional toll of the disease is compounded by the necessity of regular, potentially lengthy, commutes.

Public transportation options within Silverhill and connecting it to larger cities are limited. Baldwin County's public transit system is not robust, and there are no direct bus routes specifically designed for healthcare access. The availability of public transit is a significant challenge, especially for individuals who are unable to drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The lack of frequent and reliable public transit severely impacts healthcare access, potentially delaying or hindering treatment.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Silverhill, but their reliability and cost can vary. While these services offer a degree of flexibility, they are not always readily available, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant burden for patients, especially those facing financial constraints due to their illness or treatment. The unpredictability of ride-sharing availability and the potential for high costs add another layer of complexity to the transportation equation.

Medical transport services provide a crucial lifeline for patients who are unable to drive themselves and lack access to other transportation options. Several companies offer medical transport in the region, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport for scheduled appointments. These services are often specialized and can be tailored to the specific needs of lung cancer patients, such as wheelchair accessibility or oxygen support. However, the availability and cost of medical transport services can vary, and pre-booking is often required.

For individuals considering moving to Silverhill, the availability of reliable transportation to healthcare facilities should be a primary consideration. The current transportation landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. While the proximity to major highways allows for relatively quick drives to Mobile and Pensacola, the lack of robust public transit and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create potential barriers to healthcare access.

The Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 36576 is influenced by several factors. The drive times to Mobile and Pensacola, while manageable, are a significant consideration. The limited public transit options and the variability of ride-sharing availability negatively impact the score. The presence of medical transport services, though a positive factor, cannot fully compensate for the other transportation limitations.

**Lung Cancer Score Calculation:**

* **Drive Time to Treatment Centers:** Moderate (45-60 minutes)
* **Public Transit Availability:** Poor (Limited to none)
* **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Variable (Dependent on time and demand)
* **Medical Transport Services:** Available (But may require pre-booking)

**Overall Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 36576: Moderate.**

This score indicates that while healthcare access is possible, it is not without challenges. Residents of Silverhill facing a lung cancer diagnosis must carefully consider their transportation options and plan accordingly. The need for reliable transportation underscores the importance of community support networks, family assistance, and proactive planning to ensure timely access to life-saving treatments. Moving to Silverhill necessitates acknowledging the transportation realities, and proactively planning for healthcare access.