36587, Wilmer, Alabama Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 36587, Wilmer, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

30.27 percent of residents in 36587 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.41 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Providence Hospital with a distance of 12.40 miles from the area.

**Prostate Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 36587 (Wilmer, Alabama)**

The sun-drenched expanse of Wilmer, Alabama (ZIP Code 36587), beckons with its promise of tranquil living. Yet, for men facing the specter of prostate cancer, the serenity of this rural haven hinges on a critical factor: **healthcare access**. This analysis explores the landscape of **transportation** options available to residents of Wilmer, specifically focusing on their ability to reach vital medical services for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. We'll assess the commute times, the availability of public transit, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services, culminating in a "Prostate Cancer Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of navigating the healthcare system.

The primary arteries connecting Wilmer to the broader world are the I-65 and US-98. The I-65, a major north-south interstate, offers a relatively swift route towards Mobile, the nearest metropolitan hub with comprehensive medical facilities. However, the drive can be deceptive. During peak hours, the I-65 is prone to congestion, particularly near the city, potentially adding significant time to the journey. US-98, a more scenic but slower alternative, winds its way east towards Mobile, offering access to various medical centers.

The drive time to the nearest hospitals equipped to handle prostate cancer care is a crucial metric. The University of South Alabama Medical Center, located in Mobile, is a leading facility. A drive from Wilmer to the University Hospital can take approximately 30-45 minutes under normal traffic conditions via I-65. Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, another prominent healthcare provider, is accessible within a similar timeframe. The drive time is dependent on the starting point within Wilmer and the prevailing traffic conditions.

Public **transportation** options in Wilmer are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The Mobile Transit Authority (MTA) provides bus services within the city, but these routes rarely extend to the more rural areas like Wilmer. Consequently, relying solely on public transit for medical appointments is often impractical. The lack of widespread public transit presents a considerable barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot afford a car. The MTA's services do not provide specific routes or ADA features for Wilmer, but they do provide ADA-accessible services for the Mobile area.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a potential solution, but their availability in Wilmer can be inconsistent. While these services operate in Mobile, their presence in the more rural areas is often dependent on driver availability. This uncertainty can create anxiety for patients needing to schedule appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a financial burden, particularly for frequent medical visits.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, provide another avenue for **transportation**. Companies like MedStar and First Medical Transportation may offer services in the Wilmer area, but availability and cost vary. These services are generally designed for individuals with mobility challenges or those requiring specialized assistance.

For residents of Wilmer, the **healthcare access** picture is complex. The primary challenge lies in the absence of robust public **transportation** options. While the drive times to Mobile's hospitals are manageable under ideal conditions, the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services creates a significant vulnerability.

The "Prostate Cancer Score" for Wilmer (ZIP Code 36587) is calculated based on several factors: drive time to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, the reliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost and availability of medical transport. The score is designed to reflect the ease or difficulty of accessing prostate cancer care.

The drive time component receives a moderate score. The ability to reach medical centers within 45 minutes via the I-65 or US-98 is a positive factor. However, the potential for traffic congestion on the I-65 lowers the score.

The public transit component receives a very low score. The lack of public **transportation** options severely limits **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. This is a critical weakness in the system.

The ride-sharing component receives a moderate score. The availability of Uber and Lyft, while potentially unreliable, offers an alternative to driving. However, the cost and the uncertainty of availability reduce the score.

The medical transport component receives a moderate score. The presence of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net for those with mobility limitations. However, the cost and the need to pre-arrange transport may pose challenges.

Considering these factors, the "Prostate Cancer Score" for Wilmer, Alabama (ZIP Code 36587) is a 5 out of 10. This score reflects a moderate level of **healthcare access**. While the drive times to medical facilities are reasonable, the lack of reliable public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers.

**Moving to Wilmer** offers a lifestyle change, but prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, should carefully consider the **transportation** challenges. Individuals with prostate cancer or those at high risk should prioritize proximity to medical centers or ensure reliable **transportation** arrangements are in place. This is a critical consideration when evaluating the suitability of Wilmer as a place to live. The ability to efficiently and reliably access healthcare is a fundamental aspect of quality of life, and this must be carefully weighed when making the decision to relocate.