39326, Daleville, Mississippi Arthritis Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Arthritis Score in 39326, Daleville, Mississippi is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

26.36 percent of residents in 39326 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 10.85 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Anderson Regional Medical Center with a distance of 10.76 miles from the area.

## Arthritis Score: Navigating Healthcare in Daleville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39326)

Daleville, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of Lauderdale County, presents a unique landscape for individuals managing arthritis. The Arthritis Score, a composite measure of accessibility to healthcare, considers the challenges and opportunities surrounding transportation within the ZIP code 39326. This analysis, crucial for anyone considering a move or already residing in Daleville, focuses on the practical realities of getting to vital medical appointments.

The ability to reach rheumatologists, pain specialists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers is paramount for managing arthritis. This score examines the existing transportation infrastructure, evaluating the ease with which residents can access these essential services. The score weighs factors such as drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport options.

Daleville’s reliance on personal vehicles is significant. The town, characterized by its rural setting, necessitates careful consideration of driving distances. Accessing specialized arthritis care often requires travel to Meridian, the county seat, or potentially to larger cities like Jackson.

Driving times are heavily influenced by the road network. From Daleville, the primary route to Meridian, where many healthcare providers are located, is via **Highway 19**. Expect a drive of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Meridian. **Highway 19** is generally well-maintained, but occasional delays can occur due to accidents or roadwork.

Reaching Jackson, a journey of roughly 100 miles, involves utilizing **Highway 19** and then transitioning to **Interstate 20**. This trip can take upwards of two hours, a significant commitment for frequent appointments. The condition of **Interstate 20** is generally good, but long-distance travel can be tiring, especially for those experiencing pain and mobility limitations.

Local roads, such as **Daleville Road** and **Old Highway 19**, provide access within the immediate area. However, these roads are often less direct and may be subject to potholes or other conditions that could impact a driver's comfort and safety. Careful planning is essential, especially when weather conditions are unfavorable.

Public transportation options within Daleville are extremely limited. The availability of public transit significantly impacts the Arthritis Score, and in this case, the score suffers. There is no established public bus system operating directly within the town or providing regular service to Meridian or other healthcare hubs. This lack of public transit poses a significant barrier for individuals who do not drive or are unable to drive due to their arthritis.

The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation solutions. This underscores the importance of ride-sharing services and medical transport options. However, the availability of these services in Daleville is variable.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, may have a presence in Daleville, but their availability is not guaranteed. Demand-based pricing and potential wait times can be problematic, especially for urgent appointments. The reliability of these services should be confirmed before relying on them for regular healthcare transportation.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized approach, catering specifically to individuals with medical needs. Several brands provide such services, including First Transit and LogistiCare. These services often offer door-to-door transportation, assisting with mobility challenges and ensuring patients arrive safely at their appointments. However, the cost of medical transport can be substantial, and the availability of these services in Daleville should be confirmed in advance.

The Arthritis Score reflects the challenges and opportunities associated with accessing healthcare in Daleville. The score considers the impact of limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services. The score will be impacted by the accessibility of these services.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features of any available transportation options are crucial. While public transit is absent, any ride-sharing or medical transport services should be vetted for their compliance with ADA standards. This includes ensuring vehicles are equipped with ramps or lifts for wheelchair users and that drivers are trained to assist passengers with mobility limitations.

For those considering moving to Daleville, understanding the transportation landscape is vital. Individuals with arthritis should carefully assess their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends who can provide transportation, and the feasibility of utilizing ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The Arthritis Score is not static; it can change as transportation options evolve. As the population of Daleville grows, there may be increased demand for public transit or ride-sharing services. The development of new transportation solutions could significantly improve the Arthritis Score, making healthcare access easier and more convenient.

The importance of healthcare access cannot be overstated for individuals with arthritis. The ability to attend appointments, receive physical therapy, and obtain necessary medications directly impacts quality of life. The Arthritis Score provides a valuable framework for evaluating the accessibility of healthcare in Daleville, helping residents make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

The overall score will be affected by the distance to the nearest specialist, the cost of transportation, and the availability of accessible options. This score is not a static number, but rather a dynamic assessment that should be revisited periodically. The score should be considered when making decisions about healthcare, and it is particularly relevant for those considering a move to Daleville.

Ultimately, the Arthritis Score for Daleville, Mississippi, reflects the need for careful planning and proactive strategies to ensure that individuals with arthritis can access the healthcare they need. The community should continue to explore ways to improve transportation options and ensure that all residents have equal access to vital medical services.