39074, Forest, Mississippi Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39074, Forest, Mississippi is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.08 percent of residents in 39074 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is S E Lackey Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.66 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Forest, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39074)

The air hangs thick and humid in Forest, Mississippi, a characteristic that, coupled with other environmental factors, can significantly impact the respiratory health of its residents. For those managing asthma, the ease of **transportation** to healthcare becomes paramount. This write-up assesses the accessibility of asthma-related healthcare within ZIP Code 39074, providing a comprehensive "Asthma Score" based on various modes of **transportation** and their associated challenges. This information is particularly relevant for individuals considering **moving to Forest**, Mississippi, and seeking to understand their **healthcare access** options.

The primary consideration for residents of Forest is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town is nestled in a rural area, and the infrastructure reflects this. Driving is the most common and often the only viable means of getting to medical appointments. The main arteries for **transportation** within the area are Highway 80, which runs east-west, and Highway 35, which travels north-south. These highways offer relatively efficient routes, but traffic can become congested during peak hours, especially around school zones and commercial areas.

For asthma sufferers, the potential for delays due to traffic is a significant concern. An unexpected delay can exacerbate symptoms, especially if a patient is already experiencing a flare-up. The drive time to the nearest major hospital, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This journey involves navigating Highway 80, which can experience considerable traffic, particularly during rush hour. This extended travel time necessitates careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

The availability of public **transportation** in Forest is severely limited. The local bus system, if one exists, likely operates on a minimal schedule, and its routes may not adequately serve the needs of individuals with asthma. Information regarding the specific routes, frequency, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features of any local public **transportation** is difficult to obtain, underscoring the challenge of relying on this mode of travel. The lack of comprehensive public **transportation** options significantly reduces **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and affordability can be inconsistent. The availability of drivers, especially during off-peak hours or in response to emergency situations, is not guaranteed. Furthermore, the cost of a ride-share to Jackson, or even to a local clinic, can be prohibitive for some residents. This presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access**, particularly for those with limited financial resources.

Medical **transportation** services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) providers, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. However, these services are typically reserved for specific situations, such as emergencies or scheduled medical appointments. The cost of NEMT services can vary depending on the distance and the level of care required. The availability of these services in Forest and the surrounding areas needs to be carefully researched, as their reliability is crucial for patients with asthma.

The distance to specialized asthma care is a critical factor. While primary care physicians in Forest may offer some asthma management services, access to pulmonologists, allergists, and other specialists is likely to require travel to larger cities like Jackson or Meridian. This travel distance increases the **transportation** burden and can make it difficult for patients to receive timely and appropriate care. The availability of telemedicine options, which can reduce the need for in-person visits, should be explored.

The environmental factors in Forest, such as pollen counts, air quality, and humidity, can exacerbate asthma symptoms. These factors, coupled with the limited **transportation** options, create a challenging environment for asthma sufferers. Understanding these environmental triggers and having a plan for managing them is crucial for maintaining respiratory health. This plan should include strategies for avoiding triggers, taking medications as prescribed, and having a readily available means of **transportation** to healthcare facilities.

For those considering **moving to Forest**, Mississippi, the Asthma Score is a crucial element in evaluating the quality of life. The score should reflect the challenges of accessing healthcare due to limited **transportation** options, the distance to specialized care, and the potential impact of environmental factors on asthma symptoms. The absence of robust public **transportation** and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-share services must be factored into the overall assessment.

The Asthma Score should also consider the availability of local pharmacies and the ease of obtaining asthma medications. Prompt access to medication is essential for managing asthma, and any delays in filling prescriptions can have serious consequences. The presence of local pharmacies and their hours of operation should be carefully evaluated.

In conclusion, the Asthma Score for ZIP Code 39074 reflects the complexities of accessing healthcare for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public **transportation** options, and the distance to specialized care all contribute to a less-than-ideal environment. Individuals **moving to Forest** must carefully consider these factors and develop a comprehensive plan for managing their asthma. This plan should include strategies for mitigating environmental triggers, securing reliable **transportation** to healthcare facilities, and ensuring access to necessary medications. The overall Asthma Score for Forest, Mississippi, would be negatively impacted by the challenges associated with **transportation** and **healthcare access**.