39354, Preston, Mississippi Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39354, Preston, Mississippi is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.32 percent of residents in 39354 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Stennis Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.61 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Preston, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39354)

The air hangs thick and heavy in Preston, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39354), a rural community nestled in the heart of Neshoba County. For those managing asthma, the very act of breathing can become a challenge, and accessing healthcare is a critical component of managing this chronic condition. This write-up delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare in Preston, assessing the accessibility and viability of various transportation options, assigning an “Asthma Score” based on these factors.

Preston, a small unincorporated area, presents a unique set of transportation challenges. The nearest significant medical facilities are located in Philadelphia, Mississippi, approximately 10 miles away. This proximity, however, doesn't necessarily equate to ease of access. The quality of transportation options directly impacts healthcare access, and for asthmatics, this translates into a need for reliable, comfortable, and potentially air-conditioned travel.

The primary mode of transportation for most Preston residents is the personal vehicle. Driving provides the most direct route to healthcare facilities. The journey to Philadelphia typically involves navigating **Highway 19**, a major north-south artery, and then turning onto local roads like **Highway 16** or **County Road 401**. Drive times can fluctuate depending on traffic, but the average commute to a medical center is approximately 15-20 minutes.

However, reliance on personal vehicles presents several potential drawbacks for asthmatics. The condition of the vehicle itself, including the air conditioning system, can significantly impact respiratory health. Moreover, the financial burden of car ownership – fuel, maintenance, insurance – can be a substantial obstacle for those with limited incomes, potentially hindering their ability to consistently access healthcare.

Public transportation options in Preston are extremely limited. The county does not have a dedicated public bus system. This lack of public transportation creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, do not own a vehicle, or are unable to afford the costs associated with car ownership.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Philadelphia area but their presence in Preston is sporadic. Availability is often dependent on driver density, which is low in rural areas. This unreliability makes ride-sharing an inconsistent option for scheduled medical appointments or emergency situations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for many residents, further limiting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **First Transit** operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services. These services typically require pre-booking and may have specific eligibility criteria, such as Medicaid enrollment or a physician's referral. While these services offer a crucial lifeline for some, their availability and scheduling can be restrictive, potentially delaying or disrupting necessary medical care.

The "Asthma Score" is a subjective assessment reflecting the ease and reliability of accessing healthcare, specifically considering the needs of individuals with asthma. Factors considered include drive times, the availability of public transportation, the reliability of ride-sharing, the cost of transportation, and the comfort and accessibility of various modes of travel.

**Asthma Score Breakdown:**

* **Drive Time:** 15-20 minutes to Philadelphia medical facilities. This is relatively good, but subject to the condition of the vehicle and traffic. (Score: 7/10)
* **Public Transportation:** Virtually nonexistent. (Score: 1/10)
* **Ride-Sharing:** Limited availability and potential cost barriers. (Score: 3/10)
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability is present but with restrictions and potential scheduling challenges. (Score: 4/10)
* **Overall Accessibility:** Limited options create potential barriers to healthcare. (Score: 4/10)

**Overall Asthma Score for Commuting to Healthcare in Preston (ZIP Code 39354): 3.8/10**

This low score highlights the significant challenges faced by asthmatics in Preston when accessing healthcare. The reliance on personal vehicles, the scarcity of public transportation, and the limitations of ride-sharing and medical transportation services combine to create a complex and potentially stressful situation. For individuals considering moving to Preston, this score is a critical factor to consider.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access:**

* **Advocate for Improved Public Transportation:** Lobbying for a county-wide public transportation system would dramatically improve healthcare access, especially for those without personal vehicles.
* **Expand Medical Transportation Services:** Increasing the availability and efficiency of NEMT services, potentially through partnerships with local healthcare providers, could address some of the current access gaps.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Educating residents about ride-sharing options and exploring potential subsidies for low-income individuals could improve accessibility.
* **Invest in Community Health Initiatives:** Supporting community health programs that provide asthma education, medication assistance, and transportation support can help mitigate the impact of limited transportation options.

Addressing these transportation limitations is crucial to improving healthcare access for all Preston residents, particularly those managing chronic conditions like asthma. This is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of public health and well-being. The ability to consistently and reliably access healthcare is fundamental to managing asthma effectively, reducing hospitalizations, and improving the quality of life. The future of healthcare access in Preston hinges on the community's commitment to addressing these challenges and creating a more equitable and accessible transportation landscape.