39358, Scooba, Mississippi Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39358, Scooba, Mississippi is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.17 percent of residents in 39358 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Stennis Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Scooba, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39358)

The crisp air of Scooba, Mississippi, offers a certain rural charm, a haven for those seeking respite from the clamor of city life. However, for individuals managing asthma, the idyllic setting presents a unique challenge: healthcare access. This write-up assesses the "Asthma Score" for residents of ZIP code 39358, focusing on transportation options to medical facilities, a critical factor in managing this chronic respiratory condition. The ability to reach a doctor, especially during an asthma exacerbation, can be a matter of life and death.

The foundation of our assessment lies in understanding the geography. Scooba, nestled in rural Kemper County, is a small town. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in Meridian, approximately 45 miles west, and in Philadelphia, roughly 50 miles east. These distances, coupled with the limited transportation infrastructure, significantly impact the Asthma Score.

The primary mode of transportation for most Scooba residents is personal vehicles. The drive to Meridian via **Highway 16** is the most direct route, typically taking around an hour, assuming ideal traffic conditions. This route, while relatively straightforward, can be treacherous during inclement weather, potentially delaying access to vital medical care. The journey to Philadelphia involves navigating **Highway 16** east to **Highway 495**, then onto **Highway 19**, and takes a similar amount of time, potentially exposing the driver and any passengers to more traffic.

Public transportation options in Scooba are severely limited. Kemper County does not have a dedicated public bus system. Therefore, the Asthma Score suffers due to the lack of this basic transportation infrastructure. This deficiency disproportionately affects individuals who cannot drive, those who cannot afford a car, or those who are unable to drive due to a medical condition.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are virtually non-existent in Scooba and the surrounding rural areas. The limited demand and geographic isolation make it economically unfeasible for these companies to operate. This leaves residents reliant on personal vehicles or the kindness of neighbors and family members for transportation.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to medical appointments, are available, though their availability and cost vary. Companies like **Medicaid Transportation** and **First Transit** might serve the area. However, their coverage and wait times can be significant, especially during peak hours or in emergencies. Booking in advance is often required, making it less suitable for sudden asthma attacks.

The Asthma Score is also influenced by the availability of emergency medical services (EMS). The response time of ambulances is crucial during an asthma crisis. The nearest hospital with a 24-hour emergency room is in Meridian. The time it takes for an ambulance to reach a patient in Scooba and then transport them to Meridian via **Highway 16** can be a critical factor in the patient's outcome.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of available transportation is another factor. While medical transportation services are usually ADA-compliant, the lack of public transit and ride-sharing options means that individuals with disabilities may face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

The availability of pharmacies and urgent care facilities within Scooba also impacts the Asthma Score. Scooba, being a small town, may have limited options for filling prescriptions or receiving immediate medical attention. This necessitates travel to Meridian or Philadelphia for these essential services, further straining the transportation resources of individuals with asthma.

The economic factors are also a significant consideration. The cost of transportation, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and potential parking fees, can be a burden for low-income individuals. This financial strain can make it difficult for them to consistently attend medical appointments and adhere to their prescribed treatment plans, potentially worsening their asthma symptoms and increasing the risk of hospitalizations.

The lack of sidewalks and safe pedestrian infrastructure in Scooba also contributes to the low Asthma Score. Individuals who cannot drive or who prefer to walk or bike to appointments may face safety risks, particularly if they are experiencing an asthma exacerbation.

The overall Asthma Score for Scooba, Mississippi (ZIP code 39358) is low. The combination of long distances to healthcare facilities, the lack of public transportation and ride-sharing options, and the limited availability of medical transportation services creates significant barriers to healthcare access for individuals with asthma.

Moving to Scooba, or residing there already, requires a thorough assessment of one’s ability to manage asthma within the constraints of the local transportation infrastructure. A personal vehicle is almost a necessity. Careful planning is essential to ensure that individuals with asthma can access timely medical care, obtain necessary medications, and manage their condition effectively.

The local healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists, play a crucial role in supporting patients with asthma. They can provide education, develop personalized treatment plans, and help patients navigate the complexities of healthcare access in the area.

Furthermore, community initiatives aimed at improving transportation options and increasing awareness of asthma management are essential. This could include advocating for the expansion of medical transportation services, promoting carpooling programs, or supporting the development of a local volunteer transportation network.

In conclusion, while Scooba offers a tranquil lifestyle, its limited transportation infrastructure presents a significant challenge for individuals managing asthma. Residents must carefully consider these factors when evaluating their healthcare access and develop strategies to overcome these barriers. A proactive approach, including careful planning, reliance on personal vehicles, and utilization of available resources, is crucial for ensuring that individuals with asthma can live healthy and fulfilling lives in this rural community. The future of healthcare access in Scooba hinges on the ability of the community to address these transportation challenges and ensure that all residents have access to the medical care they need.