39423, Beaumont, Mississippi Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39423, Beaumont, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.49 percent of residents in 39423 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County Hospital Cah with a distance of 20.47 miles from the area.

**Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Beaumont, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39423)**

The quest for optimal healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing asthma, demands a comprehensive understanding of transportation options. This analysis, tailored for ZIP Code 39423 (Beaumont, Mississippi), examines the landscape of transportation infrastructure, including drive times, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, to assess the ease of reaching medical facilities. This "Asthma Score" considers the critical factors influencing healthcare access for residents, particularly those considering moving to Beaumont.

Beaumont, nestled in the heart of Perry County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to accessing healthcare. The town’s relative isolation, coupled with the limitations of its transportation infrastructure, necessitates a careful examination of the available options. The goal is to determine the feasibility of accessing medical care, a crucial consideration for individuals with asthma, who require timely and consistent access to treatment and monitoring.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Beaumont**

For many residents, personal vehicles represent the primary mode of transportation. The efficiency of this option hinges on the road network and the distance to healthcare facilities. The primary route for accessing medical care often involves navigating Highway 98, a vital east-west thoroughfare. Driving east on Highway 98 provides access to Hattiesburg, where a concentration of healthcare facilities, including Forrest General Hospital, offers specialized asthma care.

The drive to Hattiesburg from Beaumont, depending on the specific location within ZIP Code 39423, typically ranges from 25 to 40 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. This drive time can fluctuate, however, particularly during peak hours or due to unforeseen incidents. Another option is to utilize Highway 15, which runs north-south, and connects to Highway 98. This provides a slightly different route to Hattiesburg, but the travel time remains comparable.

Navigating these highways requires careful planning, especially for individuals with asthma. Unexpected delays, such as traffic congestion or construction, can exacerbate symptoms and compromise the ability to reach medical care promptly. Therefore, understanding the potential for delays and having alternative routes in mind is crucial.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Beaumont are limited. The availability of public transit, often a lifeline for those without personal vehicles, is a significant factor in healthcare access. Unfortunately, the public transit infrastructure in the area is not well-developed, and there are no established bus routes that directly serve Beaumont.

The nearest public transit options are located in Hattiesburg, with the Pine Belt Transportation (PBT) providing limited bus service. However, these routes are not designed to cater specifically to Beaumont residents. The PBT routes may not offer convenient access to Beaumont, and the travel time would likely be extensive, making them impractical for those with asthma. The lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

Furthermore, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of any potential public transit options should be carefully considered. Individuals with asthma may have mobility limitations or require special accommodations. The absence of accessible public transit further exacerbates the challenges of healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in many areas, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability of these services in Beaumont is uncertain. The presence of ride-sharing services can vary based on demand and driver availability. Residents should investigate the presence of these services and their reliability in advance of needing medical care.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for individuals with medical needs, offer another solution. These services, often provided by specialized companies or ambulance services, can transport patients to and from medical appointments. The availability of medical transport services in Beaumont is a critical consideration. These services are often more expensive than other options, but they provide a reliable and safe means of transportation for those with medical conditions.

**Healthcare Access and Moving to Beaumont**

The "Asthma Score" for Beaumont, Mississippi, reveals a mixed picture. While the drive times to healthcare facilities in Hattiesburg are relatively manageable, the limited public transit options and the uncertainty of ride-sharing services present significant challenges. The availability of medical transport services is a crucial factor, but the cost can be a barrier.

For individuals with asthma considering moving to Beaumont, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is essential. They should evaluate their ability to drive, their access to a personal vehicle, and the availability of reliable transportation options. The proximity to Highway 98 and Highway 15 provides relatively easy access to medical facilities in Hattiesburg.

The decision to move to Beaumont should be carefully weighed against the transportation challenges. Individuals with asthma should research the availability of medical transport services, assess the reliability of ride-sharing services, and consider the potential for delays due to traffic or other unforeseen circumstances.

**Conclusion: A Call for Enhanced Access**

The "Asthma Score" for Beaumont, Mississippi, highlights the need for improved transportation infrastructure to enhance healthcare access. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are relatively manageable, the limited public transit options and the uncertainty of ride-sharing services present significant challenges.

The development of a more robust public transit system, including routes that directly serve Beaumont, would significantly improve healthcare access for residents. The expansion of ride-sharing services and the availability of affordable medical transport options are also critical. These improvements would not only benefit individuals with asthma but also enhance the overall health and well-being of the community.