39428, Collins, Mississippi Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39428, Collins, Mississippi is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.05 percent of residents in 39428 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Covington County Hospital Cah with a distance of 1.25 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare in Collins, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39428)

The crisp air of Collins, Mississippi, beckons with a charm that belies the complexities of healthcare access, especially for individuals managing asthma. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 39428, unveils the transportation landscape and its impact on the Asthma Score – a metric reflecting the ease and reliability of reaching essential medical care. We will explore drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services, painting a comprehensive picture for anyone considering moving to this rural haven, particularly those with respiratory sensitivities.

The primary driver for healthcare access in Collins is, unsurprisingly, the automobile. The vast expanse of Mississippi necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for most residents. For those residing within Collins, the closest major healthcare facility is the Merit Health Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg, a city approximately 30 miles south. The primary route is via US Highway 49, a well-maintained but often congested thoroughfare.

During peak traffic hours, a drive to Hattiesburg can easily consume an hour, adding significant time to a medical appointment. The journey itself is a potential trigger for asthma sufferers. The air quality along US 49 can fluctuate, and the stress of navigating traffic can exacerbate symptoms. Alternative routes exist, such as taking Mississippi Highway 84 East and then connecting to US 49, but these options often add mileage and may not significantly reduce travel time.

For those without personal vehicles, the transportation challenge intensifies. Public transit options are limited in this rural area. The city of Hattiesburg operates a bus system, but its reach into Collins is minimal, and its routes are infrequent. This severely restricts access for those who rely on public transportation. The lack of a robust public transit infrastructure significantly lowers the Asthma Score for Collins residents.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provides a potential lifeline. However, their presence in Collins is not guaranteed. Ride-share availability is often dependent on driver density, and in a rural area, the wait times and fares can be prohibitive. The unpredictable nature of ride-sharing, coupled with the potential for higher costs, adds another layer of complexity to healthcare access for asthma sufferers.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals with specific needs. Ambulance services are readily available for emergencies, but their primary focus is on immediate medical care. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers may operate in the area, offering scheduled rides to and from medical appointments. Researching NEMT options and understanding their service areas, insurance coverage, and booking procedures are crucial for anyone with asthma who lacks personal transportation.

The Asthma Score for ZIP code 39428 is further influenced by the availability of local healthcare providers. Collins has a limited number of primary care physicians and specialists. This often necessitates travel to Hattiesburg or even further afield for specialized care, such as pulmonology or allergy services. The distance and travel time to these specialists further impact the overall Asthma Score.

The physical environment of Collins itself also plays a role. The presence of allergens, such as pollen, mold, and dust, can trigger asthma symptoms. Understanding the local environment, including seasonal changes and potential environmental triggers, is essential for managing asthma effectively. Access to reliable transportation is crucial for seeking immediate medical attention when environmental triggers exacerbate symptoms.

The impact of seasonal variations on transportation is another factor. During severe weather events, such as hurricanes or ice storms, roads can become impassable, and public transit may be disrupted. This can isolate residents and severely restrict access to healthcare. Planning for such events and having contingency plans for transportation are critical for individuals with asthma.

The overall Asthma Score for Collins, Mississippi (ZIP code 39428) is moderately impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the infrequent public transit, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing all contribute to a lower score. The distance to specialized medical care and the potential for environmental triggers further complicate the situation.

For individuals with asthma considering a move to Collins, a careful assessment of their transportation needs and healthcare access is essential. This involves researching local healthcare providers, exploring NEMT options, and understanding the potential challenges of relying on personal vehicles. It is crucial to weigh the benefits of living in a rural community against the potential difficulties of accessing healthcare.

The decision to move to Collins should be made with a clear understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on asthma management. Proactive planning, including establishing relationships with local healthcare providers, identifying reliable transportation options, and having a plan for emergencies, can help mitigate the challenges and improve the Asthma Score for residents.

The availability of healthcare access is a crucial consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Collins. The transportation infrastructure, or lack thereof, plays a significant role in determining the ease and reliability of reaching medical care. Understanding the nuances of drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing possibilities, and medical transport services is essential for managing asthma effectively and ensuring a good quality of life in this charming, yet challenging, rural community.