The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39474, Prentiss, Mississippi is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
40.28 percent of residents in 39474 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jefferson Davis Community Hospital Cah with a distance of 0.38 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 39474, Prentiss, Mississippi
Asthma Score | 9 |
---|---|
People Score | 12 |
Provider Score | 25 |
Hospital Score | 20 |
Travel Score | 59 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 39474 | Prentiss | Mississippi |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 2.14 | 2.14 | 2.14 |
1 Car | 26.44 | 26.44 | 19.38 |
2 Cars | 27.59 | 27.59 | 39.26 |
3 or More Cars | 43.83 | 43.83 | 39.21 |
Vehicular Access in 39474, Prentiss, Mississippi
## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Prentiss, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39474)
The decision to relocate to Prentiss, Mississippi (ZIP code 39474), a community nestled amidst the rolling hills of Jefferson Davis County, often involves a complex evaluation of various factors. For individuals managing asthma, a crucial element in this assessment is the ease with which they can access healthcare, particularly during an asthma exacerbation. This write-up, an "Asthma Score" analysis, delves into the transportation landscape of Prentiss, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport options, all vital for ensuring timely and effective healthcare access.
Understanding the transportation infrastructure is paramount for asthma sufferers. A sudden asthma attack demands immediate medical attention. Delays in reaching a hospital or clinic can have severe consequences. The Asthma Score aims to provide a realistic picture of how quickly a resident of 39474 can reach essential medical services, factoring in potential challenges.
**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries of Healthcare Access**
Prentiss, while offering a peaceful rural setting, presents unique transportation considerations. The primary arteries for healthcare access are the highways and roads that connect the town to larger medical facilities. The most direct route to the nearest hospital, Jefferson Davis Community Hospital in Prentiss itself, is typically a short drive. However, specialized care may necessitate travel to larger hospitals in nearby cities.
For more advanced care, residents frequently travel to Hattiesburg, approximately 45 miles away. The primary route to Hattiesburg involves utilizing **Highway 84 East**. This drive, under ideal conditions, should take approximately an hour. Traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can extend this commute, adding critical minutes to the journey. The quality of **Highway 84** is generally good, but occasional road work or accidents can cause delays.
Another potential destination for specialized care is Jackson, Mississippi, about 100 miles away. This journey typically involves taking **Highway 84 East** to **Interstate 59 North**, and then connecting to **Interstate 20 West**. This drive, under optimal conditions, can take around two hours. Traffic in the Jackson metropolitan area can be significantly heavier, particularly during rush hour, potentially increasing travel time considerably. This extended travel time underscores the importance of planning and preparedness for asthma patients.
The condition of the roads, especially after inclement weather, is another factor to consider. Flooding or icy conditions can make travel hazardous and delay access to healthcare. Therefore, knowing the condition of the roads and having alternative routes planned are essential for asthma sufferers.
**Public Transit: A Limited Option**
Public transportation options in Prentiss and the surrounding areas are limited. Jefferson Davis County does not have a comprehensive public bus system. This lack of readily available public transit significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.
While there may be informal transportation options, such as local taxi services, these are often unreliable and may not be equipped to handle medical emergencies. The absence of a robust public transit system necessitates a greater reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport.
The lack of public transit is a major disadvantage for those with asthma, particularly during exacerbations. The inability to quickly access medical care via public transportation adds a layer of complexity to managing the condition.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gaps**
Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Prentiss, but their availability can be inconsistent. Demand may be limited, and wait times can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in rural areas. Relying on ride-sharing for urgent medical care requires careful planning and a backup strategy.
Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), offer a more specialized solution. Ambulances are the primary option for emergency situations, providing immediate medical care and transport to the nearest hospital. NEMT services are designed for non-emergency medical appointments, such as doctor visits or therapy sessions.
Several medical transport companies operate in the area, including local ambulance services and regional NEMT providers. These services often require advance booking, and availability can vary depending on demand and staffing levels. The cost of these services can also be a significant consideration, especially for frequent medical appointments.
For asthma patients, having a pre-arranged plan for medical transport is crucial. This plan should include contact information for local ambulance services, NEMT providers, and any other relevant transportation options.
**ADA Accessibility: Ensuring Inclusive Healthcare Access**
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation and medical facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those with asthma. While the lack of a robust public transit system in Prentiss limits ADA-compliant options, it is essential to ensure that any available transportation services and healthcare facilities adhere to ADA guidelines.
This includes ensuring that ambulances and NEMT vehicles are equipped to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations and that healthcare facilities have accessible entrances, examination rooms, and restrooms. Asthma patients with mobility issues must be able to access healthcare facilities without barriers.
**Conclusion: Navigating the Transportation Landscape**
The "Asthma Score" for Prentiss, Mississippi (39474), reveals a transportation landscape that presents both challenges and opportunities for individuals with asthma. The reliance on personal vehicles and the limited availability of public transit necessitate careful planning and preparedness.
While the drive times to the nearest hospital in Prentiss are relatively short, access to specialized care in Hattiesburg or Jackson requires longer travel times, potentially impacted by traffic and road conditions. The limited availability of ride-sharing and the need to rely on medical transport services add complexity to healthcare access.
For those considering moving to Prentiss with asthma, a thorough understanding of the transportation options and potential challenges is essential. Establishing a clear plan for accessing medical care, including pre-arranging transportation, knowing emergency contacts, and being aware of potential delays, is crucial for managing the condition effectively. This "Asthma Score" write-up provides a starting point for navigating the transportation landscape and ensuring that healthcare access is a priority for residents of 39474.
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