39577, Wiggins, Mississippi Asthma Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Asthma Score in 39577, Wiggins, Mississippi is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.23 percent of residents in 39577 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System with a distance of 33.34 miles from the area.

## Asthma Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Wiggins, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39577)

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and saltwater in Wiggins, Mississippi, a town nestled in the heart of the Pine Belt. For residents managing asthma, the quality of the air is just one piece of the puzzle. True **healthcare access** involves more than just a doctor's appointment; it demands a reliable **transportation** network, particularly crucial for those facing respiratory challenges. This write-up, an "Asthma Score" assessment, delves into the **transportation** landscape of ZIP Code 39577, focusing on its impact on **healthcare access** for individuals with asthma. It's a crucial consideration for anyone **moving to Wiggins**, Mississippi, or seeking to understand the realities of living with asthma in this area.

The primary artery of **transportation** in Wiggins is U.S. Highway 49, a north-south thoroughfare that serves as the town's commercial spine. Drive times to essential **healthcare** facilities, including the Stone County Hospital, are generally manageable, but can be significantly impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours. A drive from the northern edge of the zip code, perhaps near the intersection of Highway 49 and Old Highway 29, to the hospital in Wiggins typically takes around 10-15 minutes under normal conditions. However, congestion, accidents, or road closures on Highway 49 can easily double or triple this time.

Heading east or west from Wiggins also presents challenges. Mississippi Highway 26, running east-west, provides access to neighboring communities, but the drive times to specialists or larger medical centers in Hattiesburg or the Gulf Coast can be substantial. A trip to Hattiesburg, approximately 40 miles away, can take an hour or more, depending on traffic and the specific route taken, often involving a combination of Highway 49 and U.S. Highway 98. The distance to the coastal cities, like Biloxi or Gulfport, is even greater, potentially requiring a drive of over an hour and a half, primarily via Highway 49 and I-10. This extended travel time can be a significant burden for individuals experiencing an asthma exacerbation, delaying crucial medical attention.

Public **transportation** options in Wiggins are limited. Stone County does not have a formal public bus system. This lack of public **transportation** presents a major hurdle for those without personal vehicles, particularly individuals with low incomes or those unable to drive due to their health condition. The absence of a reliable public transit network means that individuals with asthma are heavily reliant on private **transportation**, further restricting their **healthcare access**.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Wiggins, but their reliability and availability can be inconsistent. While these services offer a convenient alternative to driving, they may be subject to surge pricing during peak demand, making them unaffordable for some residents. Furthermore, the wait times for ride-sharing services in a rural area like Wiggins can be longer than in more urban environments, potentially causing delays in reaching **healthcare** appointments or responding to emergencies.

Medical **transportation** services are another option, catering specifically to patients with medical needs. Several companies operate in the area, including private ambulance services and non-emergency medical **transportation** providers. These services offer door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those experiencing severe asthma symptoms. However, these services can be costly, and the availability of specific services may vary depending on the patient's insurance coverage and the urgency of their situation.

The availability of **healthcare** facilities within ZIP Code 39577 is another critical factor in the "Asthma Score." Stone County Hospital, located in Wiggins, provides a range of services, including emergency care, primary care, and some specialty clinics. However, the hospital's capacity may be limited, and certain specialized treatments, such as pulmonology or allergy specialists, may require travel to larger medical centers in Hattiesburg or the Gulf Coast. This necessitates careful planning and coordination of **transportation** for individuals with asthma.

The physical environment of Wiggins also plays a role in the asthma score. The region's climate, characterized by high humidity and pollen counts, can trigger asthma symptoms. Additionally, the presence of outdoor allergens, such as mold and dust mites, can exacerbate respiratory issues. These environmental factors, combined with the limitations in **transportation** options, can create a challenging environment for individuals with asthma.

For someone **moving to Wiggins**, understanding these **transportation** challenges is essential. Prospective residents with asthma should carefully assess the availability of **healthcare** services, the reliability of **transportation** options, and the potential impact of environmental factors on their health. They should also consider the cost of **transportation**, including the expenses associated with owning and maintaining a vehicle, the cost of ride-sharing services, and the potential cost of medical **transportation**.

The "Asthma Score" for ZIP Code 39577 is not a simple numerical value. It is a complex assessment that considers multiple factors, including the availability of **healthcare** facilities, the accessibility of **transportation** options, the environmental conditions, and the individual's financial resources. The score reflects the challenges faced by individuals with asthma in accessing the **healthcare** they need.

In conclusion, while Wiggins offers a sense of community and a slower pace of life, the limitations in **transportation** options pose a significant challenge for individuals with asthma. The reliance on private vehicles, the limited availability of public transit, and the potential cost of ride-sharing or medical **transportation** can create barriers to **healthcare access**. For those **moving to Wiggins**, careful planning and proactive measures are crucial to ensure they can effectively manage their asthma and receive the timely medical attention they need. A comprehensive understanding of the **transportation** landscape is essential for navigating the complexities of **healthcare access** in this charming, yet geographically isolated, Mississippi town.