39040, Bentonia, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39040, Bentonia, Mississippi is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.36 percent of residents in 39040 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center-Yazoo with a distance of 14.77 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Bentonia, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39040)

The sun beats down on the Mississippi Delta, a landscape of cotton fields and quiet towns, where the rhythm of life moves at its own pace. For the residents of Bentonia, ZIP code 39040, the reality of healthcare access, particularly for a disease like breast cancer, is a complex equation. This write-up explores the challenges and opportunities, offering a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment for those considering a move or already residing in this community, focusing on the crucial element of **transportation**.

The score considers factors like drive times to specialized care, availability of public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. It aims to provide a clear picture of the practical hurdles and potential lifelines in navigating the healthcare landscape. The journey to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from breast cancer can be arduous, and understanding the **transportation** options is paramount to ensuring timely and effective care.

Bentonia, a small unincorporated community, is nestled in Yazoo County. Its rural setting dictates the primary mode of **transportation**: the personal vehicle. The nearest comprehensive cancer care centers are located in Jackson, the state capital, approximately 50 miles away. This distance translates to a drive time of roughly one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and the specific destination.

The primary route to Jackson involves navigating Mississippi Highway 149, a two-lane road that winds through the heart of the Delta. This road, while scenic, can be subject to delays due to agricultural traffic, particularly during harvest season. Upon reaching Yazoo City, drivers will typically connect with U.S. Highway 49, a major north-south artery. From there, Interstate 20 provides a faster route eastward toward Jackson. The condition of these roads is generally good, but the lack of alternative routes can be problematic during inclement weather or accidents.

The journey to Jackson also necessitates careful planning, as the drive time can be a significant factor in treatment schedules. Frequent appointments for chemotherapy, radiation, or follow-up care require reliable **transportation**. This is especially true for patients who may be experiencing fatigue or other side effects from treatment.

Public transit options in this area are severely limited. Yazoo County does not have a dedicated public bus system. The nearest Greyhound bus station is in Jackson, requiring a significant drive to reach. This lack of public **transportation** poses a considerable barrier to **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive.

Furthermore, the absence of a robust public transit system disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. For those who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle, the journey to Jackson for cancer care can become an insurmountable obstacle.

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Jackson, but their presence in Bentonia is less certain. Availability is often dependent on driver density and demand, which can fluctuate. Relying on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is risky, as wait times and surge pricing could become a burden. The cost of these services, especially for frequent trips, can quickly accumulate.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution, providing non-emergency medical **transportation** for patients. Companies like MedStar and AMR (American Medical Response) operate in the region, offering services that include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and stretcher **transportation**. However, these services come at a significant cost, and insurance coverage may vary.

The Breast Cancer Score for Bentonia, 39040, reflects the challenges outlined above. The score is negatively impacted by the long drive times to specialized care, the lack of public transit, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services. While medical transport services offer a viable option, their cost can be a barrier.

The score emphasizes the importance of strong support networks. Family, friends, and community organizations can play a vital role in providing **transportation** assistance. Carpooling, offering rides, and coordinating appointments can alleviate some of the burden on patients.

For those **moving to Bentonia**, it is crucial to consider the impact of **transportation** on **healthcare access**. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their ability to travel to Jackson for medical appointments and treatment. Researching insurance coverage for medical transport services and identifying potential support networks are also critical steps.

The score also underscores the need for community-based initiatives to improve **healthcare access**. This could include advocating for expanded public transit options, partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted services for medical appointments, or establishing a volunteer driver program.

The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder that **healthcare access** extends beyond the availability of medical facilities. It encompasses the practical realities of getting to and from those facilities, especially for individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer. The journey through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery requires not only medical expertise but also a reliable means of **transportation**.

The score is a call to action, urging community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work together to create a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for the residents of Bentonia and the surrounding areas. The goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location or circumstance, has the opportunity to receive the care they need, when they need it. This is especially important in a rural setting where the challenges of **transportation** can significantly impact a patient’s journey.