39047, Brandon, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39047, Brandon, Mississippi is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

57.19 percent of residents in 39047 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 8.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare Of Ms with a distance of 6.90 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Brandon, MS (ZIP Code 39047)

The whisper of "breast cancer" carries a weight, a fear that necessitates swift, reliable access to care. For residents of Brandon, Mississippi (ZIP code 39047), the journey to diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship is intrinsically linked to the availability of **transportation** options. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the accessibility landscape, considering drive times, public transit, ride-share services, and medical transport to illuminate the ease – or difficulty – of **healthcare access** within this community. This information is especially crucial for anyone **moving to Brandon**, as it directly impacts their ability to receive timely care.

Brandon, a vibrant suburb of Jackson, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the state's largest city. This location, however, presents a unique challenge: the reliance on personal vehicles. While the area boasts a network of roads, public transit options remain limited, potentially impacting the overall Breast Cancer Score for those without personal **transportation**.

The primary artery for navigating Brandon and connecting to Jackson is Interstate 20 (I-20). This major highway provides relatively swift access to the medical facilities clustered around the Jackson metropolitan area. Drive times to key locations, such as the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), a comprehensive cancer center, can vary depending on traffic. Under normal conditions, a drive from central Brandon to UMMC via I-20 West typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes. However, rush hour, accidents, or construction can significantly extend this commute, potentially adding an hour or more to the journey.

Alternative routes, such as Highway 80, offer parallel access, though they are often slower due to traffic lights and lower speed limits. Highway 18, another major road, provides a more direct route to some hospitals in the eastern part of Jackson. These alternative routes can be beneficial if I-20 is congested, offering a degree of **transportation** flexibility. However, the overall drive times remain comparable, making personal vehicles the dominant mode of **transportation** for most residents seeking medical care.

Public transit options within Brandon and to Jackson are, unfortunately, limited. The Jackson Transit System (JATRAN) provides bus service, but the routes servicing Brandon are infrequent and often require multiple transfers. The primary route serving Brandon is Route 10, which runs along Highway 80. However, the bus schedule is limited, particularly on weekends and evenings, and the frequency of service is not conducive to timely medical appointments. Furthermore, ADA accessibility features, such as ramps and lifts, are available on JATRAN buses, but the limited routes and schedules pose significant challenges for individuals with mobility limitations, especially those undergoing cancer treatment.

The absence of robust public **transportation** underscores the importance of ride-share services and medical transport options. Uber and Lyft operate in the Brandon area, providing on-demand rides to medical appointments. However, the availability of drivers can fluctuate, particularly during peak hours or in less populated areas of Brandon. The cost of ride-share services can also accumulate, potentially becoming a financial burden for individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for patients needing assistance. These services, such as American Medical Response (AMR) or local private companies, provide non-emergency medical **transportation**, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be more expensive than ride-share options. The availability of these services, particularly for same-day appointments or unexpected needs, can also be a challenge.

The Breast Cancer Score for Brandon, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the proximity to Jackson offers access to comprehensive cancer care, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** create potential barriers. The availability of ride-share services and medical transport provides alternative solutions, but their cost and availability can be a concern. For individuals **moving to Brandon**, understanding these **healthcare access** nuances is critical.

The impact of these **transportation** challenges extends beyond mere convenience. Missed appointments due to **transportation** difficulties can delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially impacting patient outcomes. The stress of navigating **transportation** logistics can also exacerbate the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis.

To improve the Breast Cancer Score for Brandon, several strategies could be implemented. Expanding JATRAN service, particularly increasing the frequency and coverage of routes serving medical facilities, would significantly enhance **healthcare access**. Partnering with ride-share companies to offer subsidized rides for cancer patients could alleviate the financial burden. Promoting and expanding medical transport services, ensuring their availability and affordability, would also be beneficial.

Furthermore, community initiatives to support cancer patients' **transportation** needs, such as volunteer driver programs or carpooling networks, could play a crucial role. Educating residents about available **transportation** options and providing assistance with scheduling and booking services would also improve **healthcare access**.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for Brandon, MS (ZIP code 39047) highlights the interplay between **transportation** and **healthcare access**. While the proximity to Jackson offers access to medical facilities, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transit create challenges. By understanding these factors and implementing strategic improvements, Brandon can strive to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the life-saving care they need. This is a critical consideration for anyone **moving to Brandon**, as it directly affects their ability to navigate the complexities of cancer care.