39063, Durant, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39063, Durant, Mississippi is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.39 percent of residents in 39063 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.08 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Holmes County Hospital And Clinics with a distance of 9.01 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Durant, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39063)

The diagnosis of breast cancer throws life into a whirlwind. Beyond the emotional and physical toll, practical considerations like accessing timely and quality healthcare become paramount. For residents of Durant, Mississippi (ZIP code 39063), understanding the landscape of **transportation** options and **healthcare access** is crucial. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score," evaluating the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services, particularly for those considering **moving to Durant**.

The score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport options, all vital for managing appointments, treatments, and follow-up care. Each aspect is weighted based on its impact on a patient’s ability to receive care, with a focus on the unique challenges faced by those undergoing breast cancer treatment.

Durant, a small town in Holmes County, presents a unique set of challenges. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located in larger cities, requiring patients to navigate significant distances. The availability and reliability of **transportation** become critical determinants of the quality of care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary challenge for Durant residents is the distance to specialized cancer care. The closest major medical centers are in Jackson, Mississippi, approximately 75 miles south. Driving to Jackson involves navigating primarily along Interstate 55 (I-55), a major north-south artery. The drive typically takes around one hour and fifteen minutes under ideal conditions. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours or due to accidents, can significantly extend this travel time.

From Durant, you’ll likely use Mississippi Highway 12 (MS-12) to connect with I-55. This route is generally well-maintained, but can be subject to slow-downs due to local traffic. The return trip, often after exhausting treatments, can be particularly taxing. The ability to secure reliable **transportation** becomes a significant factor in a patient’s well-being.

Smaller medical facilities, such as Greenwood Leflore Hospital in Greenwood, Mississippi, located approximately 45 miles northwest, offer some services, including basic oncology care. The drive to Greenwood primarily involves Mississippi Highway 12 and Mississippi Highway 82. While shorter, access to advanced treatments and specialists may still require travel to Jackson.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public **transportation** options in Durant are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system within the town itself. The lack of readily available public transit significantly restricts **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive. This is a major concern for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot afford the expense of private **transportation**.

The absence of a robust public transit system exacerbates the challenges faced by breast cancer patients. The lack of options forces reliance on personal vehicles, ride-sharing, or medical transport, potentially increasing financial burdens and logistical complexities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jackson metropolitan area, but their availability in Durant is inconsistent. Securing a ride from Durant to Jackson, particularly for appointments or treatments, may require advance planning and potentially higher fares due to the distance. The reliability of ride-sharing services in rural areas like Durant can be unpredictable, making it a less-than-ideal solution for consistent **transportation** needs.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like First Medical Transport, and others provide non-emergency medical **transportation** to and from medical appointments. These services are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. However, medical transport can be expensive, and availability may be limited, particularly for appointments requiring immediate attention.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations:**

For individuals with disabilities, the availability of accessible **transportation** is paramount. Public transit, when available, should adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, ensuring wheelchair accessibility and other accommodations. However, in Durant, the absence of public transit eliminates this option.

Ride-sharing services, while not always explicitly ADA-compliant, may offer accessible vehicles upon request, but availability can be limited. Medical transport services typically provide accessible vehicles, but the cost can be a barrier.

**The Breast Cancer Score for Durant (39063):**

Based on the factors discussed, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Durant, Mississippi (39063) is relatively low. The primary challenges are the significant distances to specialized cancer centers, the lack of public transit, and the inconsistent availability and potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The score is negatively impacted by the reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for increased travel times due to traffic, and the financial burden of **transportation**. The lack of readily available, affordable, and accessible **transportation** significantly hinders **healthcare access** for breast cancer patients.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the "Breast Cancer Score" and enhance **healthcare access** for Durant residents, several steps are crucial.

* **Advocate for Expanded Medical Transport:** Increased funding and availability of medical transport services, including subsidized options for low-income patients, are essential.
* **Explore Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Encourage partnerships between local healthcare providers and ride-sharing companies to provide discounted or subsidized rides for patients.
* **Invest in Community Resources:** Support the development of local support groups, patient navigators, and other resources to assist patients in coordinating **transportation** and navigating the healthcare system.
* **Promote Telehealth:** Encourage the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for frequent travel, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations.
* **Community Awareness:** Raise awareness about the challenges faced by breast cancer patients in accessing care and advocate for policy changes that support improved **transportation** options.

**Conclusion:**

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Durant, Mississippi, presents significant challenges for breast cancer patients. The distance to specialized care, the limited **transportation** options, and the potential financial burdens create barriers to timely and effective treatment. For those considering **moving to Durant**, a thorough assessment of these factors is crucial. By addressing the **transportation** gaps and investing in community resources, the community can improve **healthcare access** and support the well-being of individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer. The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a call to action, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to ensure that all residents of Durant have access to the care they need, when they need it.