39119, Mount Olive, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39119, Mount Olive, Mississippi is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.42 percent of residents in 39119 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.88 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Magee General Hospital with a distance of 8.85 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: A Commute to Healthcare Analysis for ZIP Code 39119 (Mount Olive, Mississippi)**

The quest for timely and effective breast cancer care is a journey, and for residents of Mount Olive, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39119), that journey begins with transportation. This analysis, a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, delves into the accessibility of essential healthcare services, focusing on drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing availability. We aim to illuminate the realities of healthcare access for those considering moving to Mount Olive, Mississippi, or already residing within its borders.

The foundation of this assessment considers the critical importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, making timely access to mammograms, biopsies, and specialized oncology care paramount. This score will evaluate the ease with which residents can reach these vital services, factoring in the challenges posed by geographical distance and available transportation infrastructure.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads to Care**

For many in Mount Olive, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities will be personal vehicles. The drive times to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care centers are a significant factor in determining healthcare access. The primary arteries for travel are US Highway 49, a crucial north-south route, and Mississippi Highway 35, which provides east-west connectivity.

Traveling south on US-49 offers a route to Hattiesburg, approximately 40 miles away. Depending on traffic conditions, the drive can take around 45 minutes to an hour. Hattiesburg boasts a variety of medical facilities, including hospitals and specialized cancer centers, making it a key destination for breast cancer care.

Heading north on US-49 leads to Jackson, the state capital, roughly 80 miles away. The drive to Jackson, typically taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes, presents a longer commute, but Jackson offers a wider array of advanced medical services and specialists.

Eastward on Mississippi Highway 35 leads to smaller towns and potentially closer clinics, but the availability of specialized breast cancer care might be limited. The roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be unpredictable, especially during peak hours or due to accidents.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Mount Olive and the surrounding areas are severely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the town itself. The nearest public transit options are generally in the larger cities like Jackson or Hattiesburg.

Exploring the availability of public transit to healthcare facilities is crucial. While specific bus routes may not directly serve Mount Olive, residents might need to utilize a combination of services. For example, they might need to drive to a nearby town with a bus stop and then take a bus to a medical facility.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a critical consideration. Public transit vehicles must adhere to ADA regulations, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access and utilize the services. However, the lack of readily available public transit in Mount Olive significantly limits this option.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another transportation alternative. However, their availability in rural areas like Mount Olive can be inconsistent. Ride-sharing services are dependent on driver availability, which is often lower in less populated areas.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, provide a more specialized solution. These services often cater to individuals who may have mobility limitations or require assistance during travel. Several medical transport companies may serve the Mount Olive area, but their availability and pricing can vary.

**Healthcare Access and the Breast Cancer Score**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39119 is influenced by the following factors: the drive times to major medical centers, the availability of public transit, and the reliability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The relatively long drive times to Hattiesburg and Jackson, coupled with the limited public transit options, present challenges to healthcare access. The inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbates these difficulties.

The score will be weighted to reflect the importance of timely access to care. The longer the commute, the lower the score. The lack of public transit and the dependence on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-sharing services will also negatively impact the score.

**Moving to Mount Olive: A Healthcare Consideration**

For individuals considering moving to Mount Olive, this analysis provides essential information about healthcare access. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need to factor in transportation challenges when planning for medical care.

Potential residents should consider the following: the availability of reliable transportation, the distance to specialized medical facilities, and the potential need for medical transport services.

This assessment serves as a starting point for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in Mount Olive. Further research, including contacting local healthcare providers and transportation services, is recommended to gain a comprehensive understanding of the available resources.

**Recommendations for Improving Healthcare Access**

Several strategies could enhance healthcare access for residents of Mount Olive:

* **Advocate for increased public transit:** Exploring the feasibility of establishing a local bus route or partnering with regional transit providers.
* **Promote ride-sharing awareness:** Encouraging ride-sharing companies to expand their services in the area.
* **Support medical transport services:** Providing information and resources to residents about available medical transport options.
* **Telehealth expansion:** Encouraging the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.
* **Community education:** Raising awareness about breast cancer screening and early detection, especially in light of the transportation challenges.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the community can work towards improving healthcare access for all residents, particularly those facing the challenges of breast cancer. The goal is to ensure that everyone in Mount Olive has the opportunity to receive timely and effective care, regardless of their transportation limitations.