39150, Port Gibson, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39150, Port Gibson, Mississippi is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.04 percent of residents in 39150 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.95 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Claiborne County Hospital with a distance of 0.34 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Port Gibson (ZIP Code 39150)

Considering a move to Port Gibson, Mississippi, in ZIP code 39150? This assessment delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access, specifically focusing on breast cancer care. We'll explore the transportation landscape, analyzing drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing possibilities, all vital elements in determining your Breast Cancer Score. This score reflects the ease and efficiency with which you can access potentially life-saving medical services.

The cornerstone of any healthcare journey is timely access. For those facing breast cancer, this is paramount. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact outcomes. This assessment considers the practicalities of getting to appointments, from initial screenings to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. We'll examine the available options, considering both the convenience and potential challenges of each.

Port Gibson, a town steeped in history, presents a unique transportation environment. The primary mode of transportation for most residents is the personal vehicle. This reality shapes the healthcare access landscape. The availability of reliable and efficient transportation is a critical factor in our Breast Cancer Score.

**Drive Times: The Road to Care**

The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located outside of Port Gibson. The primary destination for many residents will be the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, approximately 70 miles away. The most direct route involves taking **Highway 61 South** to **Interstate 20 East**. Expect a drive time of roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. This is a significant commute, especially when considering the physical and emotional toll of battling cancer.

Another option, though less direct, involves traveling to Vicksburg, approximately 30 miles north. While Vicksburg offers some medical services, comprehensive cancer care is limited. The drive to Vicksburg primarily utilizes **Highway 61 North**. The drive time is around 45 minutes to an hour.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the frequency of appointments. Routine mammograms, follow-up appointments, chemotherapy sessions, and radiation treatments can necessitate multiple trips per week, adding significant stress and financial burden. The longer the commute, the more challenging it becomes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Port Gibson and the surrounding areas are severely limited. There is no established public bus system that directly connects Port Gibson to Jackson or Vicksburg. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The absence of a robust public transit system negatively impacts the Breast Cancer Score. Individuals relying on public transportation face considerable challenges in accessing timely and consistent medical care. This lack of options disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Jackson and Vicksburg areas, but their availability in Port Gibson is less consistent. The reliability of these services for scheduled medical appointments is questionable. The Breast Cancer Score must consider the potential for delays, cancellations, and the added expense of ride-sharing.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. These services cater specifically to individuals needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments. Companies such as First Call Medical Transportation or Medical Transport Services of Mississippi provide non-emergency medical transportation. However, these services often come with a higher cost and require advance booking.

The Breast Cancer Score considers the availability and affordability of medical transport services. While these services can bridge the transportation gap, they are not always accessible to everyone. The financial burden of medical transportation can be substantial, especially for those undergoing frequent treatments.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

For individuals with disabilities, the availability of accessible transportation is crucial. Public transit systems, when available, are mandated to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This includes features like wheelchair accessibility and audio-visual announcements. However, the lack of public transit in Port Gibson eliminates these considerations.

Ride-sharing services often offer accessible vehicle options, but their availability is not guaranteed. Medical transport services typically provide accessible vehicles, but this can increase the cost. The Breast Cancer Score must acknowledge the specific needs of individuals with disabilities and the challenges they face in accessing healthcare.

**Moving to Port Gibson: A Healthcare Access Perspective**

If you are considering moving to Port Gibson, and healthcare access is a priority, the transportation landscape should be carefully evaluated. The Breast Cancer Score is influenced by the distance to comprehensive cancer care facilities, the limitations of public transit, and the availability and affordability of ride-sharing and medical transport services.

The reality is that accessing specialized cancer care in Port Gibson requires a significant commitment to transportation. The drive times to Jackson and Vicksburg, the limited public transit options, and the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport all contribute to a lower Breast Cancer Score.

**Conclusion: Evaluating Your Score**

The Breast Cancer Score for ZIP code 39150 is negatively impacted by the long distances to comprehensive cancer care facilities and the lack of robust public transportation. While ride-sharing and medical transport services offer potential solutions, their availability, reliability, and cost must be carefully considered.

Before making a move to Port Gibson, individuals should thoroughly research their transportation options and evaluate their ability to access timely and consistent medical care. This assessment underscores the importance of understanding the practical realities of healthcare access when considering a move to a rural area. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a reminder that transportation is not merely a convenience; it is a critical factor in ensuring the best possible health outcomes.