39167, Star, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39167, Star, Mississippi is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 39167 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ms State Hospital-Whitfield with a distance of 9.30 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Star, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39167)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for something as critical as breast cancer screening and treatment, is a multifaceted challenge. It’s not merely about the availability of medical professionals; it’s about the ability to *access* them. This assessment, a "Breast Cancer Score," examines the transportation landscape within and around Star, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39167), a rural community, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach vital breast cancer services. We consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation resources, painting a picture of healthcare access that influences the quality of life and potentially the outcomes for those facing this disease.

Star, Mississippi, sits in Rankin County, a region that presents unique transportation challenges. The very essence of the community, its rural character, dictates the nature of its transportation infrastructure. Wide-open spaces, while beautiful, translate to longer distances and dependence on personal vehicles. This is the first hurdle in our assessment. The Breast Cancer Score will reflect the reality of getting to and from appointments, the emotional and financial toll of travel, and the impact on overall well-being.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation in Star is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The drive times to the nearest comprehensive breast cancer care centers are a crucial element of our score. For residents, a journey to the nearest major medical facilities, such as those in Jackson, Mississippi, will likely involve navigating the network of roads.

From the heart of Star, a drive to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, a leading provider of cancer care, is approximately 30-45 minutes. The route typically involves heading west on Highway 49, a major north-south thoroughfare, then connecting to Interstate 20 (I-20) heading west. The commute, though relatively direct, can be impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours.

Alternatively, residents might choose to access services at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. This drive is also around 30-45 minutes, usually involving Highway 49, but then turning onto Lakeland Drive. This route offers a slightly different perspective, but the travel time is comparable.

The drive times themselves, while manageable, are not without their considerations. The cost of gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and the potential for unexpected delays all contribute to the burden of healthcare access. For those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, these factors can add significant stress during an already challenging time.

**Public Transit: Sparse Routes, Limited Options**

Public transportation options in and around Star are limited. Rankin County, like many rural areas, struggles with the economic viability of extensive public transit networks. This deficiency has a direct impact on the Breast Cancer Score.

The primary public transit provider in the Jackson metropolitan area is the Jackson Transit System (JTRAN). However, JTRAN's routes are predominantly focused on the city of Jackson and its immediate suburbs. Service to Star is minimal, if existent at all. The reliance on personal vehicles is therefore almost absolute.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility is a crucial consideration for any public transit system. While JTRAN does make efforts to accommodate passengers with disabilities, the limited route coverage in the Star area significantly diminishes the usefulness of these features for residents.

The absence of robust public transit underscores the isolation that some residents, particularly those without personal vehicles or the ability to drive, may experience when seeking healthcare.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have emerged as alternative transportation options. However, their availability in Star and the surrounding areas is variable. While these services might be present, their reliability and cost-effectiveness can fluctuate. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours or for longer distances, is a major concern.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). These services are designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, including those related to cancer care.

The cost of these services can be a significant barrier, and insurance coverage varies. Understanding the availability and affordability of these resources is critical for a comprehensive Breast Cancer Score.

**The Impact on Healthcare Access: A Holistic View**

The combination of drive times, limited public transit, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation paints a complex picture of healthcare access in Star. The Breast Cancer Score must reflect this reality.

The score will consider the following factors:

* **Drive Time:** Average travel time to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers.
* **Public Transit:** Availability, frequency, and ADA accessibility of public transit options.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability, reliability, and cost of ride-sharing services.
* **Medical Transportation:** Availability, cost, and insurance coverage of medical transportation services.
* **Financial Burden:** The overall cost of transportation, including gasoline, vehicle maintenance, and the cost of ride-sharing or medical transport.

**Moving to Star: Healthcare Considerations**

For those considering *moving to Star*, the availability of healthcare, and the ease of *transportation* to it, should be a key consideration. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a vital tool for prospective residents. It highlights the potential challenges of accessing medical care and allows individuals to make informed decisions.

The Breast Cancer Score for Star, Mississippi, will likely reflect the challenges of rural healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing and medical transportation all contribute to a transportation landscape that presents hurdles for those seeking breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The score will serve as a reminder of the importance of advocating for improved healthcare access in rural communities. It underscores the need for policies that support public transit, incentivize ride-sharing, and make medical transportation more affordable and accessible. It is a call to action for the community, healthcare providers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating a healthcare environment that is truly accessible to all.