39217, Jackson, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39217, Jackson, Mississippi is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

94.95 percent of residents in 39217 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 2.16 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery Va Medical Center (Jackson) with a distance of 1.55 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in 39217

For anyone considering a move to Jackson, Mississippi, particularly the 39217 ZIP code, understanding healthcare access, specifically for breast cancer treatment, is crucial. This write-up aims to provide a “Breast Cancer Score,” a subjective assessment of transportation options and their impact on accessing vital medical services. This score will consider drive times, public transit availability, and ride-share/medical transport options. It's a snapshot of the realities of navigating the healthcare landscape, considering the unique challenges of transportation in this area.

The 39217 ZIP code encompasses a significant portion of Jackson, offering a diverse community and a range of housing options. However, like many areas, its healthcare access hinges on effective transportation. This is especially critical for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis, where timely and consistent access to appointments, treatments, and support services is paramount. Delays can impact outcomes, making every minute of travel time a potential concern.

**The Drive Time Dilemma:**

The cornerstone of healthcare access in 39217, for those who drive, is the road network. The primary arteries are Interstate 20 (I-20) and Interstate 220 (I-220), providing relatively swift access to major medical centers. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact drive times.

For instance, a resident in the eastern portion of 39217, near Old Brandon Road, might face a 20-30 minute drive to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) via I-20 and State Street, assuming moderate traffic. However, during rush hour, this commute could easily stretch to 45 minutes or even an hour. Similarly, reaching Baptist Medical Center, located off North State Street, would involve navigating surface streets like Lakeland Drive and Northside Drive, potentially adding to the journey’s duration.

Heading west, residents near Raymond Road would likely utilize I-20 to reach hospitals. The drive to Merit Health Central, located in the neighboring ZIP code, could be relatively quick, perhaps 15-20 minutes, barring traffic. The condition of these highways and roads, including potholes and construction, can also influence travel times and add to the stress of navigating a cancer diagnosis.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation in Jackson, managed by the Jackson Transit System (JTRAN), presents a less robust option for healthcare access. While JTRAN offers bus routes throughout the city, their frequency and coverage in 39217 are limited. The routes that do serve the area, like Route 1 (Raymond Road) and Route 5 (Ellis Avenue), may offer access to some medical facilities, but the travel times are considerably longer than driving.

For example, a bus trip from the eastern side of 39217 to UMMC could easily take over an hour, including potential wait times and transfers. Furthermore, the accessibility of JTRAN buses for individuals with mobility challenges is a concern. While JTRAN is mandated to provide ADA-compliant services, including wheelchair lifts, the availability of these features on every bus and the overall ease of use can vary. The limited operating hours of the bus system, particularly on weekends and evenings, further restrict its utility for healthcare appointments.

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

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible alternative to public transportation. Their availability in Jackson is generally good, providing on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-share services can be a significant barrier for some individuals, especially those undergoing lengthy and frequent treatments.

Medical transportation services, like CareRide or First Transit, specialize in transporting patients to and from medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers. While these services can be invaluable for individuals with mobility limitations or those unable to drive, they also come with associated costs, which may or may not be covered by insurance.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Subjective Assessment:**

Considering the factors above, the Breast Cancer Score for 39217 is, unfortunately, not exceptionally high. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limitations of public transit, and the cost of ride-share and medical transport services create challenges for individuals seeking timely and consistent healthcare access.

**Factors impacting the score:**

* **Drive Time:** Moderate, with potential for delays due to traffic.
* **Public Transit:** Limited coverage, long travel times, and potential accessibility concerns.
* **Ride-Share/Medical Transport:** Available, but cost can be a barrier.
* **Geographic Considerations:** Proximity to major medical centers varies within the ZIP code.
* **Personal Circumstances:** Individual mobility, financial resources, and support network significantly impact healthcare access.

**The score is a 6/10.**

**Recommendations for Moving to Jackson and Healthcare Access:**

For individuals considering a move to 39217, several factors should be carefully considered. Proximity to major medical centers, ideally within a 20-minute drive, is highly desirable. Assessing the availability and affordability of transportation options is crucial.

Investigating insurance coverage for ride-share or medical transport services is advisable. Building a support network of family, friends, or community organizations who can provide transportation assistance is also essential. Understanding the nuances of the local healthcare system, including the availability of breast cancer specialists and support services, is critical.

Moving to Jackson and navigating the healthcare landscape, especially with a breast cancer diagnosis, requires careful planning and resourcefulness. The Breast Cancer Score highlights the need for proactive strategies to ensure timely and consistent access to vital medical care. This assessment serves as a starting point for informed decision-making, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive planning for anyone facing this challenging journey.