39232, Flowood, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39232, Flowood, Mississippi is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

72.25 percent of residents in 39232 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 3.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Brentwood Behavioral Healthcare Of Ms with a distance of 0.60 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Flowood, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39232)**

The journey to healthcare, particularly for critical needs like breast cancer screening and treatment, is a multifaceted challenge. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 39232 (Flowood, Mississippi), provides a "Breast Cancer Score" that evaluates the accessibility of breast cancer services. This score considers the various transportation options available, from personal vehicles to public transit and ride-sharing services, all vital elements influencing healthcare access. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture for residents and those considering moving to Flowood, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

Flowood, a rapidly growing suburb of Jackson, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the state's capital. However, its reliance on personal transportation presents a hurdle for some, particularly those without vehicles or facing mobility challenges. The "Breast Cancer Score" will highlight these nuances, providing a realistic assessment of healthcare access within the community.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Primary Route**

The dominant mode of transportation in Flowood is the personal vehicle. The primary artery connecting Flowood to Jackson's medical facilities is **Highway 25 (Lakeland Drive)**, a major thoroughfare that experiences significant traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Driving to the nearest comprehensive cancer centers, such as those associated with the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), typically takes between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

**Interstate 20 (I-20)** offers an alternative route, but it often involves navigating more complex interchanges and potentially longer distances, especially if the final destination is not directly accessible from the interstate. **Highway 468** provides another option, particularly for those residing in the eastern parts of Flowood, but it may require navigating smaller roads and potentially encountering more traffic lights.

The drive times, while generally manageable, can be significantly impacted by unforeseen circumstances, like accidents or inclement weather. This is a crucial factor when considering the need for timely access to appointments, screenings, and treatments.

**Public Transit: Limited Options**

The public transportation landscape in Flowood presents a significant challenge. The Jackson Transit System (JATRAN) offers limited service to the area, with routes that may not directly reach all medical facilities. Moreover, the frequency of these routes is often low, and the travel times can be considerably longer than driving.

JATRAN's accessibility features, including ADA-compliant buses, are essential for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited reach of the routes and the potential for lengthy travel times pose considerable barriers to healthcare access. Specific route numbers and schedules should be thoroughly investigated on the JATRAN website or by contacting their customer service.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, provide a more flexible transportation option. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, and the cost can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent appointments. Surge pricing during peak hours or inclement weather can further exacerbate the financial burden.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a valuable alternative. Companies like CareRide or other regional providers may be available. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including help with mobility, and can be a lifeline for individuals unable to drive or use public transit. Researching the availability and pricing of these services in advance is crucial.

**Healthcare Access: Proximity to Care**

Flowood's proximity to Jackson provides residents with access to a range of healthcare facilities. UMMC's cancer center, along with other private hospitals and clinics, offers comprehensive breast cancer services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

However, the concentration of these facilities in Jackson underscores the importance of reliable transportation. The "Breast Cancer Score" must consider the time, cost, and convenience of accessing these services, factoring in the limitations of public transit and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing.

**Moving to Flowood: Considering Healthcare Access**

For individuals considering moving to Flowood, healthcare access should be a paramount concern. The "Breast Cancer Score" can assist in making informed decisions by evaluating the transportation options available and their potential impact on healthcare access.

Factors to consider include the proximity of the residence to major roadways, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the feasibility of using public transit. Individuals with mobility challenges or those without personal vehicles should prioritize locations with convenient access to transportation alternatives.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic View**

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a single number but a comprehensive assessment of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. It considers the drive times, the limitations of public transit, the availability and cost of ride-sharing, and the presence of medical transportation services.

By evaluating these factors, the "Breast Cancer Score" provides a realistic picture of the challenges and opportunities for accessing breast cancer services in Flowood. It empowers residents and potential newcomers to make informed decisions, ensuring that healthcare access is not a barrier to their well-being. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in transportation infrastructure, service availability, and healthcare offerings.