39360, Shubuta, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39360, Shubuta, Mississippi is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.09 percent of residents in 39360 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Watkins Hospital with a distance of 12.41 miles from the area.

The journey to healthcare, particularly for a diagnosis as life-altering as breast cancer, is a complex one. It involves not only the emotional and physical toll of the disease itself but also the practicalities of accessing treatment. For residents of Shubuta, Mississippi, ZIP code 39360, the challenges of transportation to healthcare facilities are significant. This write-up examines the “Breast Cancer Score” for this area, considering the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare access.

The cornerstone of this assessment is understanding the drive times to the nearest facilities equipped to diagnose and treat breast cancer. The closest major healthcare hub is Meridian, approximately 20 miles west. The primary route is Highway 145, a two-lane road that, while scenic, can be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours. A trip from Shubuta to Meridian, under ideal conditions, takes about 30 minutes. However, this can easily stretch to 45 minutes or even an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Further west, Interstate 20 offers a faster, though slightly longer, route. Traveling on I-20 to Meridian requires a short drive on Highway 145 to the interstate. This option, while generally quicker, adds another layer of complexity for those unfamiliar with highway driving or who may be uncomfortable with higher speeds. The drive time via I-20, under optimal conditions, is also around 30 minutes.

Beyond Meridian, more specialized care, including comprehensive cancer centers, might necessitate travel to larger cities like Jackson, Mississippi, or Birmingham, Alabama. Jackson, approximately 100 miles west, is accessible primarily via I-20. This journey typically takes around two hours, a significant time commitment for regular appointments and treatments. Birmingham, roughly 150 miles east, is reached via I-20 as well, demanding a drive of approximately two and a half to three hours.

Public transportation options in Shubuta are limited. The area lacks a comprehensive public bus system. This absence places a heavy reliance on personal vehicles for healthcare access. The nearest Greyhound bus station is in Meridian, but its relevance for regular medical appointments is minimal due to infrequent schedules and the added travel time to and from the station. The lack of public transit significantly impacts those who cannot drive, those with mobility issues, or those who lack access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Meridian but their presence in Shubuta is less certain. Even if available, the cost of a ride-share to Meridian for appointments could become a significant financial burden. The availability of these services can also be unreliable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This uncertainty further complicates healthcare access for residents.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. However, the availability of these services in Shubuta and the surrounding areas needs further investigation. Services like First Transit or other regional medical transport providers may operate in the area, but their capacity, cost, and coverage area must be carefully evaluated.

The “Breast Cancer Score” for Shubuta, Mississippi, ZIP code 39360, is therefore significantly impacted by these transportation limitations. The reliance on personal vehicles, the lack of public transit, and the potential unreliability and cost of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access. This is particularly concerning for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment, which often requires frequent appointments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and follow-up visits.

The emotional and physical toll of breast cancer treatment is compounded by the stress of transportation. The added time and effort required to travel to appointments can lead to treatment delays, missed appointments, and increased anxiety. This situation underscores the importance of addressing the transportation challenges faced by residents of Shubuta.

For those considering moving to Shubuta, understanding these transportation limitations is crucial. Prospective residents, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or a family history of breast cancer, should carefully evaluate the implications of limited healthcare access. They should consider the potential impact on their quality of life and their ability to receive timely and effective medical care.

Improving healthcare access in Shubuta requires a multifaceted approach. This includes exploring options for expanding public transportation, such as establishing a local shuttle service or partnering with neighboring counties to provide bus routes. Encouraging ride-sharing companies to expand their services in the area could also help.

Furthermore, the availability and affordability of medical transportation services should be investigated and promoted. Community partnerships between healthcare providers, local government, and non-profit organizations could help address these challenges.

Telemedicine offers another potential solution. Expanding access to telehealth services can reduce the need for frequent travel to appointments, particularly for follow-up visits and consultations. However, this requires reliable internet access, which may be limited in some areas of Shubuta.

Ultimately, the “Breast Cancer Score” for Shubuta reflects the interplay between transportation and healthcare access. The challenges faced by residents highlight the need for innovative solutions that prioritize patient well-being and ensure that everyone has equal access to the care they need. Addressing these transportation limitations is not just about convenience; it is about ensuring that individuals in Shubuta have the opportunity to fight breast cancer with the support and resources they deserve.