The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39452, Lucedale, Mississippi is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
46.26 percent of residents in 39452 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.
When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.74 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is George Regional Health System with a distance of 3.15 miles from the area.
Health Scores in 39452, Lucedale, Mississippi
Breast Cancer Score | 12 |
---|---|
People Score | 32 |
Provider Score | 37 |
Hospital Score | 12 |
Travel Score | 44 |
Housholds with Cars (%) | 39452 | Lucedale | Mississippi |
---|---|---|---|
No Cars | 2.75 | 2.75 | 2.14 |
1 Car | 16.19 | 16.19 | 19.38 |
2 Cars | 38.38 | 38.38 | 39.26 |
3 or More Cars | 42.68 | 42.68 | 39.21 |
Vehicular Access in 39452, Lucedale, Mississippi
**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lucedale, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39452)**
The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis, is often fraught with emotional and physical challenges. In Lucedale, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39452), the ability to readily access specialized care is a critical component of a positive health outcome. This report examines the transportation landscape within and around Lucedale, providing insights into the accessibility of breast cancer-related healthcare services. We will delve into drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, painting a picture of the realities and opportunities for residents seeking care. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Lucedale, as it directly impacts their healthcare access.
The "Breast Cancer Score" for this area takes into account the time and ease of reaching essential medical facilities, including those specializing in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the transportation infrastructure and its impact on healthcare access, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**
For many Lucedale residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The drive times to healthcare facilities are largely dependent on the destinations and the efficiency of the road network. The primary thoroughfare through Lucedale is US Highway 98, which connects the town to larger cities like Hattiesburg and Mobile, Alabama. Traveling east on US-98, one can reach Hattiesburg, the location of Forrest General Hospital, a major medical center, in approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, assuming moderate traffic conditions.
Southward, US-98 offers access to the Gulf Coast, with potential access to facilities in Pascagoula and Mobile, although these trips can easily exceed two hours. The drive to Mobile, a larger metropolitan area with a wider array of specialized medical services, typically involves traversing US-98 and Interstate 10. This route can take up to two and a half hours, contingent on traffic flow, particularly around the Mobile metropolitan area.
Within Lucedale, local roads like Main Street and Front Street offer access to local clinics and medical offices. However, the limited availability of specialized breast cancer care within the town itself necessitates travel to larger regional centers. State Route 63 provides another access route, connecting Lucedale to other areas of George County and beyond. The condition of these roads, along with traffic patterns, can significantly impact the overall travel time and ease of access to healthcare.
**Public Transit: A Limited Option**
Public transportation options in Lucedale are limited, which presents a significant challenge for those without access to a personal vehicle. There is no established public bus system within the town itself. The availability of intercity bus services may be limited, but these are typically infrequent and do not offer convenient routes to medical facilities.
The lack of readily available public transit, especially for those with mobility limitations, is a significant barrier to healthcare access. For individuals with disabilities, the absence of accessible public transit further exacerbates the challenges of reaching medical appointments. The lack of ADA-compliant buses and routes necessitates reliance on other transportation options, potentially increasing travel costs and decreasing overall healthcare access.
**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the region, but their presence and availability in Lucedale can be inconsistent. The availability of these services may vary depending on the time of day and the demand, and the cost of rides can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments.
Medical transportation services, designed specifically to transport patients to and from medical appointments, may be available in the area. These services often provide specialized vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility issues. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking, further complicating the process of accessing healthcare.
**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Challenge**
The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lucedale reflects the interplay of these transportation factors. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical transport all contribute to the overall assessment of healthcare access. For individuals without access to a car, the journey to essential medical services can be particularly difficult.
The distance to specialized breast cancer care centers, the potential for long travel times, and the limitations of public transit all impact the timeliness of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This is especially crucial for breast cancer patients, where early detection and prompt treatment are vital to improving outcomes.
**Moving to Lucedale: Considering Healthcare Access**
For those considering moving to Lucedale, understanding the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access is essential. The availability of healthcare services, the ease of reaching those services, and the associated costs are all critical factors to consider. The absence of comprehensive public transit and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or costly ride-sharing services must be factored into the decision-making process.
The "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a tool to help potential residents understand the realities of healthcare access in Lucedale. It highlights the need for careful planning and consideration of transportation options, especially for those with existing health conditions or a family history of breast cancer.
**Conclusion: Navigating the Road Ahead**
In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Lucedale, Mississippi, reflects a complex interplay of transportation factors that impact healthcare access. While the town offers a sense of community and a lower cost of living, the limited public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential challenges of ride-sharing and medical transport present significant hurdles for those seeking breast cancer-related healthcare.
As Lucedale continues to grow and evolve, addressing these transportation challenges is crucial to ensuring that all residents have equal access to essential medical services. This includes exploring opportunities to improve public transit options, promoting ride-sharing services, and supporting the availability of affordable medical transportation. By prioritizing healthcare access, Lucedale can create a healthier and more supportive environment for all its residents, especially those facing the challenges of breast cancer.
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