39455, Lumberton, Mississippi Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 39455, Lumberton, Mississippi is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.49 percent of residents in 39455 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pearl River County Hospital with a distance of 10.98 miles from the area.

**Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Lumberton, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39455)**

The journey to healthcare, especially for a life-altering diagnosis like breast cancer, is a critical component of patient outcomes. This analysis, focused on ZIP code 39455 (Lumberton, Mississippi), examines the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access for those facing breast cancer, offering a “Breast Cancer Score” to reflect the challenges and opportunities. This score will consider drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, painting a picture of the realities for residents seeking vital care. For individuals considering moving to Lumberton, this information is crucial for understanding the accessibility of healthcare resources.

Lumberton, a community nestled in the heart of Mississippi, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The “Breast Cancer Score” here is not a numerical value, but rather a qualitative assessment, a narrative of the transportation hurdles and available solutions for patients. The geography of the region, coupled with the limitations of public transportation, dictates the need for careful planning and reliance on various transportation options.

**Drive Times: The Primary Route to Care**

For many Lumberton residents, the automobile remains the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities. The drive times to the nearest hospitals and cancer treatment centers significantly impact the overall patient experience. The primary route to Hattiesburg, the nearest city with comprehensive medical services, is via US Highway 98. This major thoroughfare, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.

The drive to Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, a crucial destination for breast cancer care, typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive, while manageable for many, can become a significant burden for patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or frequent follow-up appointments. The emotional and physical toll of the disease is compounded by the stress of a long commute.

Alternative routes, such as taking Mississippi Highway 13, may offer slightly different travel times, but are often less direct and may involve navigating smaller roads. These secondary routes could be useful for avoiding traffic on US 98, but might add to the overall travel time. The condition of these roads should be taken into consideration, especially in inclement weather.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Accessibility**

Public transportation options in Lumberton are extremely limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The absence of a robust public transit system disproportionately affects individuals who are elderly, low-income, or unable to drive due to their illness or other disabilities. This lack of options severely restricts healthcare access for a significant portion of the population.

There is no established bus route that directly serves Lumberton and connects it to Hattiesburg. This means that individuals relying on public transit would need to devise a complex journey involving multiple transfers, if such a route even exists. This could involve a combination of local transportation services, potentially requiring significant waiting times and the need to navigate unfamiliar areas.

The absence of a well-developed public transit system is a critical factor in the "Breast Cancer Score" for Lumberton. The lack of accessible and affordable transportation options exacerbates the challenges faced by breast cancer patients, potentially delaying diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Gaps in Coverage**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have become increasingly prevalent in many areas, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. However, the availability of these services in Lumberton is inconsistent. The frequency of ride-sharing availability can vary greatly depending on the time of day, the day of the week, and the demand for services.

The reliance on ride-sharing can be problematic for breast cancer patients. The cost of frequent rides to and from medical appointments can quickly become prohibitive, adding a financial burden to an already challenging situation. Furthermore, the reliability of these services is not guaranteed, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in treatment.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to assist patients with medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel to assist patients with mobility issues. However, the availability of medical transport services in Lumberton is limited. The cost of these services can be significant, making them inaccessible for many individuals.

**The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lumberton**

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Lumberton reflects a landscape where transportation barriers significantly impact healthcare access. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services create a challenging environment for breast cancer patients.

The drive times to Hattiesburg, while manageable for some, can be a burden. The absence of robust public transit is a major impediment to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The inconsistent availability and high cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services further exacerbate the challenges.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

Improving the "Breast Cancer Score" for Lumberton requires a multi-faceted approach. Advocacy for increased public transportation options, including routes connecting Lumberton to Hattiesburg, is essential. This could involve partnering with local and regional transportation authorities to explore the feasibility of new routes and services.

Promoting the availability of ride-sharing services and exploring options for subsidized transportation for breast cancer patients could also help. Raising awareness about existing medical transport services and working to make them more affordable and accessible is also important.

For those considering moving to Lumberton, it is imperative to understand the challenges of healthcare access. Thorough research into the availability of transportation options and the potential costs associated with healthcare-related travel is crucial.

By addressing these challenges and implementing strategic improvements, Lumberton can work towards creating a more supportive and accessible healthcare environment for breast cancer patients. This requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government. The goal is to ensure that all residents have equitable access to the care they need, regardless of their transportation limitations.