39082, Harrisville, Mississippi COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 39082, Harrisville, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

12.37 percent of residents in 39082 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.92 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Simpson General Hospital Cah with a distance of 13.29 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Commute to Healthcare in Harrisville (ZIP Code 39082)

The air hangs heavy in Harrisville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39082), a rural community where the breath of life can be a daily struggle for those battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Understanding the challenges of **transportation** to **healthcare access** is paramount for residents managing this debilitating illness. This write-up assesses the COPD Score, a hypothetical metric reflecting the ease with which individuals in Harrisville can reach essential medical services, considering various modes of travel.

The primary consideration is the drive time. The nearest hospital, Merit Health Wesley, is located in Hattiesburg, approximately 25 miles south of Harrisville. The most direct route utilizes Highway 49 South. During off-peak hours, the drive typically takes 35-45 minutes. However, peak-hour traffic, especially on Highway 49, can significantly extend this commute, potentially pushing it to over an hour. This delay is critical for COPD patients who may experience acute exacerbations requiring immediate medical attention.

Alternative routes exist, but they offer little relief. County Road 29 and County Road 28 provide access to Highway 49, but these rural roads are often narrow and may have limited visibility, especially during inclement weather. These roads can also be subject to potholes and other road hazards, potentially impacting the comfort and safety of patients with respiratory difficulties.

Public **transportation** options are severely limited in Harrisville. The lack of a comprehensive public transit system poses a significant barrier to **healthcare access**. There are no regularly scheduled bus routes or train services that directly connect Harrisville to Hattiesburg or other medical facilities. This forces residents to rely on personal vehicles, carpooling, or alternative, often less reliable, modes of **transportation**. The absence of accessible public transit routes with ADA features exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations often associated with COPD.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Hattiesburg area, but their presence in Harrisville is inconsistent. Availability can be unpredictable, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening, times when COPD patients might need emergency medical care. Furthermore, the cost of ride-sharing can be prohibitive for many residents, adding another layer of complexity to their **healthcare access**.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed for patients with medical needs, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other private ambulance services operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical **transportation**. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited depending on staffing and demand. Coordinating these services requires advanced planning, which is not always possible during a COPD exacerbation.

The COPD Score for Harrisville is significantly impacted by the geographic isolation and limited **transportation** infrastructure. The reliance on personal vehicles, the unpredictable availability of ride-sharing, and the expense of medical **transportation** services create considerable barriers to **healthcare access**. This is especially true for individuals experiencing acute respiratory distress. The lack of readily available public transit options with ADA features further compounds the difficulties faced by those with mobility limitations.

The impact of these **transportation** challenges extends beyond mere inconvenience. Delays in accessing medical care can lead to increased hospitalizations, exacerbation of symptoms, and a diminished quality of life for COPD patients. The stress and anxiety associated with arranging **transportation** can also worsen respiratory symptoms.

The **moving to Harrisville** decision for a COPD patient should be made with careful consideration of these **transportation** limitations. The availability of reliable **transportation** is essential for managing the disease effectively.

The COPD Score for Harrisville reflects a pressing need for improved **transportation** infrastructure and **healthcare access**. This could include the development of a rural transit system, partnerships with ride-sharing services to provide subsidized rides for medical appointments, or the expansion of medical **transportation** services.

Moreover, telehealth initiatives can help mitigate the challenges of **transportation** by providing remote consultations and monitoring. Investing in these solutions is crucial to improve the lives of COPD patients in Harrisville and other rural communities facing similar challenges. The COPD Score serves as a stark reminder of the intersection between health, **transportation**, and community well-being.