38379, Stantonville, Tennessee COPD Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the COPD Score in 38379, Stantonville, Tennessee is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.35 percent of residents in 38379 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Hardin Medical Center with a distance of 12.12 miles from the area.

## COPD Score: Navigating Healthcare in Stantonville (ZIP Code 38379)

The air hangs heavy in the rural heart of Stantonville, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38379), a place where the whispers of the wind carry tales of hardworking lives and the quiet struggle of those battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). For individuals managing this debilitating respiratory illness, access to timely and reliable healthcare is not just a convenience, it's a lifeline. This write-up assesses the transportation landscape within and around Stantonville, evaluating its impact on healthcare access for COPD patients, and offering a "COPD Score" based on the available options.

The very fabric of Stantonville's existence is woven with the threads of its roads. The primary artery, **Highway 641**, snakes through the town, connecting it to larger regional hubs. This highway is crucial for accessing healthcare, but its accessibility is often hampered by traffic, particularly during peak hours. The secondary roads, like **Old State Route 22** and **Old Highway 64**, offer alternative routes, but their winding paths and potential for poor road conditions can pose challenges for those with breathing difficulties. Navigating these roads requires careful planning and consideration of the patient's physical limitations.

Drive times are a critical component of healthcare access. The closest major medical facilities are located in Jackson, Tennessee, approximately 30 miles east of Stantonville. A drive to Jackson via Highway 641, assuming average traffic conditions, typically takes around 45 minutes. However, traffic congestion, especially during morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend this travel time, potentially exacerbating the distress of a COPD patient experiencing a respiratory crisis. Emergency situations demand immediate action, and every minute counts.

Public transportation options within Stantonville and the surrounding areas are limited. There is no established public transit system that directly serves Stantonville. The absence of buses or other forms of public transportation presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive due to their condition. This reality disproportionately affects those with limited financial resources and mobility challenges.

The lack of public transit underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions. Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jackson area, but their presence in Stantonville is less consistent. Availability may be limited, and surge pricing during peak demand or in emergency situations can make these services cost-prohibitive for some patients. The reliability of ride-sharing, especially in a rural setting, is a significant concern.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized approach. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport for patients who require assistance getting to appointments. These services can be invaluable for COPD patients, offering trained personnel and specialized vehicles equipped to manage respiratory needs. However, these services often come at a higher cost, and their availability may be subject to scheduling constraints.

For individuals considering moving to Stantonville, the transportation infrastructure is a crucial factor. Potential residents with COPD must carefully evaluate the availability of healthcare access. The absence of public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing or medical transport services significantly impacts the overall "COPD Score" for this area.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility of the existing transportation options is another critical consideration. While ride-sharing services and medical transport providers may offer accessible vehicles, their availability cannot be guaranteed. The lack of ADA-compliant public transit is a significant deficiency, limiting healthcare access for individuals with mobility challenges.

The "COPD Score" for Stantonville, ZIP Code 38379, is therefore negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for extended drive times, the lack of public transit, and the variable availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services contribute to a challenging healthcare access environment.

The primary challenge is the reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for extended drive times to reach healthcare facilities. While the local road network, including Highway 641, offers a direct route to Jackson, traffic congestion can significantly increase travel time, particularly during peak hours.

The absence of public transportation is a significant barrier for those who cannot drive or lack access to a vehicle. This limitation disproportionately affects individuals with lower incomes and those with mobility challenges, making healthcare access more difficult and potentially more expensive.

Ride-sharing services, though available, may have limited presence in Stantonville and can be subject to surge pricing, making them an unreliable and potentially costly option. Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution but come with higher costs and potential scheduling constraints.

The "COPD Score" for Stantonville, ZIP Code 38379, would be significantly improved by the introduction of a public transportation system, the expansion of ride-sharing services, and the enhancement of medical transport options. Improved road infrastructure, including traffic management strategies on Highway 641, would also contribute to better healthcare access.

In conclusion, while Stantonville offers a sense of community and rural charm, the transportation infrastructure presents significant challenges for individuals managing COPD. Prospective residents with COPD must carefully consider these limitations when evaluating the suitability of Stantonville as a place to live. The "COPD Score" for this area reflects the need for improved transportation options to ensure timely and reliable healthcare access for all residents. The health and well-being of those living with COPD in Stantonville depend on it.