39067, Ethel, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39067, Ethel, Mississippi is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.07 percent of residents in 39067 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center Attala with a distance of 8.57 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39067

Ethel, Mississippi, nestled within ZIP code 39067, presents a unique landscape when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This write-up explores the transportation realities impacting residents' ability to reach vital medical services, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the challenges and opportunities within this community. The score will consider drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation modes, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

The primary challenge in Ethel, as with many rural communities, is the distance to specialized medical care. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located in larger towns and cities, requiring residents to rely heavily on personal vehicles for transportation. This immediately introduces vulnerabilities, especially for those with hypertension who may experience health complications or have mobility limitations.

Driving is the dominant mode of transportation. From Ethel, the most direct route to Jackson, the state's capital and a hub for advanced medical services, involves navigating Mississippi Highway 35 North and then connecting to Interstate 20 West. The drive, depending on traffic, can take upwards of an hour and a half. This time commitment is significant, especially for regular check-ups, medication refills, or urgent care visits.

Alternatively, residents might consider traveling to Meridian, Mississippi, which offers some healthcare facilities. This journey typically involves taking Highway 35 South and then connecting to Interstate 20 East. The drive time is roughly an hour. However, the quality and availability of specialized care in Meridian may not match that of Jackson.

The condition of the roads themselves is a factor. Highway 35, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours. Weather conditions, particularly heavy rain or fog, can further complicate travel, increasing drive times and potentially posing safety risks. The condition of personal vehicles is also a consideration. Individuals without reliable transportation face a significant barrier to healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed treatment and poorer health outcomes.

Public transportation options are limited in Ethel. There is no established city-wide or county-wide bus system. The absence of public transit leaves residents reliant on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transport. This is a critical factor in the Hypertension Score.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence is not guaranteed. Availability is often dependent on driver density and demand, which can be unpredictable in a rural setting. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for those on fixed incomes or with limited financial resources. This adds another layer of complexity to the transportation challenge.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Companies like Medical Transport Services (MTS) and some local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport. These services are often equipped to handle individuals with mobility limitations and may offer door-to-door service. However, the availability of these services in Ethel may be limited, and they can be costly, often requiring pre-booking and insurance coverage.

The lack of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles and potentially costly ride-sharing or medical transport services significantly impact healthcare access for individuals with hypertension. This situation highlights the importance of considering the "transportation" element when evaluating the overall health of the community.

For residents with hypertension, the distance to healthcare facilities, the potential for traffic delays, and the lack of affordable transportation options can create significant barriers to receiving timely and consistent medical care. This can lead to poorer blood pressure control, increased risk of cardiovascular complications, and a lower quality of life.

The "Hypertension Score" for 39067 must, therefore, reflect these challenges. It should incorporate factors such as average drive times to various healthcare facilities, the availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services, and the presence or absence of any public transportation options.

The score would be significantly impacted by the absence of public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles. The longer drive times to Jackson or Meridian, coupled with potential traffic delays, would contribute to a lower score. The limited availability and potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services would further depress the score.

To improve the Hypertension Score, several interventions could be considered. Exploring the feasibility of establishing a local shuttle service, potentially subsidized by the county or local healthcare providers, could significantly improve access to healthcare. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments could also be beneficial.

Another crucial step is to promote telehealth services, allowing residents to consult with healthcare providers remotely. This can reduce the need for travel, particularly for routine check-ups and medication management. Expanding access to home healthcare services, where nurses and other healthcare professionals can visit patients in their homes, would also be a valuable addition.

Finally, community education and outreach programs are essential. These programs should focus on educating residents about hypertension, the importance of regular check-ups, and the available transportation options. These programs should also provide information on accessing financial assistance for healthcare and transportation costs.

Moving to Ethel with hypertension necessitates a careful consideration of these transportation factors. Prospective residents should assess their ability to manage the travel requirements for regular medical appointments and emergency care. The availability of reliable transportation, whether personal or through alternative means, is paramount.

The "Hypertension Score" for 39067 is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their health status or financial resources, have access to the healthcare they need. Addressing the transportation challenges in Ethel is a critical step towards improving the health and well-being of its residents, especially those managing hypertension.