39358, Scooba, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39358, Scooba, Mississippi is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.17 percent of residents in 39358 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Stennis Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.11 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Scooba, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39358)

The quiet charm of Scooba, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of Kemper County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for residents managing hypertension. Understanding the complexities of transportation within and around ZIP code 39358 is crucial for assessing the ease with which individuals can reach essential medical services. This write-up provides a detailed analysis, focusing on drive times, public transit, ride-sharing options, and medical transport, ultimately contributing to a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the practicality of healthcare access for those living with, or at risk of, high blood pressure. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Scooba, as it directly impacts their ability to manage their health.

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Scooba is personal vehicle transportation. The town itself is relatively small, with the majority of residents relying on cars, trucks, and SUVs for their daily commutes. The most direct route to essential medical care, including doctor’s offices, clinics, and hospitals, often involves navigating the local road network.

The primary artery for travel in and out of Scooba is **Highway 16**, which runs east-west, connecting the town to larger population centers and providing access to specialized medical facilities. Traveling east on Highway 16 leads to larger towns like De Kalb, Mississippi, and eventually to Meridian, Mississippi, the regional hub for advanced medical care. The drive to De Kalb, approximately 15 miles, should take around 20-25 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. Meridian, about 60 miles east, can be reached in roughly an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic and speed.

Conversely, heading west on Highway 16 offers access to smaller communities and potentially alternative healthcare options. However, the availability of specialized services diminishes as one moves westward. The condition of Highway 16 is generally good, but occasional road work or inclement weather can impact travel times.

**Highway 45** serves as another critical transportation route, intersecting Highway 16 just outside of Scooba. This north-south highway provides access to larger cities further north and south, including larger hospitals and specialist services. The drive to larger cities like Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which hosts major medical centers, is a significant undertaking, requiring several hours of driving.

Within Scooba itself, **Main Street** and other local roads provide access to local businesses and medical offices. However, the limited scope of healthcare providers within the town necessitates travel to surrounding areas for comprehensive care. The absence of readily available public transportation significantly increases the reliance on personal vehicles.

Public transportation options in Scooba are extremely limited, significantly impacting healthcare access for those without personal vehicles or those unable to drive. There is no established public bus system operating within the town or connecting it to surrounding areas. This lack of public transit exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with hypertension who may require frequent medical appointments, medication refills, or access to specialized care. The absence of public transportation is a critical factor in assessing the overall "Hypertension Score" for Scooba.

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, is also extremely limited, if available at all, in Scooba. The rural nature of the area and the relatively small population base make it economically challenging for ride-sharing companies to establish a presence. This lack of ride-sharing options further compounds the transportation challenges, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of ride-sharing services significantly reduces healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for transporting individuals to and from medical appointments, are another crucial consideration. While the availability of these services in Scooba may be limited, it is essential to investigate the presence of local or regional medical transport providers. These services typically cater to individuals with mobility issues or those who require assistance getting to and from their medical appointments. Researching the presence of medical transport providers is essential for assessing the "Hypertension Score."

The "Hypertension Score" for Scooba, Mississippi, would be significantly impacted by the transportation challenges outlined above. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transportation and ride-sharing, and the potential limitations of medical transport all contribute to a lower score. This score would reflect the difficulties individuals with hypertension face in accessing timely and consistent medical care.

For individuals considering moving to Scooba, a thorough understanding of these transportation limitations is critical. Potential residents should factor in the increased travel times to healthcare facilities, the potential reliance on personal vehicles, and the absence of readily available alternative transportation options. This information is essential for making informed decisions about their healthcare needs and ensuring they can effectively manage their hypertension.

The distance to Meridian, the closest city with a comprehensive range of medical services, presents a significant hurdle. The one-hour-plus drive time can be a deterrent for frequent appointments, follow-up care, and emergency situations. This distance, combined with the absence of public transit, highlights the importance of personal vehicle ownership.

Furthermore, the lack of readily available ride-sharing services adds another layer of complexity. Individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle face significant barriers in accessing healthcare. This situation underscores the need for careful planning and consideration when assessing the suitability of Scooba for individuals managing hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" would also consider the availability of local pharmacies and the ease with which residents can obtain their medications. The proximity of pharmacies, the hours of operation, and the availability of medication delivery services all play a role in healthcare access.

Finally, the "Hypertension Score" would incorporate the availability of telehealth services. Telehealth offers a potential solution for mitigating some of the transportation challenges by providing remote access to medical consultations and monitoring. The availability of reliable internet access and the willingness of local healthcare providers to offer telehealth services would positively impact the score.

In conclusion, assessing healthcare access in Scooba, Mississippi, for individuals with hypertension requires a comprehensive understanding of the transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, the potential lack of ride-sharing services, and the need for medical transport all contribute to a complex picture. For those considering moving to Scooba, a thorough evaluation of these factors is essential to ensure they can effectively manage their health and access the necessary medical care. The "Hypertension Score" would reflect these realities, providing a valuable tool for assessing the practicality of healthcare access in this rural Mississippi community.