39507, Gulfport, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39507, Gulfport, Mississippi is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

79.85 percent of residents in 39507 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 5.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Singing River Gulfport with a distance of 4.70 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Gulfport, MS (ZIP Code 39507)

The shimmering Gulf Coast beckons, and for those considering a move to Gulfport, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39507), understanding the landscape of healthcare access is crucial. This write-up analyzes the transportation infrastructure and its impact on hypertension management, a critical health concern. We’ll explore the practicalities of getting to appointments, pharmacies, and emergency care, providing a “Hypertension Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing vital healthcare services. This score will help inform decisions, especially for individuals managing hypertension.

The score considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and specialized medical transport. It aims to paint a realistic picture of navigating the area, highlighting potential challenges and opportunities for those prioritizing their health. The goal is to empower potential residents with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their well-being, especially concerning transportation and healthcare access.

**The Highways and Byways: A Road Map to Care**

The primary arteries of transportation in Gulfport are US Highway 90, running east-west along the coast, and Interstate 10, slicing north-south. These highways are essential for accessing healthcare facilities, but their efficiency is impacted by traffic, especially during peak hours and tourist seasons.

For residents in the heart of 39507, reaching Memorial Hospital at Gulfport, a major regional healthcare provider, typically involves a short drive. Depending on the specific location within the zip code, this drive could be along US 90, or involve navigating local roads like 25th Avenue or Cowan Road. The drive time, under normal conditions, is generally within 10-20 minutes, offering relatively convenient access.

However, the ease of access is not uniform across the zip code. Residents in the western reaches of 39507, closer to the intersection of I-10 and US 49, might face a longer commute to Memorial Hospital, potentially exceeding 25 minutes during rush hour. This increased travel time can be a significant factor for individuals managing hypertension, where timely access to medication refills, check-ups, and emergency care is paramount.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

The public transportation system in Gulfport, managed by Coast Transit Authority (CTA), offers bus routes that crisscross the city. However, the network is limited in scope and frequency, particularly outside of peak hours. This presents a significant challenge for individuals relying on public transit for healthcare access.

Several CTA routes, including routes 1, 2, and 3, serve areas within 39507 and provide connections to Memorial Hospital. However, the frequency of these routes can be infrequent, with wait times potentially exceeding an hour, particularly during evenings and weekends. This can create logistical hurdles for appointments and medication pickups.

Furthermore, while CTA buses are equipped with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility features, including ramps and priority seating, the overall accessibility of the system is limited by the infrequency of service and the distance between bus stops in some areas. This is a crucial consideration for individuals with mobility limitations, which can be exacerbated by hypertension-related complications. The reliance on public transit for healthcare access in Gulfport presents significant challenges, particularly for those with mobility issues or time constraints.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Gulfport and offer an alternative transportation option, especially for those without personal vehicles. These services provide a degree of flexibility and convenience, allowing residents to schedule rides to appointments and pharmacies. However, the availability of ride-sharing services can fluctuate, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with lower demand.

The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, particularly for individuals with limited incomes or frequent healthcare needs. This is an important consideration for managing hypertension, which often requires ongoing care and medication.

Specialized medical transport services, such as ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for individuals with specific medical needs. These services are crucial for those requiring assistance with mobility or needing transportation to dialysis appointments or other specialized treatments. However, these services typically require prior arrangements and can be costly, further impacting healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

**Pharmacies and Medication Access: A Critical Component**

Access to pharmacies and medication refills is a crucial element in managing hypertension. Several major pharmacy chains, including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, have locations within and near 39507, offering convenient access to prescription medications. However, the availability of specific medications and the cost of prescriptions can vary, requiring residents to navigate different pharmacies to find the best prices and ensure access to necessary medications.

Drive times to pharmacies are generally short, typically within 10-15 minutes, depending on the location within the zip code. However, the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing for medication pickups can create challenges for individuals without access to transportation.

**Emergency Care: A Matter of Minutes**

In the event of a hypertensive crisis or other medical emergency, rapid access to emergency care is paramount. Memorial Hospital at Gulfport has a well-equipped emergency room, providing immediate medical attention. However, the drive time to the hospital from various locations within 39507 can vary, and traffic conditions can significantly impact response times.

Ambulance services are available throughout the area, but response times can be affected by traffic congestion and the location of the emergency. This underscores the importance of understanding the local transportation infrastructure and planning for potential emergencies.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

Based on the factors discussed above, we can develop a preliminary "Hypertension Score" for healthcare access in 39507. This score is a subjective assessment, reflecting the overall ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare services, specifically for individuals managing hypertension.

**Factors Considered:**

* **Drive Times:** Average drive times to Memorial Hospital, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities.
* **Public Transit:** Frequency, accessibility, and coverage of CTA routes.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability, cost, and reliability of Uber and Lyft.
* **Medical Transport:** Availability and accessibility of ambulance and NEMT services.
* **Pharmacy Access:** Proximity to pharmacies and medication availability.
* **Emergency Care:** Response times and access to emergency medical services.

**Preliminary Score:**

Based on this analysis, the Hypertension Score for 39507 is tentatively assessed as **Moderate**. While access to healthcare facilities is generally available, challenges exist regarding public transit, ride-sharing costs, and potential traffic congestion. Residents with limited mobility or relying on public transit may face significant hurdles in accessing timely healthcare.

**Recommendations:**

* **Prioritize proximity:** When considering a move to 39507, prioritize locations with convenient access to healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and public transit routes.
* **Explore transportation options:** Investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing services and medical transport options.
* **Plan for emergencies:** Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest emergency room and develop an emergency plan.
* **Advocate for improvements:** Support efforts to improve public transit services and expand access to affordable transportation options.
* **Consult with healthcare providers:** Discuss transportation challenges with your healthcare provider and explore potential solutions.

**Conclusion:**

Moving to Gulfport, Mississippi, offers the allure of coastal living, but potential residents must consider the practicalities of healthcare access. While the area offers healthcare facilities, transportation challenges, particularly for those managing hypertension, require careful consideration. By understanding the transportation landscape, residents can proactively plan for their healthcare needs and ensure access to the care they require. This "Hypertension Score" provides a starting point for evaluating healthcare access, encouraging informed decision-making and promoting proactive health management in the beautiful coastal community of Gulfport.