39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.99 percent of residents in 39567 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Singing River Health System with a distance of 0.95 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Pascagoula (ZIP Code 39567)

The sun-drenched Gulf Coast city of Pascagoula, Mississippi, beckons with its rich history, maritime heritage, and the promise of a relaxed lifestyle. For those considering relocating to this vibrant community (ZIP Code 39567), understanding the intricacies of healthcare access, particularly for conditions like hypertension, is paramount. This write-up provides a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, focusing on transportation options and their impact on accessing vital healthcare services.

Pascagoula, nestled in Jackson County, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access. The city, while offering a variety of medical facilities, relies heavily on personal **transportation**. This dependence underscores the importance of evaluating commute times, public transit availability, and alternative modes of travel for residents managing hypertension. The ability to quickly and reliably reach a physician, pharmacy, or specialist is critical for effective hypertension management, impacting everything from medication adherence to overall well-being.

The primary arteries of **transportation** in Pascagoula are US Highway 90, the main east-west thoroughfare, and Interstate 10, offering north-south connectivity. These highways, while providing relatively swift travel, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially delaying access to crucial medical appointments. Smaller roads like Gautier-Vancleave Road and Market Street serve as vital connectors, but their narrow lanes and traffic lights can add to commute times, particularly during rush hour.

For individuals relying on personal vehicles, the drive to major healthcare providers, such as Singing River Health System, located on Hospital Road, varies depending on location within the ZIP code. Residents in the western areas of Pascagoula, near the intersection of US 90 and Pascagoula River Bridge, might face a 15-20 minute drive during non-peak hours. However, this time could easily extend to 30 minutes or more during rush hour, particularly if navigating the bridge. Residents in the eastern sections, closer to the Bayou Cassotte area, typically enjoy shorter drive times, around 10-15 minutes.

Public **transportation** options in Pascagoula are limited, posing a significant hurdle for those without personal vehicles. The Jackson County Transit Authority (JCTA) provides bus services, but the routes are infrequent and may not directly serve all healthcare facilities. The JCTA operates several routes, including Route 1, which runs along US 90, and Route 2, which travels through the downtown area. However, these routes may not offer convenient connections to specialized clinics or hospitals, increasing the overall travel time and complexity.

ADA accessibility on JCTA buses is available, ensuring that individuals with mobility limitations can utilize the service. However, the limited frequency of buses and the potential for lengthy wait times can still present challenges for those with hypertension, especially during medical emergencies. The reliance on public **transportation** can also impact the ability to quickly obtain prescription refills or attend follow-up appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Pascagoula, offering an alternative to public **transportation** and personal vehicles. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, especially during off-peak hours or in less populated areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant factor, particularly for individuals with limited incomes or frequent medical appointments. This cost can add to the financial burden of managing hypertension, potentially impacting medication adherence and overall health outcomes.

Medical **transportation** services, such as MedStar Ambulance and AMR, are available for emergency situations. However, these services are typically reserved for critical cases and are not designed for routine medical appointments. The availability of non-emergency medical **transportation** specifically tailored for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension is limited in Pascagoula. This gap in services can create significant barriers to **healthcare access** for those who cannot drive or lack access to other forms of **transportation**.

The proximity of pharmacies to residential areas and healthcare facilities is another crucial factor. While numerous pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, and local pharmacies, are located throughout Pascagoula, their accessibility varies depending on location. Residents in certain areas may need to drive several miles to reach a pharmacy, adding to the inconvenience and potentially delaying medication refills.

The "Hypertension Score" for Pascagoula, therefore, reflects a mixed picture. While the city offers a range of healthcare providers and pharmacies, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public **transportation** create challenges for **healthcare access**. The availability of ride-sharing services provides a partial solution, but the cost and availability can be limiting factors. The limited options for medical **transportation** further exacerbate the challenges for individuals who cannot drive or have mobility limitations.

For those **moving to Pascagoula** with hypertension, a thorough assessment of their **transportation** needs is essential. Factors to consider include proximity to healthcare providers and pharmacies, access to reliable **transportation**, and the ability to afford ride-sharing services. Individuals should also explore the possibility of utilizing telehealth services for routine check-ups and medication management.

In conclusion, while Pascagoula offers a welcoming environment and a strong sense of community, the **transportation** landscape presents challenges for individuals managing hypertension. A proactive approach to **healthcare access**, including careful consideration of **transportation** options and the potential utilization of telehealth services, is crucial for ensuring effective hypertension management and promoting overall well-being. The ability to navigate the **transportation** network effectively directly impacts a resident’s **healthcare access**.