39572, Pearlington, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39572, Pearlington, Mississippi is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.64 percent of residents in 39572 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Va Gulf Coast Healthcare System with a distance of 40.83 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Pearlington, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39572)**

The quaint coastal community of Pearlington, Mississippi, nestled in Hancock County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering healthcare access, particularly for individuals managing hypertension. This analysis, focused on transportation options, aims to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” assessment, evaluating the ease with which residents can reach necessary medical care. This score will consider various transportation modes, including personal vehicles, public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, all crucial for managing a chronic condition like hypertension. Planning a move to Pearlington necessitates a thorough understanding of these factors.

The primary concern for hypertension management is timely and consistent access to healthcare providers. This includes regular check-ups, medication refills, and potential emergency care. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape directly impacts the quality of life for individuals with hypertension. The score will reflect the availability, affordability, and accessibility of transportation options, ultimately determining the ease with which residents can maintain their health.

**Driving Times and Road Conditions**

The most common mode of transportation in Pearlington is the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on their cars for commuting to healthcare facilities. The nearest major healthcare hub is in Bay St. Louis, approximately 18 miles west. The primary route involves traveling west on **Highway 90**, a two-lane highway that runs parallel to the coastline. Drive times typically range from 25 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Another option involves taking **Highway 607** north to **Interstate 10 (I-10)** west. This route, while slightly longer in distance, can sometimes offer a faster commute, especially during peak hours. However, I-10 can experience heavy traffic, particularly during hurricane season and on weekends. The road conditions on Highway 90 are generally good, but the potential for congestion and slow-moving vehicles, especially during the tourist season, must be considered.

Access to emergency medical care is a critical factor. In the event of a hypertensive crisis, every minute counts. The drive time to the nearest emergency room, located in Bay St. Louis, is a significant consideration. The reliability of the transportation network directly impacts the ability to receive timely medical attention.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Hancock County are limited. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) provides bus services, but its routes and schedules are not designed to provide frequent or direct access to healthcare facilities from Pearlington. The current routes primarily serve the major cities along the coast, and service frequency is low, often with long wait times between buses.

While the CTA does offer ADA-accessible buses, this is a limited benefit given the infrequent service. Individuals with mobility limitations may find it challenging to rely on public transportation for regular medical appointments. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Hypertension Score, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of readily available public transportation presents a barrier to healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability and affordability can vary. The cost of a ride to Bay St. Louis can be substantial, especially during peak hours or periods of high demand. The reliability of these services is also a concern, as drivers may not always be readily available in Pearlington.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to appointments, are available. These services offer door-to-door transportation, often with trained personnel to assist patients. However, these services can be costly and may require advance booking. The availability of medical transport can improve healthcare access for individuals with specific needs, but the cost can be a barrier.

**Specific Transportation Details**

* **Highway 90:** Primary east-west thoroughfare. Expect 25-40 minutes travel time to Bay St. Louis.
* **Highway 607:** Connects Pearlington to I-10.
* **Interstate 10 (I-10):** Major east-west highway. May offer faster travel times during low traffic.
* **Coast Transit Authority (CTA):** Limited bus routes. Check for ADA-accessible buses.
* **Ride-Sharing (Uber/Lyft):** Availability and cost vary.
* **Medical Transport:** Available, but expensive.

**Hypertension Score Assessment**

The Hypertension Score for Pearlington, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39572) is moderately low. The reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with the limited availability of public transportation and the potential costs associated with ride-sharing and medical transport, presents challenges. While the drive times to healthcare facilities are not excessively long, the lack of alternative transportation options for those unable to drive or who cannot afford the alternatives significantly impacts healthcare access.

The score is further affected by the potential for traffic congestion, especially during tourist seasons and hurricane evacuations. The absence of readily available and affordable transportation options necessitates careful planning and consideration for individuals managing hypertension.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For individuals with hypertension considering a move to Pearlington, a thorough assessment of their transportation needs is crucial. Those who cannot drive should investigate the availability and cost of ride-sharing services and medical transport. Exploring the possibility of relocating closer to healthcare facilities or within a more accessible area should be considered.

The community could benefit from initiatives to improve public transportation, such as expanding CTA routes and increasing service frequency. Partnerships between healthcare providers and transportation services could help to reduce the cost of medical transport. Increasing awareness of available resources, such as the CTA and medical transport providers, is vital.

The local government could also explore options for providing subsidized transportation for residents with chronic health conditions. These measures would significantly improve the Hypertension Score and enhance the quality of life for residents of Pearlington. Prioritizing healthcare access is a crucial component of community well-being, and improvements in transportation infrastructure are essential for supporting the health of individuals with hypertension.