39577, Wiggins, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39577, Wiggins, Mississippi is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

52.23 percent of residents in 39577 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 28.82 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pearl River County Hospital with a distance of 25.06 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Wiggins, MS (ZIP Code 39577)

The quiet charm of Wiggins, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of Stone County, offers a slower pace of life, a welcome respite for many. However, the tranquility of this community presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to healthcare access, particularly for those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. This write-up delves into the complexities of navigating healthcare in ZIP code 39577, focusing on transportation options, drive times, and the overall accessibility of medical services. The goal is to paint a clear picture for potential residents, particularly those considering moving to Wiggins, and to provide valuable insights for current residents seeking to improve their healthcare journey.

The very fabric of healthcare access is interwoven with transportation. In Wiggins, the options are limited, and the landscape is dominated by personal vehicles. The primary arteries of movement are US Highway 49, the main north-south thoroughfare, and Mississippi Highway 26, which runs east-west. These highways, while providing essential links to surrounding areas, can also be subject to traffic, especially during peak hours, impacting drive times to medical appointments.

For residents without personal vehicles, the situation becomes more complicated. Public transportation options are scarce. There is no readily available public bus system within Wiggins or Stone County. This lack of robust public transportation significantly impacts the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources, creating a barrier to healthcare access and exacerbating the challenges of managing conditions like hypertension.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in assessing healthcare accessibility. Within Wiggins itself, the primary healthcare provider is Stone County Hospital. Drive times to this facility are generally short for residents within the town limits, offering convenient access to primary care and some specialized services. However, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, may necessitate travel outside of Wiggins.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to Hattiesburg, approximately 40 miles north via US Highway 49. The drive time to Hattiesburg can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. Other options include the Gulfport area, about 60 miles south via US Highway 49 and Interstate 10. This journey takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes, again depending on traffic and the specific destination. These longer drive times can be a significant burden, especially for individuals with hypertension, who may require frequent check-ups and monitoring.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Wiggins area, but their reliability and availability can vary. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, particularly for longer trips to Hattiesburg or Gulfport. Furthermore, the availability of these services may be limited during off-peak hours or in more remote areas of the ZIP code.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Companies like MedTrans and Access Medical Transportation provide non-emergency medical transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services often require advance booking and can be subject to scheduling limitations. The cost of these services can also be a factor, particularly for those without adequate insurance coverage.

The lack of readily available public transportation and the reliance on personal vehicles create unique challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Regular check-ups, medication refills, and lifestyle modifications are crucial for managing this condition. The longer drive times to specialized care and the limited availability of transportation options can make it difficult for individuals to adhere to their treatment plans. This can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

For individuals considering moving to Wiggins, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. Assessing the availability of personal transportation or the ability to utilize ride-sharing or medical transportation services is essential. It is also important to consider the distance to specialized healthcare providers and the potential impact on their ability to manage their hypertension effectively.

The physical layout of Wiggins, with its reliance on car travel, also impacts healthcare access. Sidewalks and pedestrian infrastructure are limited in some areas, making it challenging for individuals with mobility issues to access healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and other essential services. This lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure further exacerbates the transportation challenges faced by residents.

Furthermore, the availability of telehealth services can play a vital role in improving healthcare access in Wiggins. Telehealth allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and making it easier to manage chronic conditions like hypertension. The availability of reliable internet access is crucial for telehealth services to be effective.

The challenges of transportation and healthcare access in Wiggins are not insurmountable. Community initiatives, such as partnerships between healthcare providers and local organizations, can help address these issues. For example, establishing a local transportation program specifically designed to serve the needs of patients with chronic conditions could significantly improve healthcare access.

Another avenue for improvement is the expansion of telehealth services. Promoting the use of telehealth among healthcare providers and ensuring that residents have access to reliable internet connectivity can help bridge the gap in healthcare access. Community education programs can also play a vital role in raising awareness about hypertension and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

In conclusion, navigating healthcare access in Wiggins, MS (ZIP code 39577) requires careful consideration of transportation options and the distances to healthcare facilities. While Stone County Hospital provides essential primary care services, the need for specialized care often necessitates travel to Hattiesburg or Gulfport. The limited availability of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create unique challenges for individuals managing hypertension. Understanding these challenges and exploring alternative solutions, such as telehealth and community-based transportation programs, is crucial for improving healthcare access and ensuring the well-being of residents in Wiggins. The journey to better health in Wiggins requires a multi-faceted approach, addressing both the physical and logistical barriers to healthcare access.