39771, Walthall, Mississippi Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 39771, Walthall, Mississippi is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.28 percent of residents in 39771 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Webster General Hospital/ Swing Bed with a distance of 5.00 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Walthall County, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39771)

The insidious nature of hypertension, often asymptomatic yet relentlessly damaging, demands proactive healthcare access. For residents of ZIP Code 39771 (Walthall County, Mississippi), the ability to reach medical professionals is a critical component of effective management. This write-up explores the "Hypertension Score" – a composite measure of transportation options and healthcare access within this rural landscape. It considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport, painting a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing individuals managing hypertension and contemplating moving to Walthall.

The cornerstone of this analysis is the understanding that timely access to healthcare is paramount. Regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications are all essential for controlling blood pressure and preventing serious complications like stroke and heart disease. The "Hypertension Score" reflects how readily residents can obtain these vital services, factoring in the realities of transportation in a rural setting.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape:**

The primary mode of transportation in Walthall County is the personal vehicle. Residents rely heavily on their cars to navigate the county's network of highways and roads. The drive times to healthcare facilities are therefore a crucial element of the "Hypertension Score."

The primary artery for travel within the county is **Highway 98**, a major east-west thoroughfare. Driving east on Highway 98 provides access to healthcare facilities in Tylertown, the county seat. Depending on the specific location within ZIP Code 39771, drive times to Tylertown's medical clinics can range from 10 to 25 minutes. This is generally considered reasonable, assuming road conditions are favorable.

Traveling west on Highway 98 leads towards McComb, Mississippi, offering access to a wider array of healthcare providers and specialists. However, the drive time to McComb can be significantly longer, potentially exceeding 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the exact location and traffic conditions. This extended travel time can be a deterrent for those needing frequent check-ups or facing urgent medical needs.

Other important roads within the county include **Highway 48** and various county roads. These routes provide access to smaller towns and rural communities, but they often involve slower speeds and less direct routes to healthcare facilities. The condition of these roads can also vary, impacting travel times and the accessibility of healthcare.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in Walthall County are extremely limited. This severely impacts the "Hypertension Score" for individuals who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive.

There is no established public bus system operating within the county. This leaves residents without personal vehicles reliant on alternative transportation methods. This lack of public transit is a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or financial constraints.

Furthermore, the absence of public transit eliminates the possibility of ADA-accessible transportation options. This is a crucial consideration for individuals with disabilities who may find it difficult or impossible to use other forms of transportation. The lack of accessible options dramatically lowers the "Hypertension Score" for this vulnerable population.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not readily available in Walthall County. This further exacerbates the transportation challenges for residents seeking healthcare access. The lack of ride-sharing options forces individuals to rely on family, friends, or other informal arrangements for transportation.

Medical transport services, however, offer a potential solution for those with specific needs. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to transport patients to and from medical appointments. These services typically require advance booking and may involve fees.

Some of the medical transport brands that may serve Walthall County include, but are not limited to, local ambulance services, and regional providers. Availability and coverage areas can vary, so it is essential for residents to research and identify the specific options available in their area.

**The "Hypertension Score" in Practice:**

The "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 39771 is influenced by the interplay of these transportation factors. It acknowledges the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited availability of public transit, and the potential role of ride-sharing and medical transport.

The score would likely be lower for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, reflecting the challenges of relying on informal transportation or the limited availability of medical transport services. The score would also be lower for those with mobility limitations or disabilities, given the lack of ADA-accessible transportation options.

Conversely, the score would be higher for individuals with reliable access to a vehicle and the financial means to utilize medical transport services if needed. The score also considers the proximity of healthcare facilities, with shorter drive times contributing to a higher score.

**Moving to Walthall: A Healthcare Consideration:**

For individuals considering moving to Walthall County, the "Hypertension Score" serves as a vital consideration. Those managing hypertension should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services before making a decision.

Potential residents should research the location of healthcare facilities, the drive times from their prospective homes, and the availability of medical transport services. They should also consider the potential need for regular check-ups, medication refills, and specialist appointments, factoring in the time and effort required to access these services.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number; it is a dynamic reflection of the transportation landscape and its impact on healthcare access. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, residents of ZIP Code 39771 can navigate the healthcare system more effectively and proactively manage their hypertension.