38236, Mansfield, Tennessee Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 38236, Mansfield, Tennessee is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

68.70 percent of residents in 38236 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Henry County Medical Center with a distance of 16.30 miles from the area.

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Mansfield, TN (ZIP Code 38236)

The specter of hypertension, a silent threat to cardiovascular health, looms large in any community. This write-up delves into the intricate web of transportation options available to residents of Mansfield, Tennessee (ZIP Code 38236), assessing their impact on healthcare access, specifically concerning individuals managing hypertension. We aim to create a "Hypertension Score" – a subjective measure reflecting the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical appointments and resources, considering the unique transportation landscape. This analysis is crucial for both current residents and those contemplating moving to Mansfield, providing a realistic view of healthcare accessibility.

Mansfield, a rural community nestled in the heart of West Tennessee, presents a unique challenge. The sparse population and limited public transportation options necessitate a reliance on personal vehicles. This dependence significantly influences the Hypertension Score, as access to timely medical care is directly tied to the availability and reliability of personal transportation. The ability to consistently attend appointments, pick up medications, and manage health conditions is paramount for effective hypertension management.

The primary arteries of transportation in and around Mansfield are the familiar ribbons of asphalt. Tennessee State Route 54, the main thoroughfare, snakes through the town, connecting residents to essential services. US Highway 79, a vital artery, provides access to larger towns like Paris and Huntingdon, where more specialized medical facilities are located. The drive-times, therefore, become a critical factor in our score.

For a resident of Mansfield, a routine check-up at the Henry County Medical Center in Paris, approximately 15 miles away, translates to a 20-30 minute drive along US-79. This seemingly manageable journey can become significantly more challenging for individuals experiencing a hypertensive crisis or those with mobility limitations. The time spent traveling, especially during peak hours or in inclement weather, can exacerbate health concerns.

Public transportation in this area is a significant void. There are no readily available bus routes or established public transit systems operating within Mansfield or connecting it to surrounding areas. This absence dramatically lowers the Hypertension Score, as it eliminates a crucial option for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a vehicle, or face financial constraints. The lack of public transit leaves a significant segment of the population vulnerable to healthcare access barriers.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are present in the broader region, but their availability in rural areas like Mansfield is often limited and unpredictable. While these services could potentially bridge the gap, their cost and availability are significant deterrents. The reliability of ride-sharing for scheduled medical appointments is questionable, potentially leading to missed appointments and disruptions in care. This uncertainty further contributes to a lower Hypertension Score.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for patients needing assistance, offer a glimmer of hope. Companies like First Medical Transportation and American Medical Response (AMR) operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT). However, these services often require pre-booking, adding another layer of complexity to accessing care. The cost of NEMT can also be a significant burden for individuals with limited financial resources, further impacting their ability to manage their hypertension effectively.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features of these services are critical, but information about the specific availability and features of accessible vehicles in the area is limited. This lack of transparency contributes to the overall uncertainty and lowers the Hypertension Score for individuals with mobility limitations. The ability to access transportation that meets their specific needs is crucial for maintaining their health.

The availability of pharmacies within Mansfield is another factor. The presence of local pharmacies, like the one on Highway 54, offers convenient access to medications and essential healthcare products. However, individuals with hypertension often require specialized care and medications that may not be readily available in smaller pharmacies. This necessitates travel to larger pharmacies or medical centers in Paris or Huntingdon, further increasing the time and effort required to access healthcare.

The impact of these transportation limitations on the Hypertension Score is substantial. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transportation, the limited availability and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation, and the potential for long drive-times all contribute to a challenging environment for individuals managing hypertension. The score reflects the difficulty of adhering to medication schedules, attending regular check-ups, and accessing emergency care when needed.

For individuals considering moving to Mansfield, the transportation landscape should be a significant consideration. The need for a reliable personal vehicle is paramount. The lack of readily available alternatives necessitates careful planning and budgeting for transportation expenses. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly hypertension, should thoroughly assess their ability to manage their healthcare needs within this environment.

The Hypertension Score in Mansfield, TN (ZIP Code 38236) is, therefore, moderately low. The challenges associated with transportation significantly impact healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments, medication non-adherence, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. While the community offers a sense of rural tranquility, the limitations in transportation create a barrier to optimal healthcare access for those managing hypertension.

To improve the Hypertension Score, several interventions are crucial. Investing in public transportation, even a limited route connecting Mansfield to Paris and Huntingdon, would significantly improve access to care. Subsidizing ride-sharing services for medical appointments would also provide a valuable lifeline. Promoting awareness of available medical transportation services and ensuring their accessibility for individuals with disabilities are also essential.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthcare environment where individuals with hypertension can easily access the care they need, regardless of their transportation limitations. This requires a collaborative effort involving local government, healthcare providers, and community organizations to address the transportation challenges and ensure that all residents of Mansfield have the opportunity to live healthy lives. The journey to improved healthcare access is a continuous one, requiring ongoing assessment and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the community.