39083, Hazlehurst, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39083, Hazlehurst, Mississippi is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

69.32 percent of residents in 39083 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 22.65 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is King's Daughters Medical Center-Brookhaven with a distance of 19.26 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Hazlehurst, MS (ZIP Code 39083)

The journey to healthcare, particularly for those facing a lung cancer diagnosis, transcends medical treatment. It encompasses the complex dance of **transportation**, the burden of distance, and the availability of resources. This analysis, a "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39083 (Hazlehurst, Mississippi), examines the accessibility of lung cancer care, considering the geographical realities and available options for residents. This is especially crucial for anyone **moving to Hazlehurst**, where the availability of specialized medical services can significantly impact quality of life.

Hazlehurst, a rural community, presents unique challenges in **healthcare access**. The nearest comprehensive cancer centers are located outside the immediate vicinity, necessitating travel. The "Lung Cancer Score" attempts to capture the nuances of this reality, providing a framework for understanding the practicalities of accessing care.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary arteries connecting Hazlehurst to potential treatment centers are US-51, MS-28, and MS-27. These roadways, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic fluctuations, particularly during peak hours or due to unforeseen incidents.

The closest major medical facilities with oncology services are located in Jackson, Mississippi. Driving to Jackson, approximately 60 miles away, typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes via I-55 North. The exact time will vary depending on traffic and the specific destination within Jackson. This journey, though manageable, represents a significant time commitment, especially for frequent appointments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Further afield, specialized cancer centers may be located in larger cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, or Birmingham, Alabama. These trips, however, involve significantly longer drive times, potentially exceeding three to four hours. The increased travel time adds to the physical and emotional strain on patients and their families, impacting the overall **healthcare access** experience.

**Public Transit: Limited Options:**

Public **transportation** options in Hazlehurst and Copiah County are extremely limited. There is no established public bus system with fixed routes. This lack of public transit presents a major barrier for those without personal vehicles or who are unable to drive due to their illness or other limitations.

The absence of robust public transit forces residents to rely heavily on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical **transportation**. This underscores the critical need for alternative **transportation** solutions for individuals battling lung cancer.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transportation:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but their reliability and availability can vary. In rural areas, the wait times for a ride can be longer, and the cost can be higher, especially during off-peak hours or for longer distances. This makes them a less dependable option for regular medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, are available. Companies like Angel Medical Transport and others offer non-emergency medical **transportation** (NEMT) services. These services often provide door-to-door assistance, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained personnel. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability might be limited, requiring advance booking.

**ADA Accessibility Considerations:**

For individuals with mobility limitations, the availability of ADA-compliant **transportation** is crucial. This includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles and accessible routes to and within medical facilities. While ride-sharing services may offer accessible options, their availability is not guaranteed. Medical **transportation** services generally provide ADA-compliant vehicles, but the cost is a significant factor.

The lack of accessible public transit exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This highlights the need for increased investment in accessible **transportation** options to ensure equitable **healthcare access** for all residents.

**Impact on the Lung Cancer Score:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39083 is negatively impacted by the following factors: the distance to specialized cancer centers, the absence of a reliable public transit system, the potential cost and availability limitations of ride-sharing and medical **transportation**, and the limited ADA-accessible options.

This score reflects the real-world difficulties faced by individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in Hazlehurst. The challenges associated with **transportation** can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed appointments, and reduced access to essential treatments, ultimately impacting patient outcomes.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

Improving the "Lung Cancer Score" for Hazlehurst requires a multi-faceted approach. The following recommendations are offered:

* **Advocate for improved public transit:** Explore the feasibility of establishing a local bus route or partnering with regional transit authorities to provide service to Hazlehurst and surrounding areas.
* **Expand medical transportation options:** Encourage the growth of medical **transportation** services in the area, ensuring competitive pricing and increased availability.
* **Promote ride-sharing accessibility:** Partner with ride-sharing companies to improve accessibility, including providing training for drivers on assisting patients with mobility challenges.
* **Support patient navigation programs:** Implement patient navigation programs to help individuals navigate the complex healthcare system, including assisting with **transportation** arrangements and financial assistance.
* **Explore telemedicine opportunities:** Encourage the adoption of telemedicine to reduce the need for frequent travel for routine appointments and consultations.

**Conclusion:**

The "Lung Cancer Score" for ZIP Code 39083 underscores the critical link between **transportation** and **healthcare access**. The challenges faced by individuals with lung cancer in Hazlehurst highlight the need for proactive solutions to improve **transportation** options and ensure equitable access to care. For those **moving to Hazlehurst**, a thorough understanding of these **transportation** limitations is essential for informed decision-making and planning. Addressing these challenges is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a matter of improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for those battling this devastating disease.