39113, Mayersville, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39113, Mayersville, Mississippi is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.00 percent of residents in 39113 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital with a distance of 9.70 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39113 (Mayersville, Mississippi)**

The air hangs heavy with the Mississippi Delta’s humidity in Mayersville, ZIP Code 39113, a place where the winding Mississippi River shapes the landscape and life. But beyond the beauty, a critical element impacts residents: access to healthcare, particularly for those facing the daunting diagnosis of lung cancer. This report delves into the transportation landscape, revealing the challenges and possibilities for individuals needing prompt and consistent medical care, especially when considering a move to this rural community. Our analysis focuses on the critical factor: transportation.

The Lung Cancer Score for Mayersville hinges on the ability to reach specialized medical facilities. Early detection and treatment are paramount, and the journey to these vital resources can significantly influence outcomes. This assessment considers drive times, public transportation options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport availability, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Delta's Paved Paths**

The primary artery for vehicular travel in and out of Mayersville is Mississippi Highway 1, a north-south route that parallels the Mississippi River. Traveling south on Highway 1, the nearest major medical center, Merit Health River Oaks Hospital in Flowood, Mississippi, is approximately a 90-minute drive, covering roughly 75 miles. This journey involves navigating Highway 1 to Interstate 20 East. The drive can be significantly impacted by weather, especially during the frequent Delta rainstorms, or traffic delays.

Heading north on Highway 1, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, Mississippi, is also about a 90-minute drive, covering approximately 80 miles. This route involves navigating Highway 1 to Interstate 20 West. Both routes demand careful planning and consideration of potential delays, emphasizing the importance of reliable transportation.

Smaller, local roads like Mayersville Road and Lake Washington Road provide access within the immediate vicinity but are not designed for efficient travel to distant medical facilities. These roads, while offering scenic routes, are not ideal for urgent medical situations.

**Public Transportation: A Sparse Network**

Public transportation options in Mayersville are limited. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) provides some regional bus services, but their routes and schedules are not designed to cater specifically to medical appointments. Information regarding specific routes, such as the possibility of a bus route along Highway 1, is difficult to find, and the frequency of service is likely infrequent.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility on any available public transit is a crucial consideration. The availability of wheelchair lifts, ramps, and other accommodations is essential for individuals with mobility limitations. Without readily available information, the reliability of public transit for healthcare access is questionable.

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

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Jackson metropolitan area, but their presence in Mayersville is uncertain. Availability depends on driver density and demand, making it unreliable for consistent transportation. Booking in advance is essential, but even then, cancellations are possible, especially in a rural setting.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and other local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT). These services are designed for patients who require assistance but do not need an ambulance. However, the cost of NEMT can be substantial, and availability may be limited, particularly for appointments scheduled at short notice.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Factor**

The Lung Cancer Score for Mayersville reflects the challenges residents face. The long drive times to major medical centers, the lack of reliable public transportation, and the potential limitations of ride-sharing and medical transport services create significant barriers to healthcare access. This situation demands careful consideration for anyone contemplating a move to Mayersville, especially those with pre-existing health conditions or those at risk for lung cancer.

**The Score and its Implications**

Based on the factors discussed, the Lung Cancer Score for Mayersville, Mississippi, is moderate to low. The long drive times, limited public transit, and potential unreliability of other transportation options create significant obstacles to timely and consistent healthcare access. This score underscores the need for proactive planning and consideration of transportation needs for individuals considering a move to this community.

**Recommendations and Considerations**

For residents of Mayersville and those contemplating a move, several strategies can improve healthcare access.

* **Prioritize Proximity:** If possible, consider residing closer to a major medical center or hospital.
* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule medical appointments well in advance, and arrange transportation accordingly.
* **Explore Support Networks:** Connect with local community organizations or support groups that may offer transportation assistance.
* **Investigate Medical Transport:** Research the availability and cost of medical transport services in the area.
* **Advocate for Improvements:** Support initiatives that aim to improve public transportation or expand ride-sharing services in the region.

The challenge of healthcare access in Mayersville highlights the critical link between transportation and well-being. By understanding the limitations and exploring available options, residents can navigate the complexities of healthcare access and improve their chances of receiving timely and effective medical care, especially when dealing with a serious condition like lung cancer. This analysis underscores the importance of considering transportation as a fundamental aspect of healthcare access, particularly in rural communities like Mayersville, where the journey to health can be long and challenging.