39114, Mendenhall, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39114, Mendenhall, Mississippi is 58 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.96 percent of residents in 39114 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Simpson General Hospital Cah with a distance of 3.53 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 39114

The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine and possibility in Mendenhall, Mississippi, ZIP code 39114. A town steeped in Southern charm, it offers a slower pace of life, a close-knit community, and the allure of affordability. However, when considering a move, particularly for individuals with or at risk of lung cancer, a critical factor emerges: healthcare access. This write-up delves into the transportation landscape of 39114, assessing its impact on timely healthcare, specifically concerning lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. We'll explore the drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing services, ultimately aiming to provide a 'Lung Cancer Score' reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing crucial medical resources.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Mendenhall is the availability of transportation. For residents of 39114, the primary mode of transport is the personal vehicle. The town is relatively small, and the surrounding rural areas necessitate reliance on cars for most errands, including medical appointments. The nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities, including those specializing in oncology, are located in larger cities like Jackson, approximately 45 miles north, or Hattiesburg, roughly 60 miles south.

The journey to Jackson typically involves navigating **Highway 49** north, a major artery connecting Mendenhall to the state capital. Traffic flow on Highway 49 can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week, with potential congestion during peak commuting hours. Once in Jackson, accessing hospitals and clinics often requires navigating city streets, adding to the overall travel time. The drive time to Jackson generally ranges from 50 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions.

Alternatively, the trip south to Hattiesburg primarily utilizes **Highway 49** as well. The drive to Hattiesburg is generally longer than the trip to Jackson, typically taking between one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and forty-five minutes. Traffic on Highway 49 south can be less congested than the route to Jackson, but the extended distance can be a significant factor, especially for individuals undergoing treatment who may experience fatigue or other side effects.

For those without personal vehicles, public transportation options are extremely limited in 39114 and the surrounding area. There is no established public bus system operating within Mendenhall or providing regular service to Jackson or Hattiesburg. This lack of public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, lack access to a car, or are unable to drive due to medical conditions. This is a critical factor to consider when evaluating healthcare access.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Mendenhall, but their availability can be inconsistent. The frequency of service is often dependent on driver availability, which can be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in the early morning or late evening. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments could prove unreliable, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in accessing care. The cost of ride-sharing services can also be a significant financial burden, particularly for frequent trips to distant medical facilities.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer another avenue for accessing healthcare. Several companies operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transportation. These services typically involve scheduling in advance and can be more reliable than ride-sharing for scheduled appointments. However, these services often come with a higher cost than ride-sharing and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

The availability of these medical transportation services is a crucial factor in evaluating healthcare access for individuals with lung cancer. Regular appointments for chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or follow-up care are essential, and reliable transportation is paramount to ensuring consistent treatment and monitoring. The distance to specialized medical facilities, combined with the limitations of public transportation and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, underscores the importance of considering medical transportation options.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for 39114, therefore, reflects the challenges posed by the transportation landscape. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential inconsistencies of ride-sharing services all contribute to a complex picture. The drive times to Jackson and Hattiesburg, while manageable, can be stressful for patients undergoing treatment. The absence of readily available and affordable public transportation creates a significant barrier for those without personal vehicles.

When considering a move to Mendenhall, individuals with or at risk of lung cancer must carefully assess their transportation needs. The availability of reliable transportation is essential for accessing timely and consistent medical care. Researching medical transportation providers, understanding the potential costs, and planning for the logistics of travel to and from medical appointments are crucial steps.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for 39114 is therefore moderate, reflecting the challenges and the need for careful planning. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, the limitations in transportation necessitate proactive measures to ensure access to essential healthcare services. Moving to Mendenhall requires a thorough assessment of one's individual transportation needs and a proactive approach to securing reliable transportation for medical appointments. This includes exploring medical transportation options, considering the cost and availability of ride-sharing services, and understanding the drive times to the nearest specialized medical facilities. Only then can individuals with or at risk of lung cancer confidently embrace the possibilities of life in this charming Southern town.