39140, Newhebron, Mississippi Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 39140, Newhebron, Mississippi is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.65 percent of residents in 39140 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jefferson Davis Community Hospital Cah with a distance of 13.88 miles from the area.

## Lung Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Newhebron, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39140)

The journey to healthcare, especially when facing a diagnosis like lung cancer, becomes a critical factor influencing treatment and, ultimately, survival. This Lung Cancer Score for ZIP Code 39140, Newhebron, Mississippi, analyzes the transportation landscape, evaluating the accessibility of essential medical resources. It considers drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation services, painting a picture of healthcare access for residents. This information is vital for current residents and those considering moving to Newhebron, providing a realistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in accessing potentially life-saving care.

Newhebron, a small community nestled in Lawrence County, presents unique transportation challenges. The area is largely rural, with limited public transit infrastructure. Dependence on personal vehicles is the norm, making drive times a primary determinant of healthcare accessibility. For residents facing a lung cancer diagnosis, these drive times translate directly into stress, fatigue, and potential delays in receiving critical treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.

The nearest comprehensive cancer care facilities are located in larger cities, primarily in Jackson, Mississippi. The drive to Jackson, roughly 100 miles away, is a significant undertaking. The most direct route typically involves taking **Highway 84 East** to **Interstate 55 North**. Under ideal conditions, this drive can take approximately two hours. However, traffic, particularly around Jackson, can significantly extend this time, adding to the burden on patients.

Further complicating matters, the availability of specialized cancer care within the immediate vicinity of Newhebron is limited. Smaller clinics and primary care physicians may offer initial consultations and symptom management, but advanced diagnostics, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology services are typically concentrated in larger medical centers. This necessitates longer travel distances for specialized care, placing additional strain on patients and their support networks.

Public transportation options in Newhebron and Lawrence County are severely limited. There is no established bus system or fixed-route public transit service. This lack of public transportation severely restricts healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. For those unable to drive, the journey to healthcare becomes a complex and potentially insurmountable obstacle.

The absence of reliable public transportation underscores the critical role of alternative transportation services. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft may be available, but their presence in Newhebron is sporadic and their availability can be unpredictable. The cost of ride-sharing, particularly for long distances to Jackson, can be prohibitive for many residents. Furthermore, the availability of these services is subject to driver availability, which may be limited in a rural area.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a potential solution. Several companies specialize in this service, but their availability and coverage area can vary. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, often including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, the cost of medical transportation can be significant, and insurance coverage may be limited.

The **Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)** has a role in improving transportation infrastructure, but its focus is primarily on road maintenance and development. While MDOT may not directly operate public transit services in rural areas, they can support initiatives that improve road conditions, making driving safer and more efficient. The condition of roads, including **Highway 84** and **Interstate 55**, is crucial for patients traveling for treatment. Potholes, poor lighting, and inadequate signage can exacerbate the stress of long drives and potentially delay access to care.

For those moving to Newhebron, understanding these transportation challenges is paramount. Prospective residents should carefully consider their healthcare needs and the availability of transportation options. Individuals with existing health conditions, particularly those requiring frequent medical appointments, should assess the feasibility of accessing specialized care in Jackson or other nearby cities.

Healthcare access is a complex equation, with transportation playing a central role. The Lung Cancer Score for Newhebron reflects the reality of limited options. The reliance on personal vehicles and the absence of robust public transit create significant barriers for many residents. The availability of ride-sharing services and medical transportation offers some relief, but their cost and availability remain concerns.

This score underscores the importance of community-based initiatives to improve healthcare access. Efforts to expand transportation options, such as partnering with neighboring counties to establish a regional transit system, are crucial. Promoting awareness of available medical transportation services and advocating for insurance coverage for these services are also vital.

For residents of Newhebron, the journey to healthcare is often a long and arduous one. The Lung Cancer Score highlights the need for proactive measures to improve transportation infrastructure and expand access to essential medical services. This includes advocating for improved road conditions, exploring partnerships to develop public transit options, and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need, regardless of their ability to drive or their financial resources. This assessment is not merely a score; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and that transportation is a critical component of that right, particularly for those facing the challenges of a lung cancer diagnosis.