38603, Ashland, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38603, Ashland, Mississippi is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

50.54 percent of residents in 38603 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.03 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tippah County Hospital with a distance of 13.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Ashland, MS (ZIP Code 38603)

Ashland, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of Benton County, presents a unique tapestry of rural charm and the challenges inherent in accessing essential services. This analysis delves into the crucial aspect of healthcare access within ZIP code 38603, focusing on the transportation landscape and its impact on residents' overall health. We will explore the available options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation, providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment. This information is particularly relevant for those considering moving to Ashland, offering a realistic view of healthcare accessibility.

The score considers factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-share presence, and the availability of medical transport services. It also accounts for the presence of ADA-compliant transportation options, recognizing the needs of individuals with disabilities. This assessment aims to provide a clear picture of the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare facilities, ultimately influencing the well-being of the community.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation in Ashland is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The road network, while providing access, presents certain limitations. The main thoroughfare, **Highway 7**, serves as the primary artery connecting Ashland to surrounding towns and cities. Traveling south on Highway 7 leads to Holly Springs, the county seat, a journey of approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. This route provides access to the **Alliance Healthcare System** and other medical facilities.

Heading north on Highway 7, one can reach Memphis, Tennessee, in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. This extended drive time necessitates careful planning for appointments and potential emergencies. The roads are generally well-maintained, but the rural setting means limited lighting and potential for wildlife encounters, especially during nighttime travel. **Highway 5** provides a secondary route, offering alternative access to some areas. Local roads, while often scenic, can be narrow and winding, adding to travel times.

**Public Transportation – A Limited Reality:**

Public transportation options within ZIP code 38603 are extremely limited. Benton County does not have a dedicated public bus system. This absence poses a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. The lack of public transit severely restricts healthcare access, potentially leading to delayed or missed appointments and impacting overall health outcomes.

The absence of public transit forces residents to rely on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation, increasing the financial burden and logistical complexities of accessing healthcare. This limitation significantly lowers the "Overall Health Score" for the community. The absence of ADA-compliant public transportation further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Ashland is sporadic and unreliable. While these services may be available, their availability is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote areas. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some residents, further restricting healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, such as **CareRide** and **American Medical Response**, are available, but they often require prior scheduling and may have limited service areas. These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves or utilize other transportation options. The availability and affordability of these services are vital factors in determining the "Overall Health Score."

**Healthcare Facilities and Accessibility:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within a reasonable distance is a critical factor in determining the "Overall Health Score." Ashland itself has limited healthcare options. Residents typically rely on healthcare providers in Holly Springs or Memphis. The drive times to these facilities, as previously mentioned, can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on the destination.

The distance to healthcare facilities, coupled with the limited transportation options, creates a significant barrier to healthcare access for many residents. This situation necessitates careful consideration of transportation needs when planning medical appointments and seeking healthcare services.

**ADA Compliance:**

The lack of public transportation and the limited availability of ride-sharing services with ADA-compliant vehicles pose a significant challenge for individuals with disabilities. The absence of accessible transportation options restricts their ability to access healthcare, social services, and other essential resources. This deficiency significantly impacts the "Overall Health Score" for this vulnerable population.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for accessing healthcare in ZIP code 38603 is **moderate**. The primary challenge is the limited transportation options, particularly the absence of public transit. While personal vehicles provide the most reliable mode of transportation, the reliance on them creates challenges for those without access to a car.

The drive times to healthcare facilities in Holly Springs and Memphis are manageable, but the absence of readily available ride-sharing services and the sporadic nature of medical transportation options present significant hurdles. The lack of ADA-compliant transportation further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.

**Recommendations:**

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access in Ashland, several recommendations are offered.

* **Advocate for Public Transportation:** Community leaders should advocate for the implementation of a public transportation system, even if it is a limited route or demand-response service. This would significantly improve healthcare access for those without personal vehicles.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Awareness:** Initiatives should be launched to increase awareness of ride-sharing services and their availability in the area.
* **Support Medical Transportation:** Efforts should be made to ensure the availability and affordability of medical transportation services, including expanding service areas and offering financial assistance to low-income residents.
* **Enhance Road Safety:** Continued efforts to maintain and improve road infrastructure, including lighting and signage, are essential for ensuring safe travel.
* **Promote Healthcare Education:** Education programs should be implemented to inform residents about available healthcare resources and transportation options.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the community can significantly improve healthcare access and enhance the overall health and well-being of its residents. Moving to Ashland requires careful consideration of these transportation and healthcare access factors.