38645, Lyon, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38645, Lyon, Mississippi is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.61 percent of residents in 38645 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.84 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Delta Health-Northwest Regional with a distance of 3.73 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38645 (Lyon, Mississippi)

This report provides an overall health score assessment for residents of ZIP code 38645, focusing on the crucial element of healthcare access. It considers the various transportation options available for reaching medical facilities, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking care in Lyon, Mississippi. The score reflects the interplay of drive times, public transit availability, and the presence of ride-sharing and medical transport services, ultimately painting a picture of the ease or difficulty in accessing healthcare within this community. The ultimate goal is to provide insights for current residents and those considering moving to Lyon, Mississippi.

**Drive Time Analysis:**

The primary method of transportation in Lyon, Mississippi, is undoubtedly the automobile. Therefore, drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in determining the overall health score. The nearest significant healthcare hub is likely in Clarksdale, Mississippi, approximately a 15 to 20-minute drive. Reaching Clarksdale typically involves navigating the well-maintained **US-49** highway. This route generally provides a smooth and efficient passage, though traffic can sometimes be a factor, particularly during peak hours or when agricultural machinery is present.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel to Memphis, Tennessee, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. This commute usually involves taking **US-61 North** from Lyon, merging onto **I-55 North** towards Memphis. While the interstate offers a generally rapid transit, potential delays from accidents or construction are always a consideration. The drive time to Memphis significantly impacts the overall health score, as it represents a considerable time commitment for routine appointments and an even greater concern in emergency situations.

Other healthcare facilities may be found in nearby towns like Marks or Charleston, Mississippi. However, these options may offer limited services. Driving to Marks, utilizing **MS-322** and **MS-3**, is approximately a 20-minute drive. Charleston, accessible via **MS-3** and **MS-322**, is also a 20-minute drive. The health score is impacted by the accessibility of these options.

**Public Transit Assessment:**

The availability of public transportation in Lyon, Mississippi, is a crucial factor in the health score, especially for those who do not own a vehicle or are unable to drive. Unfortunately, public transit options are extremely limited in this area. There is no readily available, established public bus system that serves Lyon or the surrounding communities with regular routes to healthcare facilities. This absence significantly impacts the overall health score, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes.

The lack of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, potentially increasing the difficulty in accessing healthcare. This absence directly impacts the overall health score, as it limits the options for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. The absence of public transit is a major barrier to healthcare access in Lyon, Mississippi.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Evaluation:**

The presence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Lyon, Mississippi, is another critical element of the health score. However, the availability of these services in rural areas like Lyon can be inconsistent and unreliable. Drivers may be scarce, particularly during off-peak hours or for trips to more distant healthcare facilities. The potential for increased wait times and higher fares further complicates the use of ride-sharing for healthcare access.

Medical transport services offer a specialized solution for individuals needing assistance with transportation to medical appointments. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, but their availability and cost can vary. The cost can be prohibitive for some. The reliability of these services is another factor, as scheduling and availability may be limited. The presence of medical transport services provides a valuable option, but their effectiveness depends on factors like cost, reliability, and accessibility.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the absence of a public transit system in Lyon, Mississippi, and the limited availability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges for individuals with disabilities. The lack of accessible transportation options negatively impacts the health score, as it limits healthcare access for this vulnerable population.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 38645 is moderately low. The primary challenge is the limited availability of transportation options beyond personal vehicles. The reliance on driving, with its associated time commitments and potential for delays, is a significant factor. The absence of public transit and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services further compound the problem.

To improve the health score, several recommendations can be considered. Investing in a public transportation system, even a limited one, could significantly improve healthcare access for residents. Partnering with neighboring communities to establish a regional transit network could be a viable solution. Promoting ride-sharing services and working to ensure their availability, especially for medical appointments, is another important step.

Furthermore, expanding the availability of medical transport services and working to reduce their cost would benefit the community. Encouraging the development of telehealth services could help reduce the need for travel to healthcare facilities. Finally, community education programs about healthcare access and available transportation options could empower residents to navigate the system more effectively.

**Conclusion:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Lyon, Mississippi, is influenced by the transportation landscape. While driving is the primary mode, the lack of public transit and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services pose significant challenges. Addressing these transportation limitations through strategic investments, partnerships, and community initiatives is crucial to improving the health score and ensuring that all residents of ZIP code 38645 have equitable access to the healthcare they need. This is a key consideration for anyone moving to Lyon, Mississippi.