38665, Sarah, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38665, Sarah, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.75 percent of residents in 38665 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.52 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Delta Health - Highland Hills with a distance of 11.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38665

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In ZIP Code 38665, a rural area in Mississippi, the journey to receive medical attention presents a complex challenge. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the transportation infrastructure, the availability of healthcare facilities, and the accessibility of various transportation options. This analysis is crucial for understanding the barriers residents face and for informing strategies to improve healthcare access. Moving to Sarah, or any resident, will find this information invaluable.

The "Overall Health Score" is a composite metric reflecting the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical services. It considers factors such as drive times, public transportation availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of medical transport services. The score will be categorized as Excellent, Good, Fair, or Poor, with a detailed explanation of the reasoning behind the assessment.

**Drive Times and Road Infrastructure:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 38665 is personal vehicles. The road network, however, presents significant limitations. The main thoroughfares are Mississippi Highway 6 (MS-6) and Mississippi Highway 3 (MS-3). These highways are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be a concern during peak hours, particularly on MS-6, which connects to the larger city of Oxford.

Drive times to the nearest hospitals and clinics vary considerably. Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi in Oxford is the closest major hospital, typically requiring a 20-30 minute drive via MS-6. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities may be located closer, but their availability and range of services are limited. Rural roads, often in less-than-ideal condition, add to the travel time, especially for those living in the more remote areas of the zip code. The lack of sidewalks and bike lanes on many of the roads means that walking or cycling to healthcare facilities is not a safe or viable option for most residents.

**Public Transportation:**

Public transportation options in 38665 are severely limited. There is no established local bus service within the zip code itself. The nearest public transit options are located in Oxford, which offers a limited bus system, the Oxford University Transit (OUT). However, the OUT routes do not directly serve 38665. Residents would need to find a way to reach Oxford first, which could involve a long drive or relying on informal transportation arrangements.

The lack of public transportation poses a significant barrier for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of ADA-accessible buses further exacerbates the problem for those with mobility limitations. The lack of reliable public transportation contributes significantly to the challenges in healthcare access.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Oxford area, but their availability in 38665 is inconsistent. The rural location and lower population density mean that drivers may be scarce, leading to longer wait times and higher fares. This unreliability is a major obstacle for individuals needing urgent or scheduled medical appointments.

Medical transport services, designed specifically for transporting patients to medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies such as AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services operate in the area. However, these services are typically reserved for patients with specific medical needs, such as those requiring ambulance transport or non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) due to mobility limitations. The cost of medical transport can be a significant financial burden, particularly for those without adequate insurance coverage.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services:**

The availability of healthcare facilities within 38665 is limited. The primary healthcare options are family medicine clinics and urgent care facilities. These facilities may offer basic medical services, but they often lack specialized care, such as cardiology, oncology, or specialized surgical procedures. Residents needing specialized care must travel to Oxford or other larger cities, increasing travel time and complexity.

The distance to hospitals and specialty clinics can be a significant barrier, particularly for those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical attention. The lack of access to a wide range of medical services within the zip code contributes to the challenges in healthcare access.

**Overall Health Score and Recommendations:**

Considering the factors discussed above, the "Overall Health Score" for commute to healthcare in 38665 is **Poor**. The score is based on the following reasoning:

* **Limited Transportation Options:** The lack of public transportation, the unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport create significant barriers for many residents.
* **Long Drive Times:** Drive times to healthcare facilities, particularly hospitals and specialty clinics, can be lengthy, especially for those in remote areas.
* **Limited Healthcare Facilities:** The limited availability of healthcare facilities within the zip code necessitates travel to other locations for specialized care.

To improve the "Overall Health Score" and enhance healthcare access in 38665, the following recommendations are offered:

* **Expand Public Transportation:** Advocate for the extension of the Oxford University Transit (OUT) routes to serve 38665, or establish a local bus service within the zip code. Ensure that all buses are ADA-accessible.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing:** Encourage ride-sharing companies to increase their presence in the area by offering incentives to drivers and promoting the service to residents.
* **Support Medical Transport:** Partner with medical transport providers to offer subsidized transportation options for low-income residents and those with disabilities.
* **Expand Healthcare Services:** Encourage the establishment of additional healthcare facilities within the zip code, including primary care clinics and urgent care facilities.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for the improvement of rural roads to reduce travel times and improve safety.
* **Promote Telehealth:** Encourage the use of telehealth services to provide remote access to healthcare, particularly for those with limited mobility or transportation options.

By implementing these recommendations, the community can work towards improving the "Overall Health Score" and ensuring that all residents have access to the healthcare they need. This is a critical step in building a healthier and more equitable community, a place where moving to Sarah or any resident, can thrive.