38916, Calhoun City, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38916, Calhoun City, Mississippi is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.11 percent of residents in 38916 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.37 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Memorial Hospital - Calhoun, Inc. with a distance of 2.08 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in 38916

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In the rural landscape of Calhoun City, Mississippi, ZIP code 38916, this access is heavily influenced by the prevailing modes of transportation. This write-up assesses the overall health score of the area, considering the realities of commuting to healthcare facilities, the availability of various transportation options, and the challenges residents face. The score is a holistic view, acknowledging the interplay of distance, time, and available resources.

The most significant factor shaping healthcare access in 38916 is the reliance on personal vehicles. The vast majority of residents depend on cars to reach medical appointments, pharmacies, and specialized care. This dependence underscores the importance of well-maintained roads and reasonable drive times. The primary arteries for travel are Mississippi Highway 9, running north-south, and Mississippi Highway 8, traversing east-west. Local roads, such as County Road 410 and County Road 412, provide crucial connections to surrounding communities and healthcare facilities.

Drive times are a critical determinant of the health score. Reaching the nearest hospital, Calhoun County Medical Center in Bruce, typically requires a drive of approximately 15 to 20 minutes. This is generally considered acceptable. However, accessing specialized care, such as cardiology or oncology, often necessitates travel to larger cities like Oxford or Tupelo. These trips can extend to an hour or more, significantly impacting the ability of residents to attend appointments and receive timely treatment. The distance, coupled with the potential for traffic, weather-related delays, and the financial burden of fuel costs, can create significant barriers to care.

Public transportation options in 38916 are severely limited. There is no established public bus system or readily available public transit. This lack of infrastructure disproportionately affects those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. The absence of public transit necessitates reliance on alternative transportation methods, which may be costly, unreliable, or unavailable.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not consistently available in the area. The limited demand in a rural setting makes it challenging for these companies to maintain a presence. This leaves residents with few options beyond personal vehicles, family assistance, or the potential for medical transportation services.

Medical transportation services, while offering a lifeline for some, are often limited in scope and availability. These services, typically provided by ambulance companies or specialized medical transport providers, are primarily geared towards emergency situations or non-emergency transport for individuals with significant mobility limitations. The cost of these services can be substantial, placing an additional financial strain on patients and families.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility is a crucial consideration. The lack of public transit, coupled with potential limitations in ride-sharing availability, creates significant challenges for individuals with disabilities. Ensuring that healthcare facilities are ADA-compliant, with accessible entrances, examination rooms, and restrooms, is paramount. However, the lack of accessible transportation options can still hinder access to care.

For individuals considering moving to Calhoun City, understanding the transportation landscape is crucial. The availability of personal vehicles is almost a necessity. Prospective residents should factor in the drive times to healthcare facilities, the potential for travel to larger cities for specialized care, and the costs associated with fuel and vehicle maintenance.

The overall health score for 38916 is moderate. While the proximity to Calhoun County Medical Center offers a degree of healthcare access, the limitations in transportation options, particularly public transit and ride-sharing, significantly impact the ability of residents to receive timely and comprehensive care. The reliance on personal vehicles, the potential for long drive times to specialized facilities, and the financial burdens associated with transportation all contribute to a less-than-ideal health score.

The community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access. These could include exploring the feasibility of a limited public transportation system, partnering with ride-sharing companies to increase availability, and providing financial assistance for transportation costs to low-income families. Furthermore, telehealth services, which allow for remote consultations and monitoring, could play a vital role in bridging the gap in healthcare access.

The future health of 38916 is inextricably linked to the ability of its residents to access healthcare. Addressing the transportation challenges is a critical step towards improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to live healthy and fulfilling lives. Investing in transportation infrastructure, exploring innovative solutions like telehealth, and supporting programs that assist with transportation costs are essential for building a healthier community.