38921, Charleston, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 38921, Charleston, Mississippi is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.39 percent of residents in 38921 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Tallahatchie General Hospital-Cah with a distance of 0.94 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 38921

This analysis provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 38921, focusing on the critical aspect of **healthcare access**. We’ll delve into the intricacies of **transportation** options available to reach medical facilities, considering drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport services. This information is crucial for individuals considering **moving to Charleston** or seeking to understand the healthcare landscape in this area. The score reflects the ease and efficiency with which residents can access necessary medical care, a fundamental determinant of overall well-being.

The geography of 38921, which encompasses the town of Charleston, Mississippi, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in terms of healthcare accessibility. Charleston, nestled in Tallahatchie County, is a rural community, impacting the availability and types of healthcare options. Its location dictates that residents often rely on personal vehicles for most **transportation** needs. This reliance, however, is balanced by the presence of key roadways and the potential for alternative modes of transport.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary roadways serving 38921 are Mississippi Highway 3 and Mississippi Highway 8. These highways provide the most direct routes to neighboring towns and cities where more extensive medical services are available. Driving times to these facilities are a key factor in determining the health score.

The nearest hospitals and specialist clinics are likely located in Greenwood, approximately 30 miles south via Highway 3. The drive, under ideal conditions, could take around 45 minutes. However, traffic, particularly during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly extend this time. The condition of the roads, including potential potholes and maintenance issues, further impacts travel time and the safety of **transportation**.

Oxford, home to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, is another important destination for healthcare. Reaching Oxford from Charleston necessitates a drive of approximately 60 miles, primarily via Highway 3 and Highway 6. This journey typically takes about an hour and a half, making it a more time-consuming option.

Considering these drive times, the health score is moderately affected. While the roadways are generally well-maintained, the distances involved, especially to Oxford, can be a barrier to timely healthcare access, particularly in emergencies. This is a crucial consideration for individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical appointments.

**Public Transit:**

Public transit options in 38921 are limited. Tallahatchie County, like many rural areas, lacks a comprehensive public transportation system. This absence poses a significant challenge for individuals without personal vehicles, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

While there may be limited local shuttle services or demand-response **transportation** options, these are unlikely to provide regular, scheduled routes to medical facilities in neighboring cities. The absence of accessible, reliable public transit significantly reduces the health score, particularly for those who cannot drive or do not have access to a car. This makes **healthcare access** more difficult and potentially delays necessary medical attention.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

The availability of ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, in 38921 is likely limited. These services typically concentrate in urban areas, and their presence in rural communities is often sporadic. This scarcity further compounds the **transportation** challenges.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance getting to and from medical appointments, are another crucial element. Several companies specialize in medical **transportation**, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for scheduled appointments.

The presence of these services can somewhat mitigate the negative impact of limited public transit and ride-sharing. However, the cost of medical transport can be a significant burden, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. Furthermore, the availability of these services might be constrained, potentially leading to delays in accessing medical care.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** and facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. In the context of 38921, this primarily impacts the availability of accessible vehicles within any existing public transit or medical transport services. It's essential to investigate whether available options offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and other accommodations for individuals with mobility impairments. The absence of ADA-compliant **transportation** further reduces the health score.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Specific medical transport brands operating in and around 38921 would need to be researched. These companies could include local ambulance services, regional NEMT providers, and national medical transport companies. Researching these brands, their service areas, pricing, and ADA compliance is critical to a complete health score assessment.

**Overall Health Score and Considerations:**

Based on the analysis of **transportation** options, the overall health score for residents of 38921 is moderately affected. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit, the potential scarcity of ride-sharing services, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to this score.

The health score is influenced by the distance to medical facilities, the availability of alternative **transportation** options, and the affordability of medical **transportation**. For individuals considering **moving to Charleston**, these factors are critical to consider when evaluating the healthcare landscape.

Individuals with chronic conditions, the elderly, and those with disabilities may face significant challenges in accessing timely medical care. Enhancements to the health score could be achieved through increased public **transportation** options, the availability of affordable medical transport, and community initiatives promoting carpooling or shared rides to medical appointments.

Further research into specific medical transport brands, their services, and their pricing is essential for a more precise health score assessment. Additionally, understanding the availability of telehealth services and the local healthcare infrastructure is crucial for a comprehensive evaluation of **healthcare access** in 38921. The ultimate goal is to ensure that residents have efficient and affordable **transportation** options to access the medical care they need.