39039, Benton, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39039, Benton, Mississippi is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

58.01 percent of residents in 39039 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.58 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center-Yazoo with a distance of 9.44 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39039

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its access to healthcare. This report provides an overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 39039, focusing on the critical element of transportation to medical facilities. Understanding the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare is paramount for anyone considering moving to Benton or currently residing within its borders. The score considers drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services.

ZIP Code 39039, encompassing the town of Benton, Mississippi, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access. The rural nature of the area significantly impacts transportation options, and therefore, the overall health score. The score will be determined based on a weighted average of the available transportation methods, acknowledging that each mode presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

**Drive Times: The Backbone of Healthcare Access**

For most residents, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. Drive times to healthcare facilities, therefore, are a crucial factor in assessing the health score. The primary routes for accessing medical care from Benton are via Highway 16 and Highway 43. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or in the event of an accident.

The closest major healthcare hub is Baptist Medical Center in Yazoo City, approximately 20 miles south. Driving to this facility typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This drive time represents a moderate level of accessibility, providing reasonable access for routine appointments and less urgent medical needs. However, this time could be prohibitive during emergencies.

For specialized care, residents often need to travel to Jackson, the state capital, approximately 60 miles southeast. This journey necessitates utilizing Highway 16 East and Interstate 20 East, and can take anywhere from one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes, depending on traffic. This longer drive time, while not insurmountable, presents a significant barrier to accessing specialized medical services, especially for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transit options in ZIP Code 39039 are extremely limited. The area is not served by a robust public transportation system, which severely impacts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. The lack of reliable public transit significantly lowers the overall health score, as it disproportionately affects individuals who are elderly, low-income, or have disabilities.

There is no fixed-route bus service operating within the town of Benton or connecting it to nearby cities. This lack of a public transportation infrastructure means that residents are almost entirely reliant on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation for medical appointments. This absence of public transit is a major concern, particularly for those who cannot afford a car or are unable to drive.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability can be inconsistent, especially during off-peak hours or in more rural areas. While ride-sharing can provide a valuable alternative to personal vehicles, the cost can be a significant barrier for some residents, and the reliability of service is not guaranteed. The availability of ride-sharing in Benton is a factor that, while present, does not significantly improve the overall health score due to its limited nature.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT), are available for those who require them. Ambulance services are typically dispatched in emergency situations, providing critical care and transport to the nearest hospital. NEMT services, often provided by companies like LogistiCare or MTM, offer transportation for non-emergency medical appointments. These services are crucial for individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive themselves.

However, the availability of NEMT services can be limited, and booking in advance is often required. The cost of these services can also be a burden for some residents. While these services are essential, they do not fully compensate for the lack of readily available public transit or the limitations of ride-sharing.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

Based on the analysis of transportation options, the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 39039 is **moderate**. While drive times to the nearest healthcare facility in Yazoo City are reasonable, the longer travel times to Jackson for specialized care and the lack of public transit significantly impact the score. The limited availability and potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transport services further contribute to the challenges of healthcare access.

The absence of a reliable public transportation system is a significant drawback, particularly for vulnerable populations. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential for long drive times to access specialized medical services are also concerning.

**Recommendations and Considerations for Moving to Benton**

Individuals considering moving to Benton should carefully consider the transportation challenges associated with healthcare access. Those with chronic medical conditions or mobility limitations should factor in the potential difficulties of accessing specialized care.

It is crucial for residents to have a reliable means of transportation, whether it be a personal vehicle, access to ride-sharing services, or the ability to utilize medical transport. Planning ahead for medical appointments, particularly those requiring travel to Jackson, is essential.

The community could benefit from initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access, such as exploring the feasibility of a demand-response public transit system or partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer discounted rates for medical appointments.

Furthermore, the development of telehealth services could help mitigate the challenges of long travel times by providing remote access to healthcare professionals. Investing in these initiatives would significantly improve the overall health score for residents of ZIP Code 39039 and enhance the quality of life for all.