39040, Bentonia, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39040, Bentonia, Mississippi is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

28.36 percent of residents in 39040 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 19.83 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center-Yazoo with a distance of 14.77 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Bentonia, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39040)

The pursuit of optimal health is inextricably linked to the ability to access healthcare. For residents of Bentonia, Mississippi, nestled within the 39040 ZIP code, this access is significantly shaped by the transportation landscape. This write-up assesses the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare accessibility, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation methods. The score will reflect the challenges and opportunities inherent in navigating the healthcare system from this rural Mississippi community.

Bentonia, a small town characterized by its close-knit community and agricultural roots, presents unique transportation challenges. The limited public transit options and reliance on personal vehicles highlight the importance of understanding the transportation infrastructure when evaluating healthcare access. The overall health score will consider these factors, providing a comprehensive picture of the healthcare accessibility landscape.

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

The primary determinant of healthcare access in Bentonia is the drive time to medical facilities. The closest hospitals and clinics are primarily located in Yazoo City and Jackson, Mississippi. Residents typically rely on personal vehicles to navigate the roads.

Traveling to Yazoo City, approximately 15 miles from Bentonia, is the most common route for healthcare. The journey usually involves taking **Highway 149**, a two-lane road that meanders through the countryside. Traffic is generally light, and the drive takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific destination within Yazoo City. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the overall health score.

For more specialized care, residents often need to travel to Jackson, roughly 50 miles away. This trip necessitates taking **Highway 149** east, then merging onto **Interstate 55** south. The interstate provides a faster route, but the drive can take up to an hour or more, depending on traffic conditions. This longer travel time, particularly during peak hours, presents a significant challenge, especially for those with urgent medical needs. This longer drive time negatively impacts the overall health score.

The condition of the roads also plays a role. While **Highway 149** is generally well-maintained, potholes and uneven surfaces can occasionally slow down travel, especially after heavy rainfall. The interstate, while generally in good condition, is subject to occasional construction and congestion, further impacting drive times.

**Public Transit: A Limited Lifeline**

Public transit options in Bentonia are extremely limited. The lack of a comprehensive public transportation system significantly impacts the overall health score. There is no established bus route that directly serves Bentonia. This absence means that residents without access to a personal vehicle are severely restricted in their ability to access healthcare.

The nearest public transit options are in Jackson, Mississippi, but the distance and lack of direct routes make this impractical for most residents. The absence of public transit is a major factor that negatively affects the overall health score.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jackson area but their availability in Bentonia is often limited. The cost of a ride-share to Jackson for a medical appointment can be substantial, and the availability of drivers in the area is not always guaranteed. This unreliability and potential cost burden negatively impact the overall health score.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution for those with mobility limitations or medical needs. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and Priority Ambulance provide non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) services, but these services can be expensive and require prior arrangements. These services, while valuable, are not readily accessible and do not significantly improve the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access and the Decision to Move to Bentonia**

For individuals considering moving to Bentonia, the availability of healthcare and the ease of transportation to medical facilities should be a key consideration. The overall health score, considering drive times, limited public transit, and the constraints of ride-sharing and medical transport, paints a picture of a community where healthcare access is challenging.

The decision to move to Bentonia necessitates a careful assessment of individual healthcare needs and the ability to manage the transportation challenges. Those with chronic health conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments should carefully weigh the transportation limitations.

**Overall Health Score: A Summary**

The overall health score for healthcare access in Bentonia, Mississippi (39040), is moderate. The relatively short drive to Yazoo City offers some accessibility, but the longer travel times to Jackson and the limited public transit options significantly impact the score. The reliance on personal vehicles and the potential cost and unreliability of ride-sharing services further compound the challenges.

The absence of readily available public transportation and the limitations of ride-sharing services create significant barriers to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles, which can be a burden for those who cannot drive or cannot afford to maintain a vehicle. The overall health score is negatively impacted by these limitations.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

Improving healthcare access in Bentonia requires a multi-faceted approach. Investing in public transportation options, even if limited, would significantly improve the overall health score. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer subsidized rides for medical appointments could also help.

Raising awareness about medical transport services and providing financial assistance to those who need them would further improve the situation. Ultimately, a concerted effort to address the transportation challenges will lead to a healthier and more accessible community for the residents of Bentonia, Mississippi. The overall health score can be improved with targeted interventions.