39051, Carthage, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39051, Carthage, Mississippi is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.30 percent of residents in 39051 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.86 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center-Leake with a distance of 3.39 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39051 (Carthage, Mississippi)

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Carthage, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39051), requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This assessment provides an "Overall Health Score," considering factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing services, and medical transport. The goal is to illuminate healthcare access for current residents and those considering **moving to Carthage**, providing a clear picture of the transportation challenges and opportunities.

**Drive Times: The Asphalt Arteries**

The primary mode of transportation for accessing healthcare in 39051 is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's relative isolation necessitates reliance on roadways. The closest major medical facilities are located in Jackson, Mississippi, approximately 60 miles south. This journey typically involves navigating Mississippi Highway 25 (MS-25), a vital north-south artery, and then transitioning onto Interstate 20 (I-20) to reach Jackson hospitals.

Travel times to Jackson can vary considerably depending on traffic, particularly during peak hours. A typical drive on MS-25, free of congestion, takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes. However, factors such as accidents or construction along the route can easily extend this to 1 hour and 45 minutes or longer. The condition of MS-25 is generally good, but occasional potholes and narrow shoulders warrant caution.

Smaller medical facilities, such as clinics and urgent care centers, might be found in neighboring towns like Philadelphia (approximately 30 miles east via MS-16) or Kosciusko (approximately 35 miles west via MS-12). These trips offer shorter travel times, typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes, but still require a personal vehicle.

**Public Transit: A Limited Footprint**

Public transportation options in Carthage are extremely limited. The town and surrounding Leake County lack a comprehensive public transit system. This presents a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals without personal vehicles, particularly those with disabilities, elderly residents, and low-income families.

The absence of a robust public transit network means that residents are largely dependent on private transportation. This can create challenges for those needing regular medical appointments, such as dialysis treatments or physical therapy sessions. The lack of convenient and affordable public transportation is a key factor impacting the overall health score in 39051.

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

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a limited presence in Carthage. Their availability is sporadic and often dependent on driver availability. Relying on ride-sharing for regular healthcare appointments is therefore unreliable and potentially expensive.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. Several companies operate in the region, including ambulance services and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers. These services cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized medical assistance during transport.

However, medical transport services can be costly and may require advance booking. Insurance coverage for these services varies, further complicating access for some residents. The availability of medical transport services provides a crucial safety net, but its limitations impact the overall health score.

**ADA Accessibility: A Critical Consideration**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in public transportation and facilities. The lack of public transit in Carthage raises concerns about ADA compliance for individuals with disabilities. While medical transport services often provide accessible vehicles, the limited availability and cost remain significant hurdles.

Ensuring ADA accessibility in healthcare facilities and transportation options is paramount. This includes accessible parking, ramps, elevators, and waiting areas. The overall health score reflects the need for improved accessibility to ensure that all residents can access healthcare services equitably.

**Overall Health Score: A Synthesis**

Considering all factors, the Overall Health Score for **healthcare access** in 39051 is moderate. The reliance on personal vehicles for transportation is the primary factor. The drive times to major medical facilities in Jackson, while manageable, can be lengthy and subject to delays.

The absence of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the score, particularly for those without personal vehicles. The limited availability of ride-sharing services further exacerbates the transportation challenges. Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for some, but their cost and availability limitations impact the overall assessment.

The score also considers the need for improved ADA accessibility in transportation and healthcare facilities. Addressing these challenges is essential to improve the overall health and well-being of residents in Carthage.

**Recommendations for Improvement**

To enhance the Overall Health Score, several improvements are recommended:

* **Advocate for Public Transit:** Explore the feasibility of establishing a public transit system or expanding existing regional services to include Carthage. This could involve partnerships with neighboring counties or state-funded initiatives.
* **Support Ride-Sharing Initiatives:** Encourage ride-sharing companies to expand their services in the area, perhaps through incentives or partnerships with local healthcare providers.
* **Promote Medical Transport Awareness:** Increase awareness of available medical transport services and work with insurance providers to improve coverage.
* **Enhance ADA Accessibility:** Ensure that all healthcare facilities and transportation options are fully ADA-compliant.
* **Improve Road Infrastructure:** Advocate for improvements to MS-25 and other roadways to reduce travel times and enhance safety.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

Improving **healthcare access** in 39051 requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing the transportation challenges is crucial for the health and well-being of the community. For those **moving to Carthage**, understanding the transportation landscape is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare needs. By implementing the recommendations, the Overall Health Score can be improved, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to the healthcare services they need.