39067, Ethel, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39067, Ethel, Mississippi is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

75.07 percent of residents in 39067 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center Attala with a distance of 8.57 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Ethel, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39067)

Ethel, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of Attala County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. This assessment focuses on the challenges and opportunities residents face when navigating the transportation infrastructure to reach medical facilities. The overall health score, therefore, hinges on the ease, efficiency, and availability of transportation options to healthcare providers.

The primary mode of transportation in Ethel is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Navigating the rural roads necessitates a reliance on cars, trucks, and SUVs. The most direct route to significant healthcare facilities often involves journeys on Mississippi Highway 12, a vital east-west artery. Residents frequently use Mississippi Highway 43, a north-south route, and County Road 211 to access healthcare services. These roads, while generally well-maintained, can experience congestion during peak hours, potentially impacting the timeliness of medical appointments.

Drive times to key healthcare providers are critical. The closest significant medical center, Baptist Medical Center Attala in Kosciusko, is approximately a 15-to-20-minute drive, depending on traffic and specific location within Ethel. This proximity is a significant positive factor. However, specialized care often requires travel to larger cities like Jackson or Meridian. A trip to Jackson, home to major hospitals like the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours via I-20 East. Similarly, a drive to Anderson Regional Medical Center in Meridian typically requires a 1.5-hour trip via I-20 West. These longer distances pose challenges for those with chronic conditions or mobility limitations.

Public transportation options are extremely limited in Ethel and the surrounding areas. There are no established bus routes or fixed-route public transit systems that serve Ethel directly. This lack of public transportation significantly impacts healthcare access for individuals who do not own vehicles, cannot drive, or are unable to afford the costs associated with private transportation. The absence of accessible public transit also presents a challenge for those with disabilities, as there are no readily available routes with ADA-compliant features.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader area, but their presence in Ethel itself is inconsistent. The availability of these services is often limited, and wait times can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can make ride-sharing a less viable option for urgent medical needs or scheduled appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for those with limited financial resources.

Medical transportation services, designed specifically for transporting patients to and from medical appointments, are available in the region. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and emergency medical services (EMS). These services are crucial for individuals who require assistance with mobility or have medical conditions that necessitate specialized transport. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, and pre-booking is often required, which may not always be feasible in urgent situations.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Ethel is moderately positive, but with significant caveats. The proximity of Baptist Medical Center Attala offers a crucial advantage. However, the lack of public transportation, the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing, and the reliance on personal vehicles for longer distances present substantial challenges. These challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

Moving to Ethel, or any rural community, requires careful consideration of healthcare access. The relative isolation necessitates planning and preparedness. Residents must factor in the time and cost associated with travel to medical appointments, the potential need for specialized transportation services, and the limitations of available public transit options.

To improve the overall health score, several interventions are recommended. Investing in public transportation, even a limited shuttle service connecting Ethel to Kosciusko or other regional centers, would significantly enhance healthcare access. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to ensure consistent availability and subsidized fares for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Furthermore, promoting awareness of available medical transportation services and providing financial assistance to those in need would help to bridge the gap in healthcare access.

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. In Ethel, the current transportation infrastructure presents both opportunities and obstacles. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments and community-based solutions is essential to improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents have equal access to the care they need. A focus on improving transportation, healthcare access, and addressing the needs of the community is a vital step towards fostering a healthier and more vibrant Ethel.