39088, Holly Bluff, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39088, Holly Bluff, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

0.00 percent of residents in 39088 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.71 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Sharkey Issaquena Community Hospital with a distance of 11.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39088

The health of a community hinges on its ability to access essential services, and in the rural expanse of ZIP Code 39088, encompassing the charming community of Holly Bluff, Mississippi, this access is intricately tied to transportation. Evaluating the "Overall Health Score" for this area necessitates a thorough examination of the available transportation options and their impact on healthcare access. This write-up explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the geographical realities of Holly Bluff, providing a comprehensive assessment for potential residents and policymakers alike.

The primary mode of transportation in Holly Bluff is, undeniably, the personal vehicle. The vast majority of residents rely on their cars for daily activities, including accessing healthcare. The nearest significant medical facilities are located in nearby towns, necessitating a drive. This reliance on personal vehicles immediately introduces a critical factor in the Overall Health Score: drive times.

To reach the nearest major hospital, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Yazoo, residents of Holly Bluff must navigate approximately 25 miles. This journey predominantly involves traveling on **Highway 49E**, a major north-south artery, and then connecting to **Highway 149** or **Highway 16** depending on the specific origin point within 39088. Under ideal conditions, the drive can take around 35 to 45 minutes. However, traffic, weather conditions, and the state of the roads can significantly impact these times. Road maintenance, particularly on the less-traveled county roads feeding into the highways, is a consistent concern.

For those seeking specialized care, the drive times increase considerably. Jackson, the state capital, located approximately 70 miles south, offers a wider array of hospitals and specialists. The journey to Jackson typically involves traveling on **Highway 49E** and then connecting to **I-20** or **Highway 80**. This drive can easily consume 1.5 to 2 hours, making regular appointments a significant time commitment. This prolonged travel time is a key factor in determining the overall score, especially for those with chronic conditions requiring frequent medical attention.

Public transportation options in 39088 are extremely limited. The absence of a robust public transit system significantly disadvantages those without access to a personal vehicle. There are no fixed-route buses or established public transportation infrastructure within the immediate vicinity. This lack of public transit is a major detriment to the Overall Health Score, particularly for elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources.

While public transit is virtually non-existent, some potential solutions exist. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) occasionally provides transportation services for specific populations, such as the elderly or disabled. However, these services are often limited in scope and availability, requiring advance booking and adhering to strict eligibility criteria. Furthermore, the lack of ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant features on any available public transit further exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader region, but their presence in Holly Bluff and the surrounding areas is sporadic. Ride availability is often dependent on driver density, which is relatively low in rural areas. The cost of ride-sharing, especially for long distances to medical appointments, can also be prohibitive for many residents. This inconsistency and cost-prohibitive nature of ride-sharing negatively affects the Overall Health Score.

Medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT), offer another avenue for healthcare access. However, these services are typically reserved for urgent or medically necessary situations. NEMT services, which transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are available in the region, but their availability and cost can vary. The primary NEMT providers in the area include private companies that may have limited operating hours and require pre-booking.

The Overall Health Score is also impacted by the economic factors associated with transportation. The cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance can place a significant financial burden on residents, particularly those with limited incomes. This financial strain can further limit healthcare access by making it difficult to afford the costs associated with transportation to medical appointments.

For individuals considering moving to Holly Bluff, understanding these transportation challenges is crucial. The lack of readily available public transit and the reliance on personal vehicles necessitate careful planning and consideration. Residents should factor in the travel times to medical facilities, the potential costs associated with transportation, and the availability of alternative options such as ride-sharing or medical transport services.

The Overall Health Score for 39088 is, therefore, significantly impacted by the limitations in transportation infrastructure. The long drive times to medical facilities, the absence of a robust public transit system, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services all contribute to a lower score. This situation highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access for residents of Holly Bluff.

Potential solutions could include exploring partnerships with existing transportation providers to offer subsidized ride-sharing services, advocating for the expansion of NEMT services, or exploring the feasibility of establishing a community-based transportation program. Investing in road maintenance and infrastructure improvements is also critical to ensure safe and efficient travel.

Ultimately, improving the Overall Health Score for 39088 requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the transportation challenges faced by residents. By investing in infrastructure, supporting alternative transportation options, and addressing the economic barriers to healthcare access, the community can create a healthier and more equitable environment for all its residents.