39140, Newhebron, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39140, Newhebron, Mississippi is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

43.65 percent of residents in 39140 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 15.10 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Jefferson Davis Community Hospital Cah with a distance of 13.88 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39140

ZIP Code 39140, encompassing the rural community of Newhebron, Mississippi, presents a unique challenge when assessing overall health. The very essence of well-being is intertwined with access to healthcare, and in this area, that access is heavily reliant on transportation. This write-up delves into the complexities of navigating the roads, public transit, and alternative transportation options to reach medical facilities, ultimately providing an ‘Overall Health Score’ based on the ease and feasibility of accessing care. The score considers factors such as drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of medical transport services.

The most significant hurdle for residents of Newhebron is the distance to healthcare providers. The nearest hospitals and specialized clinics are situated in larger towns and cities, demanding considerable travel time. The primary arteries for transportation are Mississippi Highway 84, running east-west, and Mississippi Highway 587, intersecting it north-south. These highways, while providing the main thoroughfares, are often subject to traffic, especially during peak hours, and can be impacted by weather conditions, further lengthening travel times.

For routine appointments and general care, residents typically travel to Monticello, approximately 15 miles west. The drive along Highway 84 can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. More specialized care, including hospital visits, often necessitates travel to Brookhaven, about 30 miles southwest, or Hattiesburg, roughly 60 miles southeast. The journey to Brookhaven, primarily via Highway 84 and US-98, can consume up to an hour, while the Hattiesburg commute, involving Highway 84 and US-49, may take upwards of an hour and a half, presenting a significant time commitment.

Public transportation options in Newhebron are severely limited. There is no established public bus system operating within the ZIP Code or connecting directly to major healthcare hubs. This absence of readily available public transit significantly restricts healthcare access for those without personal vehicles, particularly the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income residents. The lack of accessible public transit is a major detractor in the overall health score.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the broader area, but their presence in Newhebron is inconsistent and unreliable. Availability is often dependent on driver availability, which is scarce in this rural region. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments is, therefore, a risky proposition, potentially leading to missed appointments or delays in receiving critical care. This uncertainty further diminishes the overall health score.

Medical transport services offer a crucial lifeline for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Several companies, including Acadian Ambulance Service, operate in the region, providing non-emergency medical transport. However, the availability of these services is often dependent on insurance coverage and pre-booking, which can be a barrier for those needing immediate or unplanned care. The reliance on pre-arranged medical transport highlights the challenges faced by residents of Newhebron in accessing timely medical assistance.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 39140 is significantly impacted by these transportation limitations. The lack of public transit, the variable availability of ride-sharing, and the dependence on personal vehicles or pre-arranged medical transport all contribute to a lower score. The extended drive times to healthcare facilities, coupled with potential traffic delays and weather-related disruptions, further exacerbate the challenges.

The health score is also influenced by the socio-economic factors of the community. Newhebron has a relatively low median household income, and a significant portion of the population is elderly. These factors often correlate with a higher need for healthcare services and a greater reliance on accessible transportation options. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options disproportionately affects these vulnerable populations.

The absence of readily available healthcare options within the immediate vicinity of Newhebron also contributes to the overall health score. The reliance on travel to Monticello, Brookhaven, and Hattiesburg necessitates careful planning and scheduling, adding to the stress and inconvenience of seeking medical care. This situation highlights the need for innovative solutions to improve healthcare access in this rural community.

The lack of transportation options for individuals with disabilities also negatively impacts the overall health score. Without accessible public transit or readily available ride-sharing services, individuals with mobility challenges face significant difficulties in reaching medical appointments. This situation underscores the need for improved accessibility in all transportation options.

The overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP Code 39140 is therefore assessed as below average. The score reflects the significant challenges residents face in accessing timely and convenient healthcare. The limitations in transportation options, the extended travel times, and the socio-economic factors of the community all contribute to this lower score. Improving healthcare access in Newhebron requires a multi-faceted approach, including exploring options for public transit, ride-sharing partnerships, and innovative medical transport solutions.

The future health of Newhebron depends on addressing these transportation challenges. Strategies that improve healthcare access will not only enhance the well-being of current residents but also make the community more attractive for potential new residents. This is especially important for those moving to Newhebron, who should be aware of these accessibility challenges. The overall health score serves as a critical assessment of the current situation and a call to action for positive change.