39160, Sallis, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39160, Sallis, Mississippi is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.24 percent of residents in 39160 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.19 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Baptist Medical Center Attala with a distance of 6.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39160 (Sallis, Mississippi)

This report evaluates the overall health score for residents of Sallis, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39160), focusing specifically on the accessibility of healthcare services. A critical aspect of community well-being, healthcare access encompasses the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities, considering various modes of **transportation**. This analysis examines drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, providing a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities facing those seeking care in this rural area.

The geographical reality of Sallis, nestled in Attala County, significantly impacts healthcare access. The town's relative isolation, coupled with limited public **transportation** infrastructure, presents a unique set of hurdles. Assessing the overall health score requires a nuanced understanding of these factors and their combined influence on residents’ ability to obtain necessary medical attention. This report aims to provide that understanding.

**Drive Times and Road Network:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Sallis residents is personal vehicle. Driving distances to healthcare facilities are therefore a crucial determinant of the overall health score. The nearest hospital, Baptist Medical Center Attala, is located in Kosciusko, approximately 10 miles south of Sallis. The drive, primarily via Highway 12, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions.

However, access to specialized care, such as specialists or advanced medical procedures, often necessitates travel to larger cities like Jackson, approximately 80 miles south. This journey, involving travel on Highway 12 to Interstate 55 South, can take upwards of 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. Such extended travel times significantly impact the health score, especially for individuals with chronic conditions or urgent medical needs.

Smaller towns like Canton, around 50 miles away, offer some healthcare options. The drive to Canton, typically involving Highway 12 and Highway 16, takes about an hour. These variations in travel time highlight the importance of considering the type of care needed when evaluating healthcare access in Sallis. The condition of the roads, while generally well-maintained, can also influence travel times, particularly during inclement weather.

**Public Transit and Its Limitations:**

Public **transportation** options in Sallis are extremely limited, posing a significant challenge to healthcare access for those without personal vehicles. Attala County does not have a county-wide public transit system. The lack of readily available public transit severely restricts the mobility of vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those who cannot afford a vehicle.

The nearest Greyhound bus station is in Jackson, requiring a lengthy and often complex journey from Sallis. This option is generally impractical for routine medical appointments. The absence of robust public transit underscores the need for alternative solutions to address healthcare access disparities within the community.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jackson area, but their presence in Sallis is sporadic and unreliable. The limited availability and potentially higher costs of ride-sharing further complicate healthcare access. Residents who rely on ride-sharing for medical appointments may face significant delays and financial burdens.

Medical **transportation** services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a crucial lifeline for some residents. Companies like AMR (American Medical Response) and MedStar provide non-emergency medical **transportation** services in the region. However, the availability of these services in Sallis and the associated costs can vary, impacting their accessibility for all residents.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public **transportation** and facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. However, the lack of public transit in Sallis and the potential limitations of ride-sharing services raise concerns about the extent to which healthcare facilities are truly accessible to all residents. Ensuring ADA compliance in all aspects of healthcare access is critical to promoting health equity.

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

For those considering **moving to Sallis**, understanding the challenges associated with healthcare access is paramount. The limited **transportation** options necessitate careful planning and consideration of potential healthcare needs. Prospective residents should thoroughly research the availability of medical services, the distance to healthcare facilities, and the feasibility of alternative **transportation** methods.

Factors such as age, health status, and financial resources significantly influence the impact of these challenges. Individuals with chronic conditions or those requiring frequent medical attention may find the lack of readily available healthcare access a significant drawback. It is crucial to weigh the benefits of living in Sallis, such as its small-town charm and lower cost of living, against the potential difficulties of accessing healthcare.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the analysis of drive times, limited public transit, inconsistent ride-sharing availability, and the reliance on medical **transportation** services, the overall health score for healthcare access in Sallis (ZIP Code 39160) is moderate. While the drive to the nearest hospital in Kosciusko is relatively short, access to specialized care and the lack of reliable **transportation** options present significant barriers.

The absence of robust public transit disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health disparities. The success of any initiatives to improve healthcare access in Sallis will depend on addressing these **transportation** challenges. This may involve exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services, supporting the expansion of medical **transportation** options, or advocating for the development of a county-wide public transit system.

Improving the overall health score requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing the **transportation** limitations is critical, but also essential is the need to promote telehealth services, expand healthcare provider networks, and ensure that all healthcare facilities are fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. By taking these steps, Sallis can improve the health and well-being of its residents.