39346, Noxapater, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39346, Noxapater, Mississippi is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

65.38 percent of residents in 39346 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.45 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Winston Medical Center & Swingbed with a distance of 10.28 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Noxapater, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39346)

Noxapater, Mississippi, a small town nestled in Winston County, presents a unique landscape for evaluating healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 39346, a critical metric for anyone contemplating **moving to Noxapater**, hinges significantly on the ease and efficiency of **transportation** to medical facilities. This assessment delves into the realities of accessing healthcare, considering drive times, public transit options, and alternative transportation solutions.

The most significant factor in determining healthcare accessibility in Noxapater is the reliance on personal vehicles. The town's rural setting necessitates driving to reach most healthcare providers. The primary thoroughfare is Mississippi Highway 15, which snakes through the heart of Noxapater. Traveling south on Highway 15 offers access to medical facilities in Louisville, the county seat. This drive, typically spanning 10-15 minutes, provides access to Winston Medical Center, a critical resource for emergency care, primary care, and specialized services.

Further afield, seeking more specialized care often requires journeys to larger cities. Meridian, approximately an hour's drive via Mississippi Highway 15 south to Interstate 20 east, offers a wider array of medical specialists and hospitals, including Anderson Regional Medical Center. Jackson, the state capital, roughly a two-hour drive via Highway 15 south to Interstate 20 west, provides access to the University of Mississippi Medical Center and other tertiary care facilities. These longer commutes highlight the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment.

Public **transportation** options in Noxapater are extremely limited. Winston County does not have a municipal bus system or extensive public transit infrastructure. This lack of public transit significantly impacts individuals who do not own vehicles, limiting their healthcare options. The absence of readily available public transit necessitates reliance on family, friends, or alternative solutions.

The availability of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft in Noxapater is variable. While these services may be present, their availability is not guaranteed, especially during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability further complicates healthcare access, particularly for those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. The limited presence of ride-sharing services underscores the need for alternative transportation solutions.

Medical transportation services, such as ambulance services, are available in Noxapater. However, their primary function is for emergency medical situations. While they can provide transportation to medical facilities, their cost and availability are not conducive to routine healthcare appointments. This leaves a gap in providing transportation for non-emergency medical needs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility of healthcare facilities is a crucial consideration. Winston Medical Center in Louisville is generally compliant with ADA regulations, ensuring accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the accessibility of smaller clinics and specialist offices may vary. In the absence of public transit, ADA-compliant transportation options are limited, further emphasizing the need for personal vehicles or specialized medical transport.

The "Overall Health Score" for Noxapater residents is therefore significantly influenced by the challenges of **healthcare access**. The reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the variable availability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers. The drive times to healthcare facilities, ranging from 10 minutes to several hours, directly impact the timeliness of medical care.

For individuals considering **moving to Noxapater**, this analysis underscores the importance of evaluating their personal transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those without reliable transportation will face considerable challenges in accessing routine medical care, specialist appointments, and emergency services. The lack of readily available public transit or consistent ride-sharing options requires proactive planning.

The economic impact of healthcare access cannot be overlooked. Longer drive times, reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential need for costly medical transportation services can strain household budgets. This financial burden can exacerbate existing health disparities and impact overall well-being. The cost of transportation becomes an additional barrier to healthcare, particularly for low-income individuals.

The absence of readily available public transit also has implications for the elderly population. Seniors, often facing mobility limitations, may struggle to access healthcare facilities without assistance. This creates a significant challenge for maintaining their health and independence. The lack of transportation options can lead to delayed or missed appointments, potentially worsening existing health conditions.

In conclusion, the "Overall Health Score" for ZIP Code 39346 reflects the complex interplay between **transportation** and **healthcare access**. While Winston Medical Center in Louisville provides essential services, the reliance on personal vehicles and the absence of robust public transit pose significant challenges. The variable availability of ride-sharing services and the limited scope of medical transportation further complicate the situation. Individuals considering **moving to Noxapater** must carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. The existing infrastructure, or lack thereof, dictates the reality of accessing medical care. This assessment provides a critical understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting the need for proactive planning and consideration of individual circumstances. The overall health of Noxapater residents is directly tied to their ability to access the healthcare they need, and that access is inextricably linked to the available modes of **transportation**.