39356, Rose Hill, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39356, Rose Hill, Mississippi is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

53.90 percent of residents in 39356 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.75 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Watkins Hospital with a distance of 17.03 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39356 (Rose Hill, Mississippi)

This assessment explores the landscape of healthcare access for residents of ZIP Code 39356, focusing on transportation options and their impact on overall health. The analysis considers drive times, public transit, ride-sharing, and medical transport availability, providing a comprehensive picture for individuals considering moving to Rose Hill or seeking improved healthcare access within the community.

The ability to reach healthcare providers efficiently is a critical determinant of health outcomes. Delays in seeking medical attention due to transportation challenges can exacerbate existing conditions, hinder preventative care, and diminish overall well-being. This report aims to illuminate the specific transportation realities within 39356, offering insights into the ease or difficulty of accessing essential healthcare services.

**Drive Times and Road Networks:**

For residents of Rose Hill, the primary mode of transportation to healthcare facilities is undoubtedly personal vehicles. The area is characterized by a network of highways and roads that dictate travel times to various medical providers. The most direct route to Meridian, the nearest city with significant healthcare infrastructure, involves utilizing **Highway 19** North. This highway, a major thoroughfare, offers relatively smooth travel, but traffic congestion, especially during peak hours, can impact drive times.

Depending on the specific destination within Meridian, travel via **Highway 19** can range from 20 to 45 minutes, assuming moderate traffic. Further, accessing facilities in larger cities like Jackson, which offer more specialized care, requires travel on **Interstate 20** West. This journey extends the commute significantly, potentially taking over two hours depending on traffic and the specific location within Jackson.

Within Rose Hill itself, local roads like **County Road 26** and **County Road 27** provide access to the immediate vicinity, including any local clinics or urgent care facilities. These roads are generally well-maintained, but their winding nature and the potential for encountering slow-moving vehicles like farm equipment can influence travel times. Residents must factor in these variables when planning healthcare appointments, particularly for time-sensitive situations.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public transportation options in 39356 are limited. The availability of bus services or other forms of public transit is minimal, posing a significant challenge for individuals without access to a personal vehicle. This lack of robust public transportation can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes, effectively limiting their healthcare access.

There are no readily available public transit routes with dedicated numbers or specific routes that serve Rose Hill directly. The absence of accessible public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, especially for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to a vehicle. This deficiency underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing or medical transport services.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features are nonexistent in the public transit landscape of 39356. This lack of accessibility further compounds the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing healthcare. The absence of ramps, lifts, or other accommodations on public transportation vehicles effectively excludes a significant portion of the population from utilizing this mode of transport.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Meridian area, but their reliability and availability in Rose Hill are subject to variability. The presence of ride-sharing drivers may be limited, especially during off-peak hours or in remote areas. Residents should not rely on ride-sharing as their primary transportation method to healthcare appointments without pre-planning and confirmation of availability.

Medical transport services are available, but they often come with associated costs. These services are specifically designed to transport individuals with medical needs to and from appointments. Some prominent medical transport brands in the region include AMR (American Medical Response) and local private ambulance services. However, the cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources.

**Healthcare Access Considerations:**

The overall health score for 39356 is negatively impacted by the transportation challenges. The lack of public transit, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the potential for long drive times to access specialized care all contribute to reduced healthcare access. Individuals considering moving to Rose Hill should carefully assess their transportation needs and the availability of healthcare services before making a decision.

The absence of readily available and affordable transportation options can lead to delayed or missed appointments, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Preventative care is also significantly impacted, as regular check-ups and screenings may be difficult to schedule and attend without reliable transportation.

**Recommendations and Conclusion:**

Improving healthcare access in 39356 requires a multi-faceted approach. Increased investment in public transportation, including the expansion of bus routes and the integration of ADA-compliant vehicles, is crucial. Encouraging the growth of ride-sharing services and subsidizing medical transport for low-income individuals can also help bridge the transportation gap.

Healthcare providers can also play a role by offering telehealth services, providing transportation assistance to patients, and coordinating appointments to minimize travel time. Community initiatives focused on transportation solutions, such as volunteer driver programs, can further enhance healthcare access.

In conclusion, the overall health score for 39356 is directly influenced by the limitations in transportation. While the area offers a degree of healthcare access, the reliance on personal vehicles and the absence of robust public transit create significant barriers. Addressing these transportation challenges through strategic investments, community partnerships, and innovative solutions is essential to improving the health and well-being of Rose Hill residents. This understanding is paramount for anyone considering moving to Rose Hill and seeking reliable healthcare access.