39451, Leakesville, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39451, Leakesville, Mississippi is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.89 percent of residents in 39451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.01 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Greene County Hospital Cah with a distance of 0.80 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Leakesville, MS (ZIP Code 39451)

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. This report analyzes the transportation landscape within and surrounding Leakesville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39451), evaluating its impact on residents' overall health and providing a comprehensive "Overall Health Score." This score considers the ease, affordability, and availability of transportation options to reach essential medical services. This information is particularly relevant for individuals and families considering moving to Leakesville, helping them understand the practicalities of healthcare access in their potential new home.

The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the primary transportation arteries serving Leakesville. Highway 98, a major east-west thoroughfare, provides the most direct route to Hattiesburg, the nearest city with a comprehensive range of medical facilities. Highway 63 runs north-south, connecting Leakesville to other towns and offering an alternative, albeit less direct, route to healthcare options. County roads and local streets, while essential for intra-community travel, often present challenges due to their winding nature and varying road conditions.

Drive times are crucial. Reaching Hattiesburg, approximately 30 miles west via Highway 98, typically takes between 45 minutes and an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions. This drive time significantly increases the time to reach specialized care, such as a trauma center or a specialist physician. Travel to Mobile, Alabama, the next closest metropolitan area with extensive healthcare resources, is approximately a two-hour drive, primarily utilizing Highway 98 and Interstate 65. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those requiring urgent or frequent medical attention.

Public transportation options in Leakesville are limited. The lack of a robust public transit system presents a considerable challenge for individuals without personal vehicles. There is no established bus route network within the city limits. This absence disproportionately affects elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. The absence of public transit significantly lowers the Overall Health Score.

Ride-sharing services, like Uber and Lyft, are available in the Leakesville area, but their availability is often sporadic. Demand fluctuates, and wait times can be unpredictable, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas outside of the immediate town center. The cost of ride-sharing can also be prohibitive for some, adding another layer of complexity to healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, offer a vital lifeline. Ambulance services are available for emergency situations, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. Non-emergency medical transport services, such as those offered by local private companies, cater to individuals requiring scheduled appointments or assistance with mobility. These services, while crucial, often come with associated costs, further impacting the affordability of healthcare access.

Healthcare access extends beyond the physical ability to reach a medical facility. The availability of healthcare providers within Leakesville and the surrounding areas is equally important. The presence of a local clinic or primary care physician significantly improves the Overall Health Score. Proximity to specialists, such as cardiologists, oncologists, and neurologists, is also a critical factor. The availability of specialized care in Hattiesburg and Mobile, while requiring longer travel times, is a crucial aspect of the healthcare landscape.

The Overall Health Score also considers the availability of pharmacies and other healthcare-related services within the community. Access to prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, and medical supplies is essential for maintaining health and managing chronic conditions. The presence of local pharmacies, coupled with the option of mail-order prescriptions, enhances healthcare access and contributes to a higher Overall Health Score.

For individuals considering moving to Leakesville, understanding the transportation landscape is paramount. The reliance on personal vehicles necessitates careful consideration of driving times, fuel costs, and vehicle maintenance. The limited public transportation options and the variable availability of ride-sharing services require proactive planning. Prospective residents should research the availability of medical transportation services and factor these costs into their budget.

The Overall Health Score for Leakesville (39451) is, therefore, moderate. The presence of primary care facilities and the proximity to Hattiesburg offer some advantages. However, the lack of public transportation, the reliance on personal vehicles, and the extended travel times to specialized medical care in Hattiesburg and Mobile present significant challenges. These factors, combined with the limited availability of ride-sharing services, contribute to a lower score.

To improve the Overall Health Score, several initiatives could be considered. Expanding public transportation options, even with limited routes, would significantly benefit residents. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing companies to provide subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also enhance healthcare access. Investing in telehealth services, allowing patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, could reduce the need for travel. Promoting the development of specialized medical services within Leakesville or attracting additional providers to the area would further improve healthcare access.

In conclusion, while Leakesville offers a degree of healthcare access, the transportation challenges significantly impact the Overall Health Score. Individuals considering moving to Leakesville must carefully assess their transportation needs and plan accordingly. Proactive planning, coupled with community efforts to improve transportation and healthcare access, can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant community for all residents. This analysis underscores the critical link between transportation and healthcare access, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Leakesville.