39462, New Augusta, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39462, New Augusta, Mississippi is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

63.17 percent of residents in 39462 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.49 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Perry County General Hospital with a distance of 10.27 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in New Augusta, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39462)

The health and well-being of a community are inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. For residents of New Augusta, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39462), this access is primarily determined by the efficiency and reliability of their transportation options. This report provides an "Overall Health Score" by assessing the current landscape of transportation and its impact on healthcare access, offering insights for potential residents and highlighting areas for improvement. This is crucial information for anyone **moving to New Augusta**.

The foundation of any health score is the proximity to essential medical services. In New Augusta, the nearest comprehensive healthcare facilities are located outside the immediate ZIP code. The primary hospital serving the area is Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, roughly 25 miles away. Other specialized care centers and clinics are scattered throughout the region, adding complexity to the transportation equation.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The most common mode of transport is the personal vehicle. The primary route to Hattiesburg involves navigating **Highway 98** east, a major thoroughfare that can experience congestion during peak hours. The drive typically takes 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific destination within Hattiesburg. Other routes involve local roads like **Old Highway 98** and **Highway 589**, offering alternative paths but often adding time to the commute.

The condition of these roads is a critical factor. While Highway 98 is generally well-maintained, potholes and uneven surfaces can pose a risk, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. The quality of local roads varies, and some may be challenging to navigate for individuals with mobility limitations. This emphasizes the need for reliable and well-maintained vehicles.

**Public Transportation: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options within New Augusta are extremely limited. There is no established bus system directly connecting the town to Hattiesburg or other healthcare facilities. This absence significantly impacts those without personal vehicles, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those with low incomes. This lack of public **transportation** creates a substantial barrier to **healthcare access**.

The absence of public transit also limits the ability of residents to attend routine appointments, follow-up visits, and access preventative care. This is a significant factor in the overall health score, as consistent healthcare is vital for managing chronic conditions and maintaining overall well-being.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader Hattiesburg area, but their presence in New Augusta is less reliable. Availability may be limited, and wait times can be significant, particularly during off-peak hours or in emergencies. This unreliability makes them a less dependable option for urgent medical needs.

Specialized medical transport services, such as ambulances and non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) providers, are available. These services are essential for patients who cannot drive themselves due to medical conditions or disabilities. However, these services often come at a higher cost and may require prior arrangements. This financial burden can further restrict **healthcare access** for some residents.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility features in public transportation and public facilities. However, the lack of public transportation in New Augusta effectively eliminates this consideration. For individuals with disabilities, the reliance on personal vehicles or potentially unreliable ride-share services presents a significant challenge.

The availability of accessible parking and building access at healthcare facilities is essential. Ensuring that these facilities meet ADA standards is crucial for promoting inclusivity and ensuring that all residents can access the care they need.

**Healthcare Access and Overall Health Score:**

The overall health score for healthcare access in New Augusta is negatively impacted by the limited transportation options. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-share services create significant barriers to accessing healthcare. This situation can lead to delayed care, missed appointments, and poorer health outcomes.

The score is further affected by the financial burden of medical transport services and the potential challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. The lack of readily available and affordable transportation options can exacerbate existing health disparities within the community.

**Recommendations and Future Considerations:**

To improve the overall health score, several key areas require attention. The development of a public transportation system, even a limited one, connecting New Augusta to Hattiesburg and other healthcare facilities would be a significant step forward. This could involve a fixed-route bus service or a demand-response system tailored to the needs of the community.

Collaboration between local government, healthcare providers, and transportation companies is essential to address these challenges. Exploring partnerships with ride-share services to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also improve access.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as road maintenance and the provision of accessible parking at healthcare facilities, is also crucial. Promoting awareness of available medical transport services and ensuring their affordability are also critical steps.

**Conclusion:**

The health of a community is inextricably linked to its ability to access healthcare. The current **transportation** landscape in New Augusta presents significant challenges to **healthcare access**, particularly for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. Addressing these challenges through strategic investments in public **transportation**, ride-share programs, and infrastructure improvements is essential to improving the overall health score and ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need. This information is critical for anyone **moving to New Augusta** and seeking to understand the realities of **healthcare access**.