39470, Poplarville, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39470, Poplarville, Mississippi is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

48.92 percent of residents in 39470 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.89 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Pearl River County Hospital with a distance of 3.99 miles from the area.

**Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Poplarville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39470)**

Poplarville, Mississippi, nestled in the heart of Pearl River County, presents a unique landscape for assessing healthcare access. The "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 39470, a critical measure, hinges significantly on the ease with which individuals can reach medical facilities. This write-up delves into the realities of transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, and their impact on the ability to obtain timely and necessary healthcare. Considering factors like drive times, public transportation availability, and ride-sharing services, a comprehensive picture emerges of the challenges and opportunities facing those seeking medical attention in this rural community.

The cornerstone of healthcare access in Poplarville is the automobile. The primary arteries for transportation are **Interstate 59 (I-59)**, **Highway 26**, and **Highway 11**. Residents typically rely on these roadways to reach hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. Drive times, therefore, are a crucial element of the health score. The nearest major medical center, Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, is approximately a 45-minute to one-hour drive via I-59. Smaller clinics and urgent care facilities within Poplarville, such as the Pearl River County Hospital, offer more immediate access, reducing the time spent traveling for routine care. However, the availability of specialized services in Poplarville is limited, often necessitating travel to Hattiesburg or even further afield.

The time spent in transit significantly impacts the health score. Longer drive times can delay treatment, especially in emergencies. For individuals with chronic conditions requiring frequent appointments, the burden of travel can be substantial, potentially leading to missed appointments and compromised health outcomes. The condition of the roads themselves, including the maintenance of I-59 and the less-traveled highways, influences the efficiency and safety of these journeys. Road closures, traffic congestion, and weather conditions, particularly during hurricane season, can further exacerbate travel times and impede healthcare access.

Public transportation options in Poplarville are limited. There is no established public bus system within the city limits, and the availability of regional public transit is sparse. This lack of robust public transportation presents a significant challenge for individuals who do not own a vehicle, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. The absence of readily accessible public transit significantly lowers the overall health score, as it restricts healthcare access for a vulnerable segment of the population.

While traditional public transit is scarce, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, while present, may not be consistently available in Poplarville. Their presence is dependent on driver availability, which can be unpredictable in rural areas. This unreliability further complicates transportation for medical appointments. Medical transport services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and specialized medical transport providers, are available for emergency situations and for patients requiring assistance. However, these services are typically reserved for critical cases, not for routine appointments or preventative care.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance of any available public transit is a critical factor. While public transportation options are limited, any services that do exist must adhere to ADA standards to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This includes features such as wheelchair lifts, accessible seating, and audio-visual announcements. The availability of ADA-compliant transportation significantly impacts the health score for individuals with mobility impairments, ensuring they can access necessary medical care.

The overall health score is also influenced by the availability of healthcare providers within Poplarville. The presence of primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals directly impacts the need for residents to travel long distances for care. A robust healthcare infrastructure, with a variety of providers, increases the health score by reducing travel times and improving access to a wider range of medical services. The types of healthcare services available in Poplarville, such as mental health care, dental care, and specialized medical treatments, also contribute to the overall health score.

For those considering moving to Poplarville, the healthcare access situation is a critical consideration. Prospective residents should carefully evaluate their healthcare needs and assess the available transportation options. Individuals with chronic conditions or those who require frequent medical appointments should carefully consider the drive times to specialist facilities and the availability of alternative transportation. The lack of robust public transit, and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, are important factors to consider.

In conclusion, the overall health score for healthcare access in Poplarville, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39470) is moderate. While residents have access to healthcare facilities within Poplarville, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limitations of public transportation pose challenges. The distance to larger medical centers, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services, and the scarcity of public transit options, particularly for those without personal vehicles, negatively impact the health score. Improving the availability of public transportation, expanding the healthcare infrastructure within Poplarville, and promoting ride-sharing services could significantly enhance healthcare access and improve the overall health score for residents of this community.