39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

44.05 percent of residents in 39525 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.18 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Medical Center-Hancock with a distance of 5.10 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Diamondhead, MS (ZIP Code 39525)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Diamondhead, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39525), necessitates a deep dive into their healthcare access. This includes a detailed analysis of transportation options, as the ability to reach medical facilities is paramount to well-being. We’ll examine drive times, public transit availability, ride-share services, and medical transport options, painting a comprehensive picture for those considering moving to Diamondhead and its surrounding areas.

Diamondhead, a planned community on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, offers a desirable lifestyle. However, its location, while scenic, presents unique challenges when considering healthcare access. The primary factor influencing the health score is the distance and ease of travel to hospitals, clinics, and specialist offices. This write-up aims to provide a clear understanding of the transportation landscape and its impact on the overall health of Diamondhead residents.

**Driving the Distance: Navigating the Roads**

The most common method of transportation in Diamondhead is personal vehicles. Drive times to healthcare facilities vary depending on the destination and traffic conditions. The primary thoroughfare connecting Diamondhead to the wider region is Interstate 10 (I-10). This highway offers relatively quick access to larger cities like Biloxi and Gulfport, where a greater concentration of medical services exists.

For those seeking routine care, the drive to clinics in Bay St. Louis, just east of Diamondhead, is often a convenient option. This journey typically involves traveling along Mississippi Highway 607, also known as Waveland Avenue, and then onto U.S. Highway 90. The drive time is generally short, making it a practical choice for residents.

Heading west on I-10 leads to hospitals and specialist offices in Slidell, Louisiana. This commute, while longer, provides access to a wider range of medical services. Residents must consider potential traffic congestion on I-10, particularly during peak hours, which can significantly extend travel times.

For those seeking urgent care or emergency services, the proximity to the nearest emergency rooms is crucial. The drive to the nearest emergency room, often located in Bay St. Louis or Gulfport, can be a critical factor in determining health outcomes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in the Diamondhead area are limited, which presents a significant challenge for residents without personal vehicles. The Coast Transit Authority (CTA) provides bus service throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast region. However, the routes and frequency of service in Diamondhead are limited.

The CTA routes serving Diamondhead are not extensive, and the schedules may not align with the needs of those seeking medical appointments. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible buses is crucial for individuals with disabilities. While the CTA strives to provide accessible services, the limited routes and schedules can still pose difficulties.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Diamondhead area, offering an alternative to personal vehicles and public transit. However, the availability and cost of these services can vary, particularly during off-peak hours or in areas with limited demand.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments, are also available. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and can accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. Several medical transport brands operate in the region, offering various levels of service and pricing.

**Healthcare Access: A Multifaceted Assessment**

The overall health score for Diamondhead residents is influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The availability and accessibility of healthcare services are critical, but so too is the ability to reach those services. Transportation limitations can create significant barriers to care, particularly for individuals with mobility issues, those without personal vehicles, and those with limited financial resources.

The drive times to medical facilities, the availability of public transit, the reliability of ride-share services, and the cost of medical transport all contribute to the overall health score. Residents must carefully consider these factors when assessing their healthcare access.

**Moving to Diamondhead: A Transportation Perspective**

For those considering moving to Diamondhead, understanding the transportation landscape is essential. While the community offers a desirable lifestyle, the potential challenges related to healthcare access should be carefully evaluated. Prospective residents should assess their transportation needs, considering their ability to drive, the availability of family or friends to assist with transportation, and the potential reliance on ride-share or medical transport services.

Furthermore, the availability of healthcare services within Diamondhead and the surrounding areas should be researched. The proximity of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals is crucial for ensuring timely access to medical care.

**Conclusion: A Call for Improvement**

The overall health score for Diamondhead residents is impacted by transportation challenges. While the community offers a desirable living environment, the limited public transit options and the reliance on personal vehicles can create barriers to healthcare access. Efforts to improve public transportation, expand ride-share availability, and enhance medical transport services would significantly improve the health score for Diamondhead residents. Furthermore, promoting the development of healthcare facilities within the community would further enhance healthcare access and improve the overall well-being of residents. A proactive approach to addressing these transportation and healthcare access challenges will ensure that Diamondhead remains a healthy and thriving community.