39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 39567, Pascagoula, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

74.99 percent of residents in 39567 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 14.57 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Singing River Health System with a distance of 0.95 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Pascagoula, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39567)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for residents of Pascagoula, Mississippi (ZIP code 39567), focusing specifically on the accessibility of healthcare services. The score considers various factors, including transportation options, travel times, and the availability of different modes of transit. Understanding these elements is crucial for individuals and families considering moving to Pascagoula, ensuring they can readily access necessary medical care. This report aims to paint a comprehensive picture, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare transportation landscape.

The overall health score for healthcare access in Pascagoula is influenced significantly by the availability and efficiency of transportation options. The primary mode of transport is personal vehicles, with the interstate and major thoroughfares playing a vital role. Public transit, while present, offers limited coverage, and ride-sharing services provide a supplementary, yet potentially costly, alternative.

**Drive-Time Analysis:**

Driving is the predominant method for accessing healthcare facilities in Pascagoula. The city's layout and the location of medical providers heavily influence drive times. The primary artery for north-south travel is **Interstate 10 (I-10)**, offering relatively quick access to regional medical centers. However, traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours, can significantly extend travel times.

East-west travel relies on **Highway 90**, a major coastal route. This road provides access to local clinics and hospitals, but it can also experience heavy traffic, especially during tourist season and in areas with commercial development. **Highway 613** is another important road, connecting various parts of the city and providing access to medical facilities in the outlying areas.

For residents in the western parts of 39567, reaching hospitals like Singing River Health System requires navigating through city streets and potentially encountering traffic on Highway 90. Those in the eastern sections may find quicker access to facilities depending on their location and the specific route taken. The actual drive times will vary depending on the destination, the time of day, and the individual's starting point within the ZIP code.

**Public Transit: Limited Coverage:**

Public transportation options in Pascagoula are limited, which impacts the overall health score for those without personal vehicles. The **Jackson County Transit Authority (JCTA)** operates a bus service, but its routes and frequency are not extensive. The routes may cover some areas, but the coverage is not comprehensive, and the frequency of service can be a challenge for timely access to medical appointments.

The JCTA buses are designed with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features, including ramps and designated seating, to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. However, the limited routes and schedules may still pose significant challenges. Individuals relying on public transit for healthcare access may face longer travel times and require careful planning to accommodate the bus schedules.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Pascagoula, offering an alternative transportation option, particularly for those who do not drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle. However, the availability of these services can fluctuate, and the cost can be a significant factor, especially for frequent medical appointments. The cost of ride-sharing can add to the financial burden of healthcare access.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed for patients, also exist. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring specialized assistance. Companies like MedTrans and other local providers offer non-emergency medical transportation. However, these services may require advance booking and can also be costly, impacting the overall health score.

**Healthcare Access and Its Impact:**

The ease with which residents can access healthcare services directly impacts their overall health and well-being. Delays in reaching medical appointments can lead to delayed diagnoses, treatment, and potentially worse health outcomes. Limited transportation options, particularly for those with disabilities or low incomes, can create significant barriers to healthcare access.

The availability of transportation is a critical component of healthcare access. It influences the ability of individuals to attend routine check-ups, specialist appointments, and emergency care. A high overall health score indicates that residents have convenient and affordable access to healthcare, while a lower score suggests that transportation challenges may hinder access.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Considering the various factors discussed, the overall health score for healthcare access in ZIP code 39567 is moderate. While personal vehicle use provides relatively good access, the limited public transit options and the potential cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services create challenges for some residents.

The drive times to healthcare facilities are generally reasonable, especially for those living near major roadways. However, traffic congestion and the distance to some specialized medical providers can extend travel times. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport offers alternative options, but the cost and availability of these services can be a barrier for some individuals.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the overall health score, several strategies could be considered. Expanding the JCTA bus routes and increasing the frequency of service would significantly benefit residents who rely on public transportation. Exploring partnerships with ride-sharing services to offer discounted rates for medical appointments could also enhance access.

Investing in infrastructure improvements, such as optimizing traffic flow on major roadways, could reduce drive times and improve the efficiency of transportation. Promoting awareness of available transportation options, including medical transportation services, could also help residents make informed choices.

Ultimately, improving healthcare access in Pascagoula requires a multifaceted approach that considers the needs of all residents. By addressing transportation challenges, the community can enhance the overall health and well-being of its population, making it a more attractive place to live and a more accessible location for those considering moving to Pascagoula.