39354, Preston, Mississippi Prostate Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 39354, Preston, Mississippi is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

27.32 percent of residents in 39354 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.20 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Ochsner Stennis Memorial Hospital with a distance of 12.61 miles from the area.

## Prostate Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 39354 (Preston, Mississippi)

The sun beats down on Preston, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39354), a small community where the rhythm of life is dictated by the seasons and the gentle flow of the Chunky River. For men facing a prostate cancer diagnosis, the serenity of this environment can quickly become a source of anxiety. The availability of timely and accessible healthcare, particularly specialized urological care, is paramount. This write-up analyzes the prostate cancer score for 39354, focusing on transportation options and healthcare access, a critical consideration for anyone contemplating moving to Preston.

The score reflects the ease with which residents can reach crucial medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. Factors considered include drive times to specialists, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and the presence of medical transportation services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities in navigating the healthcare landscape for those affected by prostate cancer.

**Drive Time Dynamics**

The primary mode of transportation in Preston is the personal vehicle. The closest significant medical facilities are located in Meridian, approximately 30 miles west. The drive to Meridian, the hub for specialized medical care, is the cornerstone of the prostate cancer score.

The journey begins on Highway 16, a two-lane road that winds its way through the rolling hills and pine forests. Traffic is generally light, but the road can be prone to slow-moving vehicles, particularly during logging season. The drive time to Meridian via Highway 16 typically ranges from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and road conditions.

As you approach Meridian, Highway 16 merges with Interstate 20 (I-20), a major east-west artery. The interstate offers a faster, more direct route to the city's medical centers. However, traffic congestion, especially during rush hour, can add significant time to the commute. The I-20 portion of the journey is generally smooth, but construction projects and occasional accidents can cause delays.

The primary hospitals in Meridian, such as Anderson Regional Medical Center and Rush Health Systems, are easily accessible from I-20. The drive from the interstate exits to these facilities is typically less than 10 minutes. The total drive time from Preston to these hospitals, via a combination of Highway 16 and I-20, ranges from 50 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. This is a crucial factor in the prostate cancer score.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation in 39354 and the surrounding area is severely limited. There is no established public bus system operating directly within Preston. The primary focus for healthcare access is reliant on private vehicles.

The nearest public transit options are in Meridian. The Meridian Transit System (MTS) provides limited bus service within the city. However, the MTS routes are not designed to serve the rural areas surrounding Meridian, and there is no direct route connecting Preston to the city's transit network.

Furthermore, the MTS system, while offering some ADA-accessible features, is not a viable solution for individuals requiring frequent trips for cancer treatment. The lack of a robust public transit system significantly impacts the prostate cancer score, especially for those without access to a personal vehicle.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Meridian, but their presence in Preston is unreliable. Securing a ride-share from Preston to Meridian, particularly for scheduled medical appointments, is not guaranteed and could involve extended wait times. The availability of ride-sharing is not a dependable option for healthcare access.

Medical transportation services offer a more specialized solution. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from medical appointments. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles. However, these services can be expensive, and availability may be limited, particularly for residents of rural areas.

The presence of medical transportation services does improve the prostate cancer score, offering an alternative for those unable to drive or lacking access to other transportation options. However, the cost and potential scheduling challenges must be considered.

**Healthcare Access: A Critical Assessment**

The prostate cancer score for 39354 is influenced by the availability of healthcare services and the ease with which residents can access them. While Meridian offers comprehensive medical care, the distance and limited transportation options pose significant challenges.

The lack of local urological specialists in Preston means that residents must travel to Meridian for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for individuals undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.

The absence of a robust public transit system further compounds the problem. Those without access to a personal vehicle are heavily reliant on family, friends, or costly medical transportation services. This situation impacts the prostate cancer score, highlighting the need for improved transportation options and increased healthcare access.

**Moving to Preston: A Healthcare Perspective**

For individuals considering moving to Preston, Mississippi, the prostate cancer score is a crucial factor to consider. While the community offers a peaceful and close-knit environment, the challenges in accessing specialized medical care must be carefully evaluated.

Those with existing prostate cancer diagnoses or a high risk of developing the disease should prioritize the availability of reliable transportation and the proximity to specialized urological care. The drive time to Meridian, the limited public transit options, and the reliance on personal vehicles or medical transportation services should be carefully weighed.

Potential residents should research the availability of medical transportation services in the area and assess the financial implications of these services. They should also consider the potential need for family or friend support to provide transportation to medical appointments.

The prostate cancer score for 39354 reflects the need for improved healthcare access and transportation solutions. While the community offers a tranquil setting, the distance to specialized medical care and the limited transportation options are significant factors to consider. The decision to move to Preston should involve a thorough assessment of individual healthcare needs and a realistic understanding of the challenges in accessing timely and convenient medical care.