03087, Windham, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03087, Windham, New Hampshire is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.82 percent of residents in 03087 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkland Medical Center with a distance of 4.59 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Windham, NH (ZIP Code 03087)

The decision to relocate, especially when considering healthcare access, demands meticulous planning. For those contemplating a move to Windham, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03087), understanding the landscape of breast cancer care is paramount. This analysis, presented as a "Breast Cancer Score," evaluates the available transportation options to medical facilities specializing in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering insights into healthcare access within the community.

Windham, a charming New England town, presents a unique challenge. While offering a desirable quality of life, its suburban nature impacts transportation choices. Residents must navigate a network of roads and public transit to reach specialized medical services. This score considers drive times, public transportation availability, and alternative options like ride-sharing and medical transport, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access for those facing or concerned about breast cancer.

The cornerstone of this assessment lies in the drive times to key medical facilities. The closest major hospitals with comprehensive breast cancer centers are located in Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire. From Windham, the primary route to Manchester involves traversing **Route 111**, a busy local road, before merging onto **Interstate 93 (I-93)**. Expect a drive time of approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route provides direct access to facilities like Elliot Hospital and Catholic Medical Center, both of which offer advanced breast cancer treatment options.

For those preferring a slightly shorter drive, Nashua presents an alternative. The journey involves taking **Route 111** east, then connecting to **Route 102** or **Route 3 (Everett Turnpike)**. This route leads to Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, a facility with a dedicated breast health center. Drive times to Nashua typically range from 20-35 minutes, making it a viable option for Windham residents. Traffic, particularly during peak hours, significantly impacts these drive times, necessitating careful planning and consideration of alternative routes.

Public transportation options in Windham are limited. The Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) provides some bus service, but its routes primarily serve Manchester and do not directly connect to Windham. This poses a significant challenge for individuals relying on public transit for healthcare access. While the MTA does offer some routes that extend into neighboring towns, they don’t offer a direct route to hospitals specializing in breast cancer care.

For individuals needing accessible transportation, the MTA offers ADA-compliant buses, equipped with ramps and other features. However, the lack of direct routes from Windham to major medical centers limits the practicality of this option. Planning a trip on public transit requires careful consideration of schedules, potential transfers, and the overall travel time, which can be considerably longer than driving.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer a more flexible transportation alternative. These services are readily available in Windham and provide on-demand transportation to medical appointments. However, the cost of ride-sharing can be a significant factor, especially for frequent appointments. The availability of drivers, particularly during off-peak hours, should also be considered.

Medical transportation services, such as CareRide and others, specialize in transporting patients to medical appointments. These services often provide door-to-door service and are designed to accommodate individuals with mobility limitations. While offering a convenient option, medical transportation services can be more expensive than ride-sharing or public transit.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Windham, NH (03087) reflects a mixed bag of transportation options. While the proximity to Manchester and Nashua offers relatively short drive times, the reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services presents challenges for those without access to a car or facing financial constraints. The lack of robust public transportation options further complicates healthcare access for certain demographics.

Considering these factors, the score is influenced by several elements. The drive times, while manageable, are subject to traffic. The limited public transit options necessitate reliance on personal vehicles or potentially expensive ride-sharing services. The availability of medical transportation services offers a viable, albeit costly, alternative.

For individuals considering moving to Windham, a careful evaluation of their transportation needs and financial resources is crucial. Those with access to a personal vehicle will find healthcare access relatively straightforward. However, individuals reliant on public transit or facing mobility limitations should carefully assess the feasibility of accessing specialized breast cancer care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" is not a numerical value but a qualitative assessment. It highlights the complexities of healthcare access in a suburban environment. While Windham offers a desirable quality of life, the transportation infrastructure requires careful consideration, especially for those prioritizing healthcare access. Understanding these nuances is vital for making informed decisions about moving to Windham and ensuring access to timely and effective breast cancer care.

Ultimately, the "Breast Cancer Score" serves as a tool for prospective residents, particularly those concerned about breast cancer, to understand the realities of healthcare access in Windham. It underscores the importance of planning and resourcefulness in navigating the transportation landscape to ensure access to vital medical services. The decision to move, or not, should be made with a clear understanding of the available transportation options and their implications for healthcare access.