03217, Ashland, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03217, Ashland, New Hampshire is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

61.98 percent of residents in 03217 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.40 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Speare Memorial Hospital with a distance of 4.89 miles from the area.

## Breast Cancer Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ashland, NH (ZIP Code 03217)

The decision to relocate, especially to a new community like Ashland, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03217), often involves weighing several factors. One critical consideration, particularly for women, is healthcare access, specifically concerning breast cancer screening and treatment. This analysis provides a “Breast Cancer Score” for Ashland, focusing on transportation options to healthcare facilities, crucial for timely diagnosis and care. We'll delve into drive times, public transit availability, and ride-sharing services, painting a comprehensive picture of healthcare access in this charming New England town.

Ashland, nestled in the heart of New Hampshire, offers a picturesque setting, but its rural location presents unique challenges for healthcare access. The town's relative isolation necessitates careful planning for medical appointments, particularly for specialized care like breast cancer treatment. This analysis aims to empower potential residents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Drive Times and Roadways: The Backbone of Access**

The primary mode of transportation in Ashland is undoubtedly the personal vehicle. The town's location, while scenic, demands reliance on roadways for reaching medical facilities. Driving times are therefore a crucial factor in our Breast Cancer Score.

The most direct route to larger hospitals and specialized cancer centers often involves traveling south on **Interstate 93 (I-93)**. This major highway provides relatively quick access to the larger medical hubs in the Concord and Manchester areas. However, traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours, can significantly impact travel times.

For example, driving to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, a renowned cancer treatment facility, involves a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, largely via I-93 and then the **Interstate 89 (I-89)**. This drive, while manageable, requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Closer options include the Lakes Region General Hospital in Laconia, which is approximately a 20-30 minute drive via **NH-132** and **NH-3**. This shorter drive offers a quicker option for general medical needs and initial screenings, but may not offer the specialized cancer care available at larger facilities.

Further, the **NH-25** offers access to Plymouth, with a drive of approximately 15 minutes. While Plymouth may offer some medical services, it is not a primary hub for cancer treatment.

The Breast Cancer Score considers these drive times, factoring in both the distance and the potential for traffic congestion. The score is adjusted based on the availability of specialized cancer care within reasonable driving distances.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in Ashland are limited. The rural nature of the area and the low population density make comprehensive public transit networks challenging to implement. This significantly impacts the Breast Cancer Score, as limited public transit options create a reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation.

The **Lakes Region Transportation Authority (LRTA)** provides some bus services within the Lakes Region, but their routes and schedules may not be directly accessible to Ashland residents seeking medical appointments. These services are often geared towards serving the larger towns and cities in the region.

The LRTA buses do not appear to have ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) features. This is a significant factor to consider for those with mobility limitations.

The lack of robust public transit options necessitates a higher reliance on personal vehicles or alternative transportation services, which can increase costs and reduce flexibility for individuals needing to access healthcare.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Ashland area, but their availability can be sporadic, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This is a significant consideration for the Breast Cancer Score, as the reliability of ride-sharing services is crucial for timely access to appointments.

Medical transportation services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more reliable alternative. These services often specialize in providing accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities or those who require assistance.

Several medical transportation providers operate in the Lakes Region, including **Carelink** and **Ambulette Services**. These services often require advance booking and may have specific eligibility requirements. However, they offer a valuable resource for individuals who cannot drive or do not have access to personal transportation.

The Breast Cancer Score incorporates the availability and reliability of ride-sharing and medical transportation services. The score is adjusted based on the ease of booking, the cost of services, and the availability of accessible vehicles.

**The Breast Cancer Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The Breast Cancer Score for Ashland, NH (03217) is not a single number but a composite assessment. It considers the following factors:

* **Drive Times:** The distance and travel time to hospitals and cancer treatment centers, including consideration of traffic conditions.
* **Public Transit Availability:** The presence and accessibility of public transportation options.
* **Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation:** The availability, reliability, and cost of ride-sharing and medical transportation services.
* **Accessibility:** The availability of accessible transportation options for individuals with disabilities.
* **Proximity to Specialized Care:** The distance to facilities offering comprehensive breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

The score is designed to provide a realistic assessment of healthcare access in Ashland, highlighting both the strengths and the challenges. While Ashland offers a tranquil lifestyle, its rural location presents challenges regarding transportation and healthcare access. Prospective residents should carefully consider these factors when making decisions about moving to Ashland.

**Moving to Ashland: Planning for Healthcare**

For individuals considering moving to Ashland, a proactive approach to healthcare planning is essential. Before relocating, it is advisable to:

* **Research local healthcare providers:** Identify primary care physicians and specialists in the area.
* **Assess transportation needs:** Determine the feasibility of relying on personal vehicles, ride-sharing services, or medical transportation.
* **Explore health insurance options:** Ensure that the chosen insurance plan provides adequate coverage for breast cancer screening and treatment.
* **Establish a network of support:** Identify family members, friends, or community resources who can provide assistance with transportation and appointments.

By taking these steps, individuals can mitigate the challenges of healthcare access in a rural environment and ensure timely and effective care. Ashland, with its natural beauty and welcoming community, can offer a fulfilling lifestyle, but careful planning is essential to ensure access to quality healthcare. The Breast Cancer Score serves as a tool to guide potential residents in making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.