03846, Jackson, New Hampshire Breast Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 03846, Jackson, New Hampshire is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.93 percent of residents in 03846 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 18.11 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Memorial Hospital, The with a distance of 6.52 miles from the area.

Please note: I am an AI and cannot provide medical advice. This write-up is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation.

**Breast Cancer Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03846 (Jackson, NH)**

The serene beauty of Jackson, New Hampshire (ZIP code 03846), with its majestic mountains and quaint village charm, often draws individuals seeking a tranquil lifestyle. However, assessing healthcare access, particularly for critical needs like breast cancer treatment, is crucial before making a move. This analysis provides a 'Breast Cancer Score' based on transportation accessibility to relevant medical facilities, a vital consideration for potential residents.

The 'Breast Cancer Score' is a composite metric, factoring in drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services. It aims to paint a realistic picture of healthcare access, recognizing that timely and reliable transportation is paramount in a breast cancer journey.

**Drive Times and Roadways**

Jackson's relative remoteness dictates that driving is the primary mode of transportation for accessing specialized medical care. The nearest comprehensive breast cancer treatment centers are located in North Conway, New Hampshire, and Portland, Maine.

Driving to Memorial Hospital in North Conway, a facility offering diagnostic services and some chemotherapy treatments, involves navigating Route 16 (the White Mountain Highway). The drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions, typically takes 20-30 minutes. Route 16 is generally well-maintained, but winter conditions can significantly impact travel times, potentially doubling them. This necessitates careful planning and awareness of weather forecasts.

For more specialized care, including surgery, radiation therapy, and advanced chemotherapy protocols, patients often need to travel to Portland, Maine. The journey involves taking Route 16 south, connecting to the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 4), and then to Interstate 95 (I-95). This drive covers approximately 90-100 miles and takes around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, again depending on traffic and weather. This longer travel time underscores the importance of having a reliable vehicle and considering potential delays.

**Public Transit Options**

Public transit options in Jackson and the surrounding areas are limited. The Conway Scenic Railroad offers scenic train rides, but it is not a viable option for medical appointments.

The local bus service, operated by the Conway Area Transportation System (CATS), provides limited service within the Mount Washington Valley. While CATS does serve North Conway, its routes are infrequent and may not align with the schedules of medical appointments. Furthermore, the service’s availability on weekends and evenings is restricted. It is essential to verify the accessibility of CATS routes to specific medical facilities and their adherence to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, including wheelchair accessibility and audio-visual announcements.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Mount Washington Valley, including Jackson. However, their availability can be inconsistent, especially during peak seasons and in inclement weather. Relying solely on ride-sharing for regular medical appointments is not advisable.

Medical transport services offer a more reliable option for patients who cannot drive or lack access to personal transportation. Several companies specialize in medical transportation, including ambulance services for emergencies and non-emergency medical transport (NEMT) for scheduled appointments. These services are typically available, but it is crucial to book them in advance, especially for appointments in Portland, Maine.

**Medical Transport Brands**

Several medical transport brands serve the region, including:

* **Atlantic Ambulance Service:** Provides emergency and non-emergency medical transport.
* **Careline Ambulance:** Offers ambulance and NEMT services.
* **Various private transportation companies:** Provide NEMT services, often requiring pre-booking.

**Breast Cancer Score Considerations**

The 'Breast Cancer Score' for Jackson, NH (03846) reflects the following:

* **Drive Times:** Moderate drive times to North Conway (20-30 minutes) and longer drive times to Portland, Maine (1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours).
* **Public Transit:** Limited public transit options, making it unsuitable for regular medical appointments.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Ride-sharing availability is inconsistent, potentially unreliable for scheduled appointments.
* **Medical Transport:** Medical transport services are available but require pre-booking and may incur significant costs.
* **Weather Conditions:** Winter weather can significantly impact travel times, necessitating careful planning.

**Recommendations for Moving to Jackson**

Individuals considering moving to Jackson, NH, and those diagnosed with or at risk for breast cancer, should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access.

* **Vehicle Reliability:** Owning a reliable vehicle is essential. Regular maintenance and winter preparedness are crucial.
* **Medical Transport Planning:** Identify and pre-arrange medical transport services for appointments in Portland, Maine, or other distant locations.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Verify insurance coverage for medical transport services.
* **Local Support Network:** Build a local support network, including family, friends, or community organizations, to assist with transportation and other needs.
* **Proximity to Healthcare:** Consider the proximity to healthcare facilities when choosing a residence within Jackson.
* **Consult with Healthcare Providers:** Discuss transportation needs and healthcare access with your healthcare providers.

**Conclusion**

While Jackson, NH, offers a desirable lifestyle, its relative isolation presents challenges regarding healthcare access. The 'Breast Cancer Score' highlights the importance of careful planning and proactive measures to ensure timely and reliable transportation for medical appointments. Individuals moving to Jackson must prioritize transportation considerations, particularly when facing the complexities of breast cancer treatment. This includes evaluating driving capabilities, securing reliable medical transport, and understanding the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing services. The decision to move to Jackson should be informed by a thorough assessment of healthcare access and a commitment to ensuring that transportation challenges do not impede the ability to receive necessary medical care.