Hypertension Score

03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire Hypertension Score Travel Score

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Health Scores

Travel Score in 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

35.71 percent of residents in 03441 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.87 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cheshire Medical Center with a distance of 13.90 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire

Hypertension Score 82
People Score 57
Provider Score 75
Hospital Score 68
Travel Score 42

Closest Hospital - CHESHIRE MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 03441 Ashuelot New Hampshire
No Cars 0.00 0.00 1.54
1 Car 38.10 38.10 15.54
2 Cars 61.90 61.90 44.29
3 or More Cars 0.00 0.00 38.64

Vehicular Access in 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire

Travel Score Review of 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare in Ashuelot (03441)

The quaint village of Ashuelot, nestled within ZIP code 03441, offers a serene New England charm, yet its relative isolation presents unique challenges when it comes to healthcare access. For individuals managing hypertension, the ability to readily and reliably reach medical appointments is paramount. This write-up explores the transportation landscape impacting healthcare access for residents of Ashuelot, focusing on the practicalities of reaching essential medical services and calculating a "Hypertension Score" based on these factors.

The core of this assessment hinges on understanding the time and effort required to access critical healthcare services, particularly those related to managing hypertension. This includes appointments with primary care physicians, cardiologists, pharmacies for medication refills, and potentially emergency care facilities. We will consider various transportation options, from personal vehicles to public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, to paint a comprehensive picture.

The primary artery for moving within and beyond Ashuelot is Route 10. This two-lane highway, while scenic, can be subject to seasonal delays, particularly during the winter months. Heading south, Route 10 connects to Keene, the regional hub for healthcare services. Northward, it leads to Winchester, a smaller town with limited medical resources. Another crucial thoroughfare is Route 119, which intersects Route 10 and provides access to the east, including potential routes to larger hospitals and specialized care.

The drive to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene, a major healthcare provider, is approximately 15-20 minutes via Route 10, assuming normal traffic conditions. This is the benchmark for assessing ease of access. However, this drive time can increase significantly during peak hours, inclement weather, or due to road construction. The availability of reliable transportation is therefore a critical factor.

Public transportation options in Ashuelot are limited. The Monadnock Community Transit (MCT) provides some services, but routes and schedules are infrequent, especially for destinations outside of Keene. While MCT offers ADA-accessible vehicles, the limited frequency of service makes it an unreliable option for regular medical appointments. The specific routes serving Ashuelot and their schedules require careful scrutiny.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Keene area, but their presence in Ashuelot itself can be inconsistent. Availability often depends on driver density, which may be limited in a rural area. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant barrier, especially for frequent appointments. Relying on ride-sharing for consistent transportation to medical care is therefore not a dependable solution.

Medical transport services, specifically designed for patients needing assistance, exist in the region. These services, such as Senior Solutions, offer door-to-door transportation and can be a valuable resource for individuals with mobility limitations. However, these services often require advance booking and may have limited availability, potentially impacting appointment scheduling flexibility.

The availability of local pharmacies is also a crucial consideration. Access to medication refills is essential for managing hypertension. Residents of Ashuelot can access pharmacies in Keene, requiring the same transportation considerations as medical appointments. The presence of local pharmacies in Winchester could be a factor, as it would reduce the distance and time needed for medication pickup.

Now, let's translate these factors into a "Hypertension Score" for residents of Ashuelot. This score will be a subjective assessment, reflecting the relative ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare.

**Hypertension Score Components:**

1. **Drive Time to Cheshire Medical Center (Keene):** A short drive time (under 20 minutes) contributes positively to the score. Longer drive times (over 30 minutes) negatively impact the score.
2. **Public Transit Reliability:** Infrequent or unreliable public transit significantly lowers the score. The availability of ADA-accessible transit, while important, is less relevant if the service is infrequent.
3. **Ride-Sharing Availability:** Consistent availability of ride-sharing services, with reasonable fares, improves the score. Inconsistent availability or high costs detract from the score.
4. **Medical Transport Access:** The availability of medical transport services, with reasonable wait times and booking flexibility, positively impacts the score. Limited availability or high costs lower the score.
5. **Pharmacy Access:** The proximity and accessibility of pharmacies for medication refills are crucial. Easy access to local pharmacies improves the score.
6. **Emergency Services:** The proximity and accessibility of emergency medical services, such as an ambulance service, impact the score.

**Calculating the Score:**

Each component is assigned a point value, ranging from -2 to +2, based on its impact on healthcare access. The final Hypertension Score is the sum of these points.

* **Score of +8 to +10:** Excellent healthcare access.
* **Score of +4 to +7:** Good healthcare access.
* **Score of 0 to +3:** Moderate healthcare access.
* **Score of -1 to -3:** Limited healthcare access.
* **Score of -4 to -6:** Poor healthcare access.

**Example Scenario:**

A resident of Ashuelot, relying on a personal vehicle, with a 20-minute drive to Cheshire Medical Center (score: +1). Public transit is unreliable (score: -2). Ride-sharing is occasionally available, but expensive (score: 0). Medical transport is available but requires advance booking (score: +1). Pharmacy access is good (score: +2). Emergency services are accessible (score: +2).

**Total Hypertension Score: +4 (Good Healthcare Access)**

**Moving to Ashuelot and Hypertension Management:**

For individuals considering moving to Ashuelot with a history of hypertension, a thorough assessment of transportation and healthcare access is crucial. The Hypertension Score provides a framework for evaluating the challenges and opportunities. Prospective residents should investigate the availability of local pharmacies, research public transit schedules, and explore the practicality of ride-sharing or medical transport options.

The ease of accessing healthcare is a critical factor in managing hypertension effectively. The location's distance from healthcare providers, the reliability of transportation, and the availability of support services all play a role. Understanding these factors will empower residents to make informed decisions and proactively manage their health.

Ashuelot's charm and tranquility are undeniable, but the realities of its rural location must be carefully considered. Careful planning and a clear understanding of the transportation landscape are essential for individuals with hypertension to thrive in this beautiful, yet geographically isolated, community. Prioritizing healthcare access is paramount for a healthy and fulfilling life in Ashuelot.

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Health Scores Near 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire

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Health Scores in 03441, Ashuelot, New Hampshire