Hypertension Score

03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire Hypertension Score Travel Score

Average Rating: 0.0 / 5 stars

0 Reviews

Health Scores

Travel Score in 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

41.63 percent of residents in 03464 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 17.66 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cheshire Medical Center with a distance of 13.98 miles from the area.

Health Scores in 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire

Hypertension Score 88
People Score 84
Provider Score 60
Hospital Score 60
Travel Score 52

Closest Hospital - CHESHIRE MEDICAL CENTER

Estimated Cars

Housholds with Cars (%) 03464 Stoddard New Hampshire
No Cars 0.00 0.00 1.54
1 Car 9.76 9.76 15.54
2 Cars 45.42 45.42 44.29
3 or More Cars 44.82 44.82 38.64

Vehicular Access in 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire

Travel Score Review of 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire

## Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in Stoddard, NH (ZIP Code 03464)

The quaint town of Stoddard, New Hampshire, nestled amongst rolling hills and verdant forests, offers a tranquil lifestyle. However, for residents managing hypertension, the serene landscape presents a unique challenge: healthcare access. This write-up explores the transportation landscape in ZIP code 03464, focusing on how residents can navigate the journey to vital medical care, specifically addressing the needs of individuals with hypertension. We'll analyze drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing services, and medical transport, culminating in a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease or difficulty of accessing healthcare in this rural setting.

The primary concern for individuals with hypertension is consistent access to medical care. Regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle adjustments are crucial for controlling blood pressure and preventing serious health complications. The ability to reach a healthcare provider quickly and reliably is therefore paramount. This analysis will focus on the practicalities of getting to medical appointments from various points within Stoddard and its surrounding areas.

**Driving the Distance: Roadways and Drive Times**

For many residents of Stoddard, personal vehicles remain the primary mode of transportation. The town is primarily served by local roads and highways, with the nearest major medical facilities located in Keene, NH, approximately 20 miles away. Route 12, a scenic byway, provides a direct route to Keene, offering a relatively straightforward drive. However, traffic conditions, especially during peak hours or inclement weather, can significantly impact travel times.

The drive from Stoddard to Cheshire Medical Center in Keene typically takes around 30-40 minutes under ideal conditions. However, this time can easily stretch to an hour or more during winter storms or heavy traffic. Residents in the more remote sections of Stoddard, particularly those residing along less-traveled roads like Route 123, may face even longer travel times. These extended drive times can pose a significant burden for individuals with hypertension, especially those experiencing symptoms or requiring urgent medical attention.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Significant Challenges**

Public transportation options in Stoddard are extremely limited. The region lacks a comprehensive bus system or readily available public transit. This presents a major obstacle for residents who do not own vehicles or are unable to drive due to age, disability, or other factors. For individuals with hypertension, the absence of reliable public transit can severely restrict their ability to attend medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, and access essential healthcare services.

While there may be limited demand-response services available through regional transportation providers, these often require advance booking and may not be suitable for urgent medical needs. Furthermore, accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts or ramps, are not always guaranteed, potentially excluding individuals with mobility impairments. The lack of robust public transit significantly impacts the Hypertension Score for Stoddard residents.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: A Mixed Bag**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Keene area but may be less reliable in Stoddard itself. Availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in remote locations. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier for some residents, especially those on fixed incomes. While ride-sharing offers a potential solution for some, it is not a guaranteed or affordable option for everyone.

Medical transport services, specifically designed to transport patients to and from medical appointments, offer a more specialized solution. These services often provide door-to-door transportation, including assistance with mobility and medical equipment. However, medical transport services can be expensive and may require advance booking. The availability of these services within the Stoddard area is limited, further complicating healthcare access.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Cheshire Medical Center Transportation:** Offers non-emergency medical transportation to patients within a certain radius of Keene.
* **Other Private Medical Transport Companies:** Several private companies operate in the region, providing transportation services. However, availability and cost vary.

**The Hypertension Score: Assessing Healthcare Access**

The "Hypertension Score" for Stoddard, NH (ZIP code 03464) reflects the challenges and limitations in accessing healthcare for individuals managing hypertension. Considering the factors discussed – drive times, public transit limitations, ride-sharing inconsistencies, and the cost and availability of medical transport – the score would be relatively low.

**Factors impacting the score include:**

* **Drive Time:** The 30-40 minute drive to Keene, while manageable, can be extended by traffic or weather.
* **Public Transit:** The complete absence of reliable public transit severely limits healthcare access for non-drivers.
* **Ride-Sharing:** Availability is inconsistent, and costs can be prohibitive.
* **Medical Transport:** While available, these services are often expensive and require advanced booking.

**Moving to Stoddard with Hypertension:**

For individuals considering moving to Stoddard and managing hypertension, careful consideration of transportation options is crucial. Prospective residents should assess their ability to drive or secure reliable transportation to medical appointments. Exploring the availability and cost of medical transport services is highly recommended. Understanding the limitations of public transit and ride-sharing is also essential.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Hypertension Score and enhance healthcare access in Stoddard, several initiatives could be implemented:

* **Advocate for Expanded Public Transit:** Explore the feasibility of establishing a regional bus route connecting Stoddard to Keene and other surrounding towns.
* **Promote Ride-Sharing Partnerships:** Facilitate partnerships between healthcare providers and ride-sharing services to offer discounted transportation options for patients.
* **Increase Medical Transport Awareness:** Educate residents about the availability and cost of medical transport services.
* **Telehealth Initiatives:** Encourage the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these recommendations, the community can improve healthcare access for residents with hypertension and create a healthier environment for all. The journey to healthcare in Stoddard, while currently challenging, can be made more accessible and manageable with strategic planning and community support. The health and well-being of residents depend on it.

Reviews

Recent Reviews

No reviews yet.

Leave a review
Health Scores Near 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire

You may also like

03456, Marlow, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 5.63 Miles

Total Population: 791

03457, Nelson, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 5.85 Miles

Total Population: 784

03440, Antrim, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 7.27 Miles

Total Population: 2,943

03445, Sullivan, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 8.85 Miles

Total Population: 655

03448, Gilsum, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 9.27 Miles

Total Population: 826

03449, Hancock, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 9.57 Miles

Total Population: 1,737

03450, Harrisville, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 10.21 Miles

Total Population: 1,017

03442, Bennington, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 10.48 Miles

Total Population: 1,508

03444, Dublin, New Hampshire
Hypertension Score
Hypertension Score

Distance from 03464: 13.57 Miles

Total Population: 1,542

Health Scores in 03464, Stoddard, New Hampshire