03576, Colebrook, New Hampshire Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 03576, Colebrook, New Hampshire is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

80.39 percent of residents in 03576 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 20.39 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital with a distance of 0.79 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Navigating Healthcare Access in ZIP Code 03576**

This report analyzes healthcare access for residents of ZIP Code 03576 (Colebrook, New Hampshire), focusing on transportation options and their impact on managing hypertension. Understanding these factors is crucial for residents, particularly those considering moving to Colebrook, and for healthcare providers striving to improve patient outcomes. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” reflecting the ease or difficulty of accessing necessary medical care.

The primary challenge in Colebrook, a rural community nestled in the White Mountains, is geographic isolation. This impacts transportation infrastructure, influencing healthcare access. Residents with hypertension require regular medical appointments, medication refills, and potential emergency care. The availability and efficiency of transportation directly affect their ability to adhere to treatment plans and maintain their health.

**Roadways and Drive Times**

Personal vehicle remains the most common mode of transportation. The primary artery is US Route 3, a north-south corridor traversing Colebrook. Travel times to healthcare facilities depend heavily on destination and traffic. The Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital (UCVH) in Colebrook is the closest, typically reachable within 5-10 minutes. However, specialized care may necessitate travel to larger regional hospitals.

Traveling south on US Route 3 to Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) involves a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This journey is primarily on US Route 3, a two-lane highway, with some sections experiencing moderate traffic, especially during peak hours. Northbound travel on US Route 3 to the Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics in Lebanon, NH, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This trip involves US Route 3, and I-91 South. Weather conditions, common in the region, can significantly extend drive times.

**Public Transportation**

Public transportation options are limited. The lack of robust public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access, particularly for those without personal vehicles or who cannot drive. There is no fixed-route bus service operating within Colebrook.

The Coös County Family Health Services, Inc. (CCFHS) may offer some transport, however, these are not a guarantee. These services are often limited in scope and availability, requiring advance booking and may be subject to eligibility requirements. The lack of reliable public transportation poses a serious challenge for residents with hypertension, potentially hindering their ability to attend appointments, pick up medications, and receive timely care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are virtually nonexistent in Colebrook. This leaves residents reliant on private transportation or medical transport services. Medical transport services, such as ambulance companies, are available for emergency situations and scheduled medical appointments. However, these services can be expensive and may require pre-authorization from insurance providers.

Medical transport companies in the area, such as Upper Valley Ambulance and North Country EMS, provide transportation to medical appointments. These services are often tailored to the needs of patients with mobility limitations or other health conditions. However, availability can be limited, and scheduling requires advance notice. The cost of these services can be a significant financial burden, further impacting healthcare access.

**Healthcare Facilities and Services**

The UCVH in Colebrook provides primary care, emergency services, and some specialty care. This local facility is crucial for initial assessments, medication management, and addressing acute health concerns. However, specialized care, such as cardiology or endocrinology, may require travel to larger regional hospitals.

LRH in Littleton and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics in Lebanon offer a broader range of specialized services. These facilities provide comprehensive care for hypertension, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. However, the travel times to these facilities present a significant barrier to access, particularly for those with limited mobility or transportation options.

**ADA Accessibility**

ADA compliance is a critical consideration for healthcare access. Healthcare facilities must be accessible to individuals with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. Transportation services, including medical transport, must also adhere to ADA standards.

While UCVH is ADA compliant, the accessibility of transportation options is a major concern. The lack of public transit and the limited availability of ride-sharing services create challenges for individuals with disabilities. Medical transport services are generally ADA compliant, but their cost and availability can be limiting factors.

**Impact on Hypertension Management**

The transportation challenges in Colebrook directly impact hypertension management. Patients with hypertension require regular monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. The difficulty of accessing healthcare facilities can lead to missed appointments, delayed medication refills, and reduced engagement in preventative care.

These factors can contribute to uncontrolled hypertension, increasing the risk of serious health complications, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. The lack of readily available transportation creates a cycle of healthcare access barriers, potentially worsening health outcomes for residents with hypertension.

**The Hypertension Score**

Based on the analysis of transportation options and healthcare access, a "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 03576 would be relatively low. The score would reflect the following:

* **Limited public transportation:** No fixed-route bus service and limited availability of other public transit options.
* **Long drive times:** Significant travel times to regional hospitals for specialized care.
* **Dependence on personal vehicles:** Reliance on personal vehicles, creating challenges for those without a car or the ability to drive.
* **Limited ride-sharing:** Virtually no ride-sharing services available.
* **Costly medical transport:** High cost and limited availability of medical transport services.

This low score highlights the need for interventions to improve healthcare access for residents with hypertension.

**Recommendations**

Several strategies could improve healthcare access in Colebrook:

* **Expand public transportation:** Explore options for establishing a demand-response or fixed-route bus service, potentially partnering with neighboring towns.
* **Increase ride-sharing options:** Encourage the expansion of ride-sharing services or explore partnerships with local transportation providers.
* **Enhance medical transport services:** Increase the availability and affordability of medical transport services, potentially through subsidies or partnerships with healthcare providers.
* **Promote telehealth:** Expand telehealth services to provide remote consultations, medication management, and patient education.
* **Improve community outreach:** Educate residents about available transportation options and healthcare resources.

By addressing these transportation challenges, Colebrook can improve healthcare access and support residents with hypertension in managing their health. These improvements are particularly important for those considering moving to Colebrook, ensuring they can receive the care they need. This would ultimately lead to improved health outcomes and a higher “Hypertension Score.”