03452, Jaffrey, New Hampshire Lung Cancer Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 03452, Jaffrey, New Hampshire is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

67.63 percent of residents in 03452 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 13.14 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Monadnock Community Hospital with a distance of 7.30 miles from the area.

**Lung Cancer Score: Transportation and Healthcare Access in Jaffrey, NH (ZIP Code 03452)**

The air in Jaffrey, New Hampshire, carries the crisp scent of pine and the promise of a slower pace. Nestled in the Monadnock region, this charming town offers a blend of rural tranquility and burgeoning community spirit. However, when considering the potential impact of a lung cancer diagnosis, the reality of **healthcare access** becomes a critical factor. This analysis explores the **transportation** landscape within and around ZIP Code 03452, evaluating its influence on a patient's ability to receive timely and effective care. For those considering **moving to Jaffrey**, understanding these complexities is essential.

The Lung Cancer Score is a hypothetical metric, designed to illuminate the challenges and opportunities related to accessing lung cancer treatment within a specific geographical area. It considers factors such as drive times to specialized facilities, availability of public **transportation**, and the presence of alternative **transportation** options. The higher the score, the more accessible and potentially less stressful the journey to care.

Jaffrey, a town of approximately 5,500 residents, offers a limited local healthcare infrastructure. The primary medical provider within the town is Monadnock Community Hospital, a critical access hospital. While it provides essential services, including primary care and some diagnostic imaging, it does not offer specialized lung cancer treatment. Therefore, patients requiring advanced care, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical interventions, must travel to regional medical centers.

The primary route to larger healthcare facilities involves driving. The most direct route to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, a comprehensive cancer center, utilizes Route 202, a two-lane highway that winds through the picturesque New Hampshire countryside. The drive, depending on traffic and weather conditions, typically takes between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes. This journey can be particularly challenging during the winter months, with snow and ice significantly increasing travel times and the risk of accidents.

Alternatively, patients can access healthcare facilities in Keene, NH, approximately a 20-minute drive from Jaffrey. The most common route is via Route 124, a scenic road that offers glimpses of the region's natural beauty. Keene, while not offering the full spectrum of cancer care, has Cheshire Medical Center, a regional hospital that provides some oncology services, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Another option is to travel to the Boston area, which offers a wider array of specialized cancer centers. The drive, however, is significantly longer. The most direct route involves taking Route 202 South to Route 101 East, then connecting to Interstate 95. The total drive time can range from 1 hour and 45 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions, especially during peak commuting hours. This extended travel time can be particularly burdensome for patients undergoing treatment, who may experience fatigue, nausea, and other side effects.

Public **transportation** options in Jaffrey are limited. The Monadnock Regional Transit Authority (MRTA) provides bus services within the region. However, the routes are infrequent and primarily serve the Keene area. There is no direct public **transportation** from Jaffrey to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. The MRTA buses lack ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility, a significant consideration for patients with mobility limitations or those undergoing treatment.

The MRTA offers a "Dial-a-Ride" service, which provides door-to-door **transportation** for individuals with disabilities or those who cannot use the regular bus routes. However, this service requires advance booking and may have limited availability. This option can be a lifeline for some patients, but it is not a guaranteed solution, especially for urgent or unscheduled medical appointments.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Jaffrey area, but their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for patients, especially those who require frequent trips to medical appointments.

Medical **transportation** services, such as those offered by ambulance companies and private medical **transportation** providers, are available in the region. These services are typically reserved for patients who require medical assistance during their journey. They can be costly and are often not covered by insurance for routine appointments.

The Lung Cancer Score for Jaffrey, NH (ZIP Code 03452) reflects the challenges associated with accessing specialized lung cancer care. The primary reliance on personal vehicles, coupled with limited public **transportation** options, creates potential barriers for patients. The drive times to regional cancer centers, while manageable, can be stressful and time-consuming, particularly for those undergoing treatment. The lack of readily available and affordable alternative **transportation** options, such as reliable public **transportation** or consistent ride-sharing services, exacerbates these challenges.

For individuals considering **moving to Jaffrey**, a thorough assessment of their **transportation** needs and healthcare access requirements is crucial. Exploring the availability of family support, the potential for carpooling, and the financial implications of frequent travel to medical appointments is essential. Understanding the limitations of public **transportation** and the potential reliance on personal vehicles or costly alternative **transportation** options is also critical.

The Lung Cancer Score serves as a reminder of the importance of considering healthcare access when evaluating a place to live. While Jaffrey offers the charm of a New England town, the realities of accessing specialized medical care must be carefully weighed. The availability of reliable **transportation**, the proximity to comprehensive cancer centers, and the availability of support services all play a vital role in the patient's journey. The ability to navigate the **transportation** landscape effectively can significantly impact the quality of life for individuals facing a lung cancer diagnosis.