03045, Goffstown, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03045, Goffstown, New Hampshire is 74 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

59.67 percent of residents in 03045 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.94 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Catholic Medical Center with a distance of 4.62 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Goffstown, NH (ZIP Code 03045)

Assessing the overall health score for residents of Goffstown, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03045), necessitates a deep dive into the accessibility of healthcare services. A crucial element of this assessment is the ease with which individuals can **transport** themselves to necessary medical appointments, including routine check-ups, specialist visits, and emergency care. This write-up explores the available **transportation** options, analyzes drive times, and examines the feasibility of utilizing public **transport** and other services, providing a comprehensive understanding of **healthcare access** within the community. Considering **moving to Goffstown**? Understanding these factors is critical.

Goffstown, a charming New England town, benefits from its proximity to larger metropolitan areas while maintaining a distinct rural character. This duality significantly impacts the landscape of **healthcare access**. While residents enjoy a generally healthy lifestyle, the availability and accessibility of medical services are key determinants of overall well-being. The ability to reach healthcare providers efficiently and reliably is paramount, influencing everything from preventative care to emergency response.

**Driving Times and Road Networks:**

The primary mode of **transportation** for most Goffstown residents is personal vehicles. The town's road network, while generally well-maintained, presents both advantages and challenges. The most direct routes to healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas, particularly Manchester and Concord, utilize several key roadways.

Traveling to Manchester, the closest major city with comprehensive medical facilities, typically involves navigating Route 114, a major artery connecting Goffstown to the south. The drive to the Elliot Hospital, a prominent regional medical center, usually takes between 15 and 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This route primarily utilizes Route 114, followed by a connection to the Everett Turnpike (also known as I-293) for the final leg of the journey.

Accessing Catholic Medical Center, another major hospital in Manchester, follows a similar route, often involving Route 114 and the Everett Turnpike. Drive times are comparable to those for Elliot Hospital. Peak traffic hours, especially during the morning and evening commutes, can significantly extend travel times, potentially impacting **healthcare access** for those with time-sensitive medical needs.

Heading north towards Concord, the state capital, involves utilizing Route 13 and Route 101. Concord Hospital, a major healthcare provider, is approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive from Goffstown. This longer distance, coupled with the potential for traffic congestion, emphasizes the importance of reliable **transportation** options.

Smaller, local clinics and primary care physicians are often accessible within Goffstown itself or in neighboring towns, potentially reducing travel times. However, the availability of specialized care often necessitates travel to Manchester or Concord.

**Public Transit Options:**

Public **transport** options in Goffstown are limited. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is located in Manchester, offering air travel to various destinations. However, this does not directly address the need for local **transportation** to medical facilities.

The Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) provides bus service within Manchester and to surrounding towns. While the MTA does not directly serve Goffstown, some routes extend to nearby areas. Residents could potentially utilize these routes, but this would likely involve a combination of walking, driving to a bus stop, and transferring between routes, adding considerable time and complexity to the journey.

The MTA strives to provide accessible **transportation** options, including ADA-compliant buses equipped with ramps or lifts. However, the limited frequency and reach of public **transport** in the area present a significant barrier to **healthcare access** for individuals without personal vehicles, especially those with mobility limitations.

**Ride-Share and Medical Transport Services:**

Ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in Goffstown and provide an alternative **transportation** option. The availability of these services can vary depending on the time of day and demand. While offering a convenient way to reach healthcare appointments, the cost can be a significant factor, particularly for frequent visits or individuals with limited financial resources.

Medical **transport** services specifically designed for patients are also available. These services, such as AMR (American Medical Response), offer non-emergency medical **transport** for individuals requiring assistance. They provide door-to-door service, often with trained personnel, and can be a valuable resource for those with mobility issues or other medical needs. However, the cost of these services can be substantial, and availability may be limited.

**ADA Accessibility and Considerations:**

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is crucial in evaluating **healthcare access**. Ensuring that **transportation** options, medical facilities, and public spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities is essential.

As mentioned earlier, the MTA strives to provide ADA-compliant buses. However, the limited reach of the public **transport** system in Goffstown presents challenges for individuals with mobility limitations. Ride-share services and medical **transport** providers generally offer accessible vehicles upon request, but advance booking is often required.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

The overall health score for **healthcare access** in Goffstown, NH (ZIP Code 03045), is moderately positive. While the town benefits from its proximity to major medical centers in Manchester and Concord, several factors influence the overall score.

* **Strengths:** Relatively short drive times to major medical facilities for those with personal vehicles. Availability of ride-share services.
* **Weaknesses:** Limited public **transport** options, potentially impacting **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles or with mobility limitations. The cost of ride-share and medical **transport** services. Traffic congestion during peak hours.
* **Opportunities:** Expansion of public **transport** services to better serve Goffstown residents. Increased availability of affordable medical **transport** options. Promotion of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits.
* **Threats:** Rising costs of **transportation**, including fuel and ride-share services. Potential for increased traffic congestion.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To enhance the overall health score for **healthcare access** in Goffstown, several recommendations are warranted.

* Advocate for expanded public **transport** services, including routes that directly serve Goffstown and provide connections to medical facilities.
* Explore partnerships with ride-share companies to offer discounted or subsidized **transportation** for medical appointments.
* Promote the availability of medical **transport** services and explore ways to make them more affordable and accessible.
* Encourage the development of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine check-ups and consultations.
* Improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on major roadways, particularly during peak hours.
* Educate residents about the available **transportation** options and resources for accessing healthcare.

**Conclusion:**

The ease of **transportation** to healthcare facilities is a critical factor in determining the overall health and well-being of Goffstown residents. While the town offers relatively convenient access for those with personal vehicles, the limitations of public **transport** and the cost of alternative services present challenges. Addressing these challenges through strategic initiatives, such as expanding public **transport**, promoting affordable medical **transport**, and encouraging telehealth services, will significantly improve **healthcare access** and contribute to a healthier community. For those considering **moving to Goffstown**, a thorough understanding of these factors is essential for making an informed decision.