03087, Windham, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03087, Windham, New Hampshire is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

45.82 percent of residents in 03087 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 7.31 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Parkland Medical Center with a distance of 4.59 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Windham, NH (ZIP Code 03087)

Windham, New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of Rockingham County, presents a unique blend of suburban tranquility and accessibility to essential services. Assessing the overall health score for residents hinges significantly on their ability to access healthcare. This analysis delves into the transportation landscape within and around ZIP code 03087, evaluating the ease and efficiency with which residents can reach medical facilities. This is crucial for anyone considering moving to Windham, ensuring they understand the practicalities of healthcare access.

The foundation of Windham's transportation network rests on its road infrastructure. Interstate 93 (I-93), a major north-south artery, borders the town, providing a direct link to Manchester to the north and the Massachusetts border to the south. Access points from Windham are readily available, making travel to larger medical centers relatively straightforward. State Route 111, the primary east-west thoroughfare, intersects I-93 and connects Windham to neighboring towns like Salem and Pelham. This network, while generally efficient, can experience congestion during peak commuting hours, potentially impacting drive times to healthcare appointments.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical factor in the overall health score. Residents of Windham have several options within a reasonable radius. Parkland Medical Center in Derry, a full-service hospital, is typically a 10-15 minute drive via Route 111 and Interstate 93. Elliot Hospital in Manchester, a larger regional medical center, is accessible within a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic conditions. Smaller urgent care clinics and primary care physician offices are scattered throughout the area, often reachable within 10-15 minutes. These drive times, while generally manageable, underscore the importance of reliable personal transportation. Delays due to traffic or unforeseen circumstances could potentially impact timely access to care, a key consideration when evaluating the health score.

Public transportation options within Windham and the surrounding areas are limited. The Manchester Transit Authority (MTA) provides bus service to the city of Manchester, but its routes do not directly extend into Windham. This necessitates a reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services for most residents seeking healthcare access. This lack of robust public transportation can present a significant challenge for individuals without access to a car, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, or those with limited financial resources.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance of available transportation options is another crucial aspect of the health score. While the MTA buses are ADA-compliant, offering features like ramps and designated seating, their limited reach into Windham diminishes their overall impact. Individuals with disabilities who rely on public transportation for healthcare access would face considerable challenges. This highlights the need for alternative transportation solutions, such as ride-sharing services or specialized medical transport, to ensure equitable healthcare access for all residents.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are readily available in the Windham area. They offer a convenient alternative to personal vehicles, particularly for those who do not drive or prefer not to. However, the cost of these services can be a barrier for some, and availability may fluctuate depending on demand and time of day. While ride-sharing provides a degree of flexibility, it’s essential to factor in the associated costs when evaluating the overall health score.

Medical transport services cater specifically to individuals with mobility limitations or medical needs. Companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and local ambulance services provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to and from healthcare appointments. These services are often covered by insurance, making them an accessible option for many. However, the availability and scheduling of medical transport can vary, and advance booking is often required. This adds another layer of complexity to the healthcare access equation, particularly for urgent or unexpected medical needs.

The overall health score for residents of Windham, regarding healthcare access, is influenced by a combination of factors. The town’s proximity to major highways provides relatively quick access to larger medical facilities. However, the limited public transportation options and reliance on personal vehicles or ride-sharing services present challenges for certain segments of the population. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers alternative solutions, but their cost and scheduling constraints must be considered.

When moving to Windham, prospective residents should carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare access requirements. While the area offers a good quality of life, the reliance on personal vehicles and the limited public transit options require careful consideration. Understanding the drive times, the availability of ride-sharing, and the potential need for medical transport services is crucial for ensuring timely and reliable healthcare access.

The health score for Windham, in terms of healthcare access, is moderately positive. The town's location and road infrastructure provide relatively easy access to healthcare facilities. However, the limited public transportation options and the reliance on personal vehicles introduce potential challenges, particularly for individuals without access to a car or those with mobility limitations. The availability of ride-sharing and medical transport services offers mitigating solutions, but the associated costs and scheduling constraints need to be factored in.