03581, Gorham, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03581, Gorham, New Hampshire is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

70.34 percent of residents in 03581 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.56 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Androscoggin Valley Hospital with a distance of 6.25 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03581 (Gorham, NH)

Navigating the healthcare landscape in Gorham, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03581), requires a nuanced understanding of transportation options. This assessment provides an “Overall Health Score” based on the accessibility of medical services, considering the unique challenges of rural living and the availability of various transportation modalities. For individuals contemplating moving to Gorham, this analysis offers critical insights into healthcare access, a pivotal factor in overall well-being.

The Overall Health Score considers several key factors: drive times to various healthcare providers, the availability and efficiency of public transit, the presence of ride-share services, and specialized medical transportation options. Each category is weighted based on its impact on healthcare access, with drive times and the availability of readily accessible transportation holding the most significance. The final score reflects the ease or difficulty of reaching essential medical care, ultimately influencing the quality of life for residents.

Gorham, nestled in the heart of the White Mountains, presents a unique geographical context. The mountainous terrain and sparse population density significantly influence transportation infrastructure and healthcare access. The primary roadways serving the area are Route 2, the main east-west artery, and Route 16, a major north-south corridor. Secondary roads, such as Main Street in Gorham, provide access to local services. Drive times are heavily influenced by seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the winter months, when snow and ice can significantly impact travel times and road safety.

Drive times to healthcare facilities are a critical component of the Overall Health Score. The closest hospital, Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin, NH, is approximately a 15-20 minute drive via Route 2. This relatively short drive time contributes positively to the score. However, specialized medical care often necessitates travel to larger regional hospitals in locations like Littleton (approximately 1 hour via Route 302 and I-93) or even further to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon (approximately 2.5-3 hours via I-93 and I-89). These longer distances, especially for urgent care or specialized treatments, negatively impact the score.

Public transportation options in Gorham are limited. The Coös County Transit System (CCTS) provides some level of service, but its routes and schedules are designed to serve the broader county rather than offering frequent or direct routes to healthcare facilities. The CCTS primarily operates on a demand-response basis, meaning riders must schedule their trips in advance. This can present challenges for urgent medical needs. Information regarding specific routes and ADA accessibility features would need to be verified directly with the CCTS. The limited availability of public transit significantly impacts the Overall Health Score, particularly for individuals without access to a personal vehicle.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their availability is often limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. The reliability of ride-sharing services for medical appointments is therefore questionable. This uncertainty negatively impacts the Overall Health Score, as it introduces an element of unpredictability in accessing medical care. The limited presence of these services further underscores the importance of having reliable personal transportation.

Specialized medical transportation services are available, but their cost and availability can vary. These services are typically designed for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring non-emergency medical transport. While they offer a valuable service, they are often more expensive than other transportation options, and their availability may be limited depending on the specific medical need and the service provider's capacity. The presence of these services provides a positive element to the Overall Health Score, but their limitations must be considered.

The Overall Health Score for healthcare access in Gorham (03581) is moderately positive, reflecting the balance between accessible local care and the challenges of accessing specialized medical services. The presence of a nearby hospital, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, provides a crucial advantage. However, the reliance on personal vehicles for accessing specialized care and the limited public transportation options present significant challenges. The availability of ride-sharing services is variable, and specialized medical transportation, while available, may be costly and have limited capacity.

For individuals considering moving to Gorham, a careful assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. Those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent specialist visits should factor in the longer travel times and the potential reliance on personal vehicles. Individuals without access to a personal vehicle may face greater challenges in accessing medical care and should carefully evaluate the availability and reliability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options.

The Overall Health Score is not a static measure. It is subject to change based on factors such as infrastructure improvements, changes in public transit services, and the availability of healthcare providers. Prospective residents should stay informed about these developments to make informed decisions about their healthcare access. The ability to navigate the transportation landscape is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being in Gorham.