03753, Grantham, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03753, Grantham, New Hampshire is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

62.64 percent of residents in 03753 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.24 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.21 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Grantham, NH (ZIP Code 03753)

Grantham, New Hampshire, nestled in the heart of the Upper Valley, presents a unique landscape for assessing overall health, heavily influenced by the accessibility of healthcare services. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 03753, delves into the complexities of commuting to healthcare, encompassing drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transportation resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' reflecting the ease and efficiency with which residents can access vital medical care. This information is particularly relevant for individuals **moving to Grantham** and evaluating the practicality of their healthcare needs.

The foundation of healthcare access in Grantham rests upon its geographic location and the available **transportation** infrastructure. The town itself is relatively small, with limited local healthcare facilities. Therefore, residents often rely on neighboring towns and cities for specialized medical services. This necessitates an understanding of the available **transportation** options and their respective limitations.

**Drive Times: The Primary Arteries to Wellness**

The primary mode of accessing healthcare in Grantham is by personal vehicle. The primary routes to major medical facilities are dominated by the Interstate 89 (I-89) and the secondary roads that feed into it. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, a major regional healthcare provider, is approximately a 20-25 minute drive via I-89 North. This is the most direct and efficient route, especially during non-peak hours.

For residents in the more remote areas of Grantham, accessing I-89 can involve navigating local roads like Route 10 and Grantham Road. These routes, while scenic, can add extra minutes to the commute, particularly during inclement weather. Traffic congestion is generally minimal, but rush hour in Lebanon, particularly around DHMC, can extend travel times.

Other healthcare facilities, such as smaller clinics and specialists, are scattered throughout the Upper Valley. Accessing these facilities requires navigating a network of secondary roads, including Route 120 and Route 4. Drive times to these locations vary depending on the specific destination and the time of day, but generally range from 15 to 45 minutes.

**Public Transit: A Limited Network**

Public **transportation** options in Grantham are limited, posing a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. Advance Transit, a non-profit organization, provides free bus service throughout the Upper Valley. However, their routes and schedules are designed primarily for serving the larger population centers and may not directly serve all areas of Grantham.

The Advance Transit route that comes closest to serving Grantham is the "Orange Route," which travels along Route 120. While this route offers some access to Lebanon and DHMC, its frequency is limited, and it may not be a convenient option for all residents. Furthermore, the Orange Route, like all Advance Transit buses, is ADA accessible, featuring ramps and designated seating for individuals with disabilities.

The lack of robust public **transportation** significantly impacts the 'Overall Health Score' for residents who are elderly, disabled, or otherwise unable to drive. These individuals may face considerable difficulties in accessing essential medical care.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transportation: Filling the Gaps**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Upper Valley, including Grantham. However, their availability can be inconsistent, particularly during off-peak hours or in more remote areas. This reliance on ride-sharing can be costly and unreliable, especially for appointments scheduled at specific times.

Medical **transportation** services offer a more specialized solution for individuals requiring assistance with medical appointments. Several companies operate in the region, including medical transport services that provide non-emergency medical **transportation** and ambulance services for emergencies. These services can be a valuable resource for those who cannot drive or lack access to other **transportation** options. However, they can also be expensive and require advance booking.

**Specific Medical Transport Brands:**

* **Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Transportation:** DHMC offers its own **transportation** services for patients.
* **American Medical Response (AMR):** AMR provides ambulance and medical **transportation** services.
* **CareLink of New England:** CareLink offers medical **transportation** and non-emergency medical **transportation** services.

**Overall Health Score: A Holistic Assessment**

The 'Overall Health Score' for commuting to healthcare in Grantham, NH (03753) is moderate, reflecting a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. The primary strength is the relatively quick access to DHMC via I-89 for those with personal vehicles. However, the limitations of public **transportation**, the potential unreliability of ride-sharing, and the cost of medical **transportation** services significantly detract from the score.

The score is further impacted by the geographic challenges of Grantham, which necessitates reliance on personal vehicles for the majority of residents. The absence of readily available local healthcare facilities also contributes to the challenges. This makes it critical for individuals **moving to Grantham** to carefully consider their healthcare needs and **transportation** options.

**Factors influencing the score include:**

* **Accessibility of major healthcare facilities:** DHMC is relatively accessible via I-89.
* **Public transit limitations:** Limited routes and frequency of service.
* **Ride-sharing availability:** Inconsistent and potentially costly.
* **Medical transportation costs:** Expensive and require advance booking.
* **Geographic challenges:** Rural location and reliance on personal vehicles.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

* **Expand public transit routes:** Increase the frequency and coverage of public **transportation**, particularly to serve more areas of Grantham.
* **Promote ride-sharing initiatives:** Explore partnerships with ride-sharing services to improve availability and affordability.
* **Support medical transportation:** Offer financial assistance or subsidies for medical **transportation** services for low-income residents.
* **Consider telehealth options:** Encourage the use of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments, especially for routine check-ups.
* **Develop local healthcare options:** Explore the feasibility of establishing a local clinic or primary care facility in Grantham to improve access to basic medical services.

Ultimately, the 'Overall Health Score' for commuting to healthcare in Grantham, NH (03753) highlights the importance of careful planning and resourcefulness. While the access to DHMC is relatively good for those with personal vehicles, the limitations of other **transportation** options create challenges for many residents. Improving the availability and affordability of healthcare **transportation** is crucial to ensure that all residents of Grantham can access the medical care they need. For those **moving to Grantham**, this analysis provides a critical understanding of the healthcare landscape and the importance of considering **transportation** needs when choosing a place to live.