03785, Woodsville, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03785, Woodsville, New Hampshire is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

32.79 percent of residents in 03785 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 12.64 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Cottage Hospital with a distance of 1.71 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 03785 (Woodsville, NH)

The idyllic town of Woodsville, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03785), nestled in the heart of the Upper Valley, presents a unique landscape for evaluating overall health. Factors beyond the immediate availability of medical facilities, such as the ease of **transportation** to healthcare, significantly impact residents' well-being. This analysis delves into the accessibility of healthcare services, considering drive times, public transit options, ride-sharing availability, and medical transport services, ultimately formulating an **Overall Health Score** for residents of Woodsville. This information is particularly valuable for individuals and families **moving to Woodsville**, as it directly affects their ability to obtain timely and appropriate medical care.

The primary determinant of healthcare accessibility in Woodsville is the reliance on personal vehicles. The geography of the region, characterized by rural landscapes and limited public infrastructure, necessitates driving for most residents. The major arteries serving Woodsville are crucial in determining the commute to healthcare. Route 302, a vital east-west thoroughfare, provides access to Littleton, NH, and points further west. Route 10, running north-south, connects Woodsville to Haverhill and beyond. Interstate 91, a major north-south highway, is accessible via various routes and offers a faster route to larger medical centers in Vermont and Massachusetts.

Drive times, of course, fluctuate depending on the destination and the time of day. The closest healthcare facilities are in Woodsville itself, including Cottage Hospital's Woodsville Medical Center. This facility offers primary care, urgent care, and some specialty services, making it a convenient option for many residents. Drive times to this facility are typically minimal, a significant advantage for those with mobility issues or chronic conditions.

For more specialized care, residents often travel to Littleton, NH, approximately 15-20 minutes away via Route 302. Littleton Hospital, part of the North Country Healthcare system, provides a broader range of services, including surgical and diagnostic capabilities. Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, NH, is a major regional medical center offering comprehensive care. The drive to DHMC, primarily via Interstate 91 and Route 120, can range from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This longer commute time presents a challenge, particularly for those needing emergency care or frequent appointments.

Public transit options in Woodsville are limited, impacting **healthcare access** for those without personal vehicles. The Advance Transit bus service, operating primarily in the Upper Valley region, offers limited routes that may serve Woodsville. These routes, however, are often infrequent and may not directly connect to all healthcare facilities. Furthermore, the availability of ADA-accessible features on these buses is essential for individuals with disabilities. Information on route numbers, schedules, and ADA compliance can be obtained from the Advance Transit website or local town offices. The lack of robust public transit necessitates careful planning and consideration for those who cannot drive.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, have a presence in the Upper Valley, but their availability in Woodsville can be inconsistent. Demand may be lower in rural areas, leading to longer wait times or higher fares. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires advance planning and a backup plan in case of unavailability. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a significant financial burden for some residents, further impacting their ability to access healthcare.

Medical transport services play a crucial role for individuals requiring assistance with transportation to and from medical appointments. Ambulance services are available for emergencies, providing rapid transport to the nearest hospital. Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services, such as those offered by local ambulance companies or specialized providers, can be arranged for scheduled appointments. These services often cater to individuals with mobility limitations or those who cannot drive. It's important to research the available NEMT providers in the area, including their service areas, costs, and insurance coverage.

The **Overall Health Score** for Woodsville, considering these factors, is moderately positive. The presence of local healthcare facilities, including the Woodsville Medical Center, provides immediate access to essential services. However, the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the inconsistent availability of ride-sharing services pose challenges. The longer drive times to specialized medical centers, such as DHMC, can create barriers to accessing comprehensive care. The availability of medical transport services mitigates some of these challenges, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations.

For individuals **moving to Woodsville**, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation options is crucial. Those with chronic conditions or requiring frequent medical appointments should consider the commute times to specialized facilities and the availability of medical transport services. Individuals who rely on public transit or ride-sharing should research the available options and plan accordingly.

The **Overall Health Score** can be improved by:

* Expanding public transit routes and frequency, particularly those connecting Woodsville to healthcare facilities in Littleton and Lebanon.
* Increasing the availability and affordability of ride-sharing services in the area.
* Promoting awareness of medical transport services and ensuring their accessibility to all residents.
* Encouraging the development of telehealth services to reduce the need for in-person appointments.

By addressing these factors, Woodsville can enhance **healthcare access** and improve the overall health and well-being of its residents. This analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of healthcare access in a rural setting and highlights the importance of comprehensive planning for those seeking to make Woodsville their home.