03819, Danville, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03819, Danville, New Hampshire is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

33.71 percent of residents in 03819 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 11.62 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Exeter Hospital Inc with a distance of 10.12 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commute to Healthcare in Danville, NH (ZIP Code 03819)

Danville, New Hampshire, nestled in the rolling hills of Rockingham County, offers a tranquil New England lifestyle. However, when considering a move to this charming town, particularly for those prioritizing healthcare access, it's crucial to understand the nuances of navigating the transportation landscape to reach medical facilities. This 'Overall Health Score' delves into the realities of commuting to healthcare in ZIP code 03819, factoring in drive times, public transit options, and ride-sharing/medical transport services.

The health score is built on the premise that timely and reliable access to healthcare is a fundamental pillar of well-being. This assessment considers the ease of reaching primary care physicians, specialists, emergency services, and pharmacies. It also acknowledges the importance of considering individual needs, such as mobility limitations or reliance on public transportation, when evaluating the overall health score for a specific location.

**Drive Time Dynamics: A Road Map to Care**

For many Danville residents, personal vehicles are the primary mode of transportation. The town's relative remoteness dictates that accessing healthcare often involves driving. The closest primary care physicians are generally located in neighboring towns like Plaistow, Atkinson, and Kingston. Reaching these practices typically requires navigating a network of local roads, including Main Street, Danville Road, and North Road. Drive times to these destinations are usually between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Specialist appointments and hospital visits often necessitate longer drives. Exeter Hospital, a regional healthcare hub, is approximately a 30- to 45-minute drive via Route 125 and Route 111. This drive, while manageable, can be impacted by rush-hour congestion, particularly around the intersections of Route 125 and Route 111. Portsmouth Regional Hospital, another major medical center, is further afield, requiring a 45- to 60-minute drive, mainly via Route 101 and the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 4).

Emergency situations demand immediate access to care. The closest emergency rooms are located at Exeter Hospital and Parkland Medical Center in Derry. The drive to Exeter Hospital from Danville, as mentioned, is around 30-45 minutes. Reaching Parkland Medical Center involves a similar drive time, utilizing Route 121 and Route 111. These times are critical, especially in a medical emergency, and should be carefully considered when evaluating the suitability of Danville for those with specific health concerns.

**Public Transit: Limited Options, Limited Reach**

Public transportation options in Danville are limited. The Rockingham Area Transportation Authority (RATA) provides some services in the region, but its routes and schedules are often infrequent and do not directly serve Danville. Accessing RATA services would typically require a drive to a designated pick-up point in a neighboring town.

The lack of robust public transit presents challenges for residents who do not drive or are unable to drive. This is particularly relevant for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited financial resources. Without reliable public transportation, healthcare access becomes significantly more difficult, potentially impacting the overall health score for these populations.

RATA does offer some ADA-compliant services, including accessible buses. However, the availability of these services and their suitability for specific medical appointments must be carefully assessed. The potential for long wait times and the need for advance booking are important considerations.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the Danville area, though their availability and response times may vary depending on the time of day and the demand. Relying on ride-sharing for medical appointments requires careful planning and consideration of potential delays.

Medical transport services, such as AMR (American Medical Response) and private ambulance companies, provide specialized transportation for individuals with mobility limitations or those requiring medical assistance during transit. These services are typically more expensive than ride-sharing and are often reserved for those who need stretcher transportation or require medical supervision.

The availability of medical transport services is a crucial factor in assessing healthcare access for individuals with specific needs. These services can provide a vital link to healthcare facilities, but their cost and availability must be carefully considered.

**Pharmacies and Healthcare Support: A Local Perspective**

Access to pharmacies is another important aspect of healthcare access. Danville itself has limited pharmacy options. Residents typically rely on pharmacies located in neighboring towns, requiring a drive of 10-20 minutes. This necessitates careful planning for medication refills and the potential for delays in obtaining prescriptions.

Beyond direct medical care, the availability of support services, such as home healthcare, physical therapy, and mental health services, also contributes to the overall health score. The proximity of these services and their accessibility are important factors for residents with specific healthcare needs.

**Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective on Healthcare Access**

The 'Overall Health Score' for commuting to healthcare in Danville, NH (ZIP code 03819) presents a mixed picture. While the town offers a desirable lifestyle, healthcare access is heavily reliant on personal vehicles. Drive times to primary care physicians are generally manageable, but accessing specialist care and emergency services requires longer journeys. Public transportation options are limited, creating challenges for those who do not drive. Ride-sharing and medical transport services offer alternative solutions, but their availability and cost must be carefully considered.

For individuals considering moving to Danville, a thorough assessment of their healthcare needs and transportation capabilities is essential. Those who are comfortable driving and have access to a reliable vehicle will likely find healthcare access relatively manageable. However, individuals with mobility limitations, those relying on public transportation, or those who require frequent medical appointments should carefully weigh the challenges of commuting to healthcare in this rural setting. The overall health score for Danville, therefore, is contingent on individual circumstances and the ability to navigate the transportation landscape effectively. The town’s charm must be balanced with the realities of accessing the healthcare system.