03852, Milton Mills, New Hampshire Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 03852, Milton Mills, New Hampshire is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

54.93 percent of residents in 03852 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 16.12 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Huggins Hospital with a distance of 12.89 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in Milton Mills, NH (ZIP Code 03852)

The health and well-being of a community are intricately woven with its ability to access essential resources, most notably healthcare. For residents of Milton Mills, New Hampshire (ZIP Code 03852), this access is significantly shaped by the challenges and opportunities presented by transportation. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering the various modes of transport available, their efficiency, and their impact on healthcare accessibility. This is particularly relevant for individuals considering moving to Milton Mills, as it directly influences their ability to receive timely and appropriate medical care.

The primary mode of transportation in this rural region is, unsurprisingly, the personal vehicle. Driving is the dominant force, dictating the time and effort required to reach medical facilities. The most direct routes typically involve navigating the local roads, including NH Route 125, NH Route 11, and various smaller connecting roads. The drive-times to major healthcare providers in surrounding towns and cities are crucial. For example, a trip to Frisbie Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NH, could take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific location within Milton Mills. Reaching Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, NH, might require a 30-45 minute drive.

The availability of public transit in Milton Mills is limited, presenting a significant challenge for those without personal vehicles. The absence of a robust public transportation system severely restricts healthcare access for individuals who cannot drive, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. While there may be limited local transportation services, the frequency and coverage are likely insufficient to meet the needs of the community. The lack of reliable public transit necessitates a reliance on alternative options, which may be costly or unavailable.

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer another potential mode of transportation. However, their availability in rural areas like Milton Mills is often sporadic and unpredictable. The cost of ride-sharing can also be a barrier, especially for frequent medical appointments. The reliance on ride-sharing introduces uncertainty and potential delays in reaching healthcare providers, which can be detrimental to patient health outcomes. Medical transport services, such as ambulance services and specialized transportation for individuals with disabilities, are available but are often reserved for emergency situations or individuals with specific medical needs.

The physical infrastructure of the region also plays a role in healthcare access. The condition of roads, the availability of parking at medical facilities, and the presence of sidewalks and crosswalks all contribute to the ease or difficulty of reaching healthcare providers. Accessibility features, such as ramps, elevators, and accessible parking spaces, are essential for individuals with disabilities. The presence and maintenance of these features can significantly impact the ability of all residents to access healthcare services.

The "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Milton Mills, NH, is moderately impacted by the limitations in transportation options. While the drive-times to healthcare facilities are manageable for those with personal vehicles, the lack of public transit and the potential unreliability of ride-sharing services create significant barriers for a substantial portion of the population. The cost of transportation, the availability of services, and the physical infrastructure of the region all contribute to the overall score.

Considering the factors discussed, the "Overall Health Score" for healthcare access in Milton Mills, NH (ZIP Code 03852) is rated as "Fair." This rating reflects the reliance on personal vehicles, the limited public transit options, and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing and medical transport services. The score also considers the importance of healthcare access for individuals considering moving to Milton Mills.

To improve the "Overall Health Score," several interventions could be implemented. Expanding public transportation options, including fixed-route buses or demand-response services, would significantly enhance healthcare access for residents without personal vehicles. Partnering with ride-sharing companies to offer subsidized transportation for medical appointments could also be beneficial. Investing in the maintenance and improvement of local roads, as well as ensuring the accessibility of medical facilities, would further improve the overall score.

For individuals considering moving to Milton Mills, it is essential to carefully evaluate their transportation needs and healthcare requirements. Those who rely on public transportation or have limited mobility should be aware of the challenges they may face in accessing healthcare. Assessing the drive-times to healthcare facilities, the availability of ride-sharing services, and the potential costs associated with transportation is crucial.

In conclusion, healthcare access in Milton Mills, NH, is significantly shaped by the transportation landscape. While the drive-times to healthcare facilities are generally reasonable for those with personal vehicles, the lack of robust public transit and the potential challenges associated with ride-sharing create barriers for many residents. The "Overall Health Score" reflects these realities, highlighting the need for improvements in transportation infrastructure and services to ensure that all residents can access the healthcare they need. The decision to move to Milton Mills requires careful consideration of these factors, particularly for individuals with specific healthcare needs or those who rely on alternative modes of transportation.