What does a blue sign with a white 'H' indicate on US roads?

A blue sign with a white “H” indicates a hospital on U.S. roads. It is a general-service sign that directs motorists toward hospital services or identifies a hospital route.

The sign belongs to the Federal Highway Administration’s motorist-service sign system. Under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, general-service signs use white symbols, letters, arrows, and borders on a blue background. The hospital symbol is designated D9-2, while some signs spell out “HOSPITAL” instead.

The “H” should not be confused with the medical-services symbol, such as the Star of Life, which points toward emergency medical or ambulance services. A hospital sign may also be paired with a directional arrow or an “EXIT” panel, helping drivers find the facility from an interchange or junction.

Blue road signs generally convey services rather than traffic commands. Other examples include fuel, food, lodging, camping, telephones, and tourist information. Thus the color and letter together provide a quick visual guide to medical care, not a police station, first-aid point, or heliport.