In an annual check up of our nation’s health, Rhode Island’s overall health ranked #14 among all 50 states in 2015. As a state, we do exceptionally well from a policy standpoint, but still do need to improve in many areas. Those findings come from United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Annual Report, which has been measuring national and state health for just over a quarter of a century.
As the medical director for UnitedHealthcare of New England, I always look forward to the America’s Health Rankings Annual Report because it offers an overview of where we stand in health both as a nation and relative to our peer states. The report provides a reflection of Rhode Island’s health that is at once sobering and encouraging.
Rhode Island’s rankings in this year’s report highlight a number of bright spots. According to the report, the immunization rate among Rhode Island adolescents is the highest in the country. The state ranks in the top 10 in public health funding and well above average in its percentage of insured residents, and availability of primary care physicians.
However, that being said, there is still work to be done in Rhode Island – and across the country.
Measuring and monitoring our nation’s health has never been more important, and the results of this year’s America’s Health Rankings Annual Report show how far we’ve come in the last 26 years – and what areas of health we still need to improve.
This year’s data show that as a nation, Americans are smoking less and living less sedentary lifestyles; however, our country is facing complex health challenges that threaten Americans’ health and quality of life. Obesity and diabetes are at all-time highs, and rates of drug deaths – including including illegal and prescription drug abuse – and children living in poverty are on the rise.
Understanding trends in health and wellness makes it clear where we need to focus our resources and attention. The rate of obesity, drug use and excessive drinking in Rhode Island remains too high. The disparity in health status by education level in Rhode Island – or, the difference in reports good or excellent health status between adults with a high school education and those without – is more extreme than that of the national average.
In 2016, America’s Health Rankings will publish new reports that will enable us to track these challenges more closely – so that they can be addressed more effectively. These include new reports on the health of select populations such as mothers and children, and our nation’s veterans, as well as “spotlight” reports on key public health topics. The goal is to offer more information to help improve public health – information that can be used to continue making the great improvements we’ve seen here in Rhode Island.
When it comes to the future of Rhode Island’s health, and America’s health, we are all in it together. Let’s commit now to making the changes necessary to ensure that we build a healthier tomorrow, today.
Dr. Neal Galinko is the senior medical director for UnitedHealthcare of New England
