United Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association and Partnership for Prevention today released the 20th Anniversary Edition of America’s Health Rankings showing that Vermont ranks 1st when compared to the health of other states. This is the 3rd year in a row that Vermont has been at the top of the rankings.
“I’m so pleased that Vermont continues to receive national recognition for successfully implementing comprehensive health reforms that incorporate aspects of high quality, coordinated public health and health care – particularly the Vermont Blueprint for Health – along with expanding coverage to the uninsured,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “The successes we’ve realized in Vermont have not come easily – they’ve required teamwork, compromise and a willingness to address the tough issues surrounding public health care – but they are vital for the people of our state and for all Americans.”
Vermont ranked among the top 10 states in 11 of 22 measures within the report, including people without health insurance (9th), public health funding (2nd) and low rates of violent crime (2nd) and children living in poverty (4th).
Tobacco use and obesity have emerged as the two priorities that threaten the health of the nation, according to the report. Obesity has increased nearly 130 percent since the first edition of America’s Health Rankings was issued 20 years ago.
Vermont ranked among the top states in lowest smoking and obesity rates. Nearly one in five Americans still smoke, and smoking continues to be the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the country. In Vermont, 16.7 percent of the population smoke, compared to 19.8 percent of the nation, and 23 percent are obese, compared to 27 percent nationwide. Vermont was the top ranked state in two key scoring categories, overall clinical care and health outcomes. Vermont scored among the nation’s best in areas such as preventable hospitalizations and low infant mortality rates.
The United States currently spends more per capita than any other nation on health care, including $1.8 trillion in medical costs associated with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
About America’s Health Rankings
America’s Health Rankings is the longest running report of its kind. For 20 years, the Rankings has provided an analysis of national health on a state-by-state basis by evaluating a historical and comprehensive set of health, environmental and socio-economic data to determine national health benchmarks and state rankings. The Rankings employs a unique methodology, developed and annually reviewed by a Scientific Advisory Committee of leading public health scholars. For more information, visit www.americashealthrankings.org.
About the United Health Foundation
Guided by a passion to help people live healthier lives, United Health Foundation provides helpful information to support decisions that lead to better health outcomes and healthier communities. The Foundation also supports activities that expand access to quality health care services for those in challenging circumstances and partners with others to improve the well being of communities. Since established by United Health Group [NYSE: UNH] in 1999 as a not‑for‑profit, private foundation, the Foundation has committed more than $170 million to improve health and health care. For more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.
About the American Public Health Association
The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and most diverse organization of public health professionals in the world and has been working to improve public health since 1872. The Association aims to protect all Americans, their families and their communities from preventable, serious health threats and strives to assure community-based health promotion and disease prevention activities and preventive health services are universally accessible in the United States. APHA represents a broad array of health professionals and others who care about their own health and the health of their communities. More information is available at www.apha.org.
About Partnership for Prevention
Partnership for Prevention is a membership organization of businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies advancing policies and practices to prevent disease and improve the health of all Americans. The organization seeks to increase investment in preventing disease, promoting health and making prevention a national priority among both the public and private sectors. For additional information, visit www.prevent.org.
Source: Governor's office. 11.17.2009