Arkansas Healthcare in Top 3 Most Improved
US Health Stagnates for 4th year in a row as revealed in 2008 America Health Rankings - Arkansas a bright spot in dismal report
The results are in and all 50 states have to take a look at themselves and how their healthcare is succeeding (or failing) when stacked up against their peers. The United Health Foundation rankings, in use for the past 19 years, ranks how each state's health is faring relative to the rest of the nation. The overall rank is determined by factoring in just over 20 of key measurements that are acknowledged watermarks in the overall health of a state.
Despite the grim outlook painted by this respected annual study, there was a ray of optimism for Arkansans. When the 2007 results were compared to 2008, Arkansas was found to have been in the top 3 statesalongside New Mexico and Kentucky when it comes to greatest overall health score improvement.
“While the strides made in Arkansas in 2008 are encouraging, we are still 43rd. Obesity, smoking and lack of health insurance remain critical areas for Arkansas as well as the rest of the nation.” States Caryol Hendricks, Executive Director of Employers Health Coalition. Hendricks said. “We must build on this success. We are excited to see a decrease in smoking from 2007 and a decrease in the percent of Arkansans uninsured. However, in spite of the improvement in Arkansas’ overall standing, the percent of our citizens suffering with obesity has increased to 29.3%. While the increase may sound small, there were approximately 67,460 more obese Arkansans in 2008 than there were in 2007.
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 UnitedHealth Group [NYSE: UNH] in 1999 as a not for profit private foundation, the Foundation has committed more than $160 million to improve health and health care. For more information, visit www.unitedhealthfoundation.org.
About Employers’ Health Coalition
Led by employers’ Employers’ Health Coalition is a voice for value based healthcare purchasing. Formed in 1994 the coalition is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide access to and information about quality healthcare thereby enhancing the general health of the community. For more information, visit www.ehcark.org