SHARE

Connecticut Named Fourth Healthiest State In The Nation

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. – Connecticut is one of the healthiest states in the entire United States, according to report released by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen

Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen

Photo Credit: ct.gov

Connecticut is ranked No. 4 on the America’s Health Ranks survey.

“Connecticut’s ranking as the fourth healthiest state reflects the work of many stakeholders who are committed to a healthy Connecticut,” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “America’s Health Rankings shows we are making progress toward a healthier state, and underscores the importance of our ongoing work to address the challenges we face.”

The report noted that the Nutmeg State’s ranking was influenced by low rates of smoking and occupational deaths as well as high immunization coverage among children. But challenges identified in the report include high rates of binge drinking, preventable hospitalizations, and large disparities in health status by education level across Connecticut.

“While we still have more work to do to ensure that all people in Connecticut have the opportunity to attain their highest level of health, the Department of Public Health’s focus on collaborative initiatives on health equity, strengthening public health at the local level, and reducing chronic disease are moving us in the right direction,” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.

Mullen said the State Health Assessment, the State Health Improvement Plan and Live Healthy Connecticut: A Coordinated Chronic Disease Prevention Plan provide a blueprint for addressing some of Connecticut’s most challenging health issues.

The plans include objectives aimed at reducing rates of obesity, tobacco use, and high blood pressure by 2020.

America’s Health Rankings focuses on four categories which are behaviors; community and environment; public and health policies; and clinical care. Combining individual measures for each health determinant with the resultant health outcomes produces a single view of the overall health of each state, according to the report.

to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE