Over the past three decades, Kentucky’s health has consistently ranked near the bottom, never surpassing 39th. America’s Health Rankings® Annual Report is the longest-running annual assessment of the nation’s health on a state-by-state basis. For 30 years, the report has analyzed a comprehensive set of data on behaviors, community and environment, policy, clinical care and outcomes to provide a holistic view of the health of the nation.
Kentucky’s strengths, 2019:
- High percentage of high school graduation
- Low prevalence of excessive drinking
- Low violent crime rate
Kentucky’s challenges, 2019:
- High prevalence of physical inactivity
- High prevalence of frequent mental distress
- High cancer death rate
HIGHLIGHTS
Since 2012, obesity increased 20% from 30.4% to 36.6% of adults
In the past 10 years, drug deaths increased 96% from 16.4 to 32.2 deaths per 100,000 population Since 2010, the percentage of the population without health insurance decreased 66% from 16.1% to 5.5%
In the past three years, frequent mental distress increased 21% from 13.8% to 16.7% of adults
In the past two years, mental health providers increased 17% from 194.6 to 227.5 per 100,000 population
In the past four years, diabetes increased 10% from 12.5% to 13.7% of adults
For a copy of Kentucky’s report with additional information, Kentucky’s report online.
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