WV LEADING NATION WITH DRUG RELATED DEATHS

(12/11/2015)

Out of all 50 states, West Virginia ranked 47th on this year's United Health Foundation's America's Health Rankings released Thursday. The annual report reveals state-by-state health trends by looking at areas such as the rising rates of drug deaths, obesity, diabetes and children in poverty among American citizens. The 26th edition of the Rankings found that West Virginia is at the bottom of the list when it comes to the amount of drug related deaths. "West Virginia is ranked 50th with drug deaths with 32.4 (percent). The best state in the nation is 2.7 as far as drug deaths per 100,000 (people), so that's very concerning to us," said Dr. Rhonda Randall with UHF. Randall said lifestyle choices, such as drug use and obesity, is what is pulling West Virginia's rank down. West Virginia's overall ranking dropped three spots since last year. In 2014, the state was listed at the 44th spot, but this year it stands at 47th. The report shows the Mountain State is ranked #1 in the nation for infectious diseases, but lacks immunization coverage. Randall said the healthiest state this year is Hawaii. She said this To view the 2015 America's Health Rankings, visit www.americashealthrankings.org.

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