Matt Ritter

Connecticut is the 6th healthiest state in the U.S. according to America’s Health Rankings Annual Report. The report found that since last year we have improved in the areas of infectious diseases, cancer deaths, and childhood poverty but still face challenges on drug-related deaths and health disparity. You can view the study here.

As Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee, I am happy to see Connecticut ranking in the top ten healthiest states in the country but recognize that there is always room for improvement.

The study indicates that drug-related deaths continue to challenge our state. I am proud that this past session, we passed a law to increase training and monitoring for medical professionals who prescribe and dispense opioid drugs for pain. The legislation also expands access to life-saving opioid inhibitors, commonly referred to as Narcan, which can be administered during a heroin overdose. This legislation has the potential to prevent opioid addictions and save lives in Connecticut.

The study listed the following health strengths and challenges for Connecticut:

Strengths

• High immunization among adolescents for Tdap
• Low incidence of infectious disease
• Low premature death rate

Challenges

• High prevalence of excessive drinking
• Low per capita public health funding
• Large disparity in health status by education level