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Louisiana ranked #50 in national health rankings

Baton Rouge / louisianaradionetwork.com
LRN Office
Dec 14, 2018 | 12:00 AM


For the 13th time since 1990, Louisiana has been ranked 50thin America’s health rankings. The state has never been higher than 47. Thirty-five different areas of health are factored in to determine the overall ranking. Dr. Rhonda Randall with the United Health Foundation said among the areas of concern, child poverty, where Louisiana ranks last.

“The number of children living in poverty stayed the same for this year versus last year in Louisiana.  Where, in the rest of the nation, it improved,” said Randall.

Randall said the research also found a high prevalence of frequent mental distress.

“In this survey, they are saying that 14 or more days in each month, they have frequent mental distress.  In Louisiana, you’re ranked 47th for that measure,” said Randall.

Tobacco use was also a major factor that brought down the state. Randall said while the rest of the country is seeing a drop in smoking, down to about 17% of adults smoking, Louisiana is higher than the national average.

“For Louisiana, 23.1% of adults self-reported that they are smoking, which is causing you to be ranked 48th,” said Randall

Randall added there were some areas with encouraging numbers, including Louisiana’s immunization rates.