Foreword

As we reflect on the findings in this year’s Annual Report, we must rededicate ourselves to improving health care in this country and creating a healthier nation for all.

United Health Foundation’s goal has always been to help build healthier communities. That work begins with information — data that quantifies profoundly human experiences — and it is propelled by people who want to create positive change. America’s Health Rankings provides actionable, data-driven insights to help policymakers, community leaders and health officials better understand the health and well-being of their communities so that together they can help improve them.

In this year’s Annual Report, we see progress across the nation, including improvements in mortality, stabilizing trends in measures of behavioral health and progress in several measures of clinical care. These are encouraging findings. As a physician, I know good quality clinical care and prevention are the cornerstones of healthy outcomes.

The report also reveals areas for improvement within the social and economic domains that shape health. The data also show the distinct challenges faced by different communities, including rural America, that must be addressed through tailored interventions.

The value of data is purposeful action. Each of us has a role to play in turning these insights into a healthier future: for individuals, communities, states and the nation. America’s Health Rankings provides the demographic, state-based and national data that are critical to build on progress and identify areas of opportunity to improve well-being.