The newest
report by America’s Health Rankings finds that women and children in
Connecticut are healthier than women and children in all but three other states.
While we rank best in outcomes for children, we are 48th in clinical
care for infants. Our strengths include cervical cancer screening, the lowest
rate of smoking in pregnancy in the US, and low prevalence of adverse childhood
experiences. However, we have very high rates of excessive drinking during
pregnancy and for women overall. We have too many low-risk cesarean deliveries
and too few early childhood developmental screenings. The report examines 60
measures important to the health of women and children from health care
services such as vaccines and check ups, to environmental factors such as safe
homes, safe neighborhoods and health behaviors. The report’s detailed summary
for Connecticut has important specific information on our achievements and where
we need to do more.
