What's driving health differences across the state and how can those health gaps be closed? [CountyHealthRankings.org]

Introduction

Why is there so much difference in the health of residents in one county compared to other counties in the same state? In these reports, theCounty Health Rankings & Roadmaps program explores how wide gaps are throughout each state and what is driving those differences. This information can help state leaders as they identify ways for everyone to have a fair chance to lead the healthiest life possible. Specifically, these reports can help state leaders understand:

1. What health gaps are and why they matter
2. The size and nature of the health gaps among counties
3. What factors are influencing the health of residents, and
4. What state and local communities can do to address health gaps.

What are health gaps and why do they matter?

As a country, we have achieved significant health improvements over the past century. We have benefited from progress in automobile safety, better workplace standards, good schools and medical clinics, and reductions in smoking or infectious diseases. But when you look closer, within each state across the country there are significant differences in health outcomes according to where people live, learn, work, and play. It is clear that not all Americans have the means and opportunity to be their healthiest.

[For more go to http://www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-gaps/]