Submitted by UnitedHealthcare of Washington.
Even before the global pandemic, Washington women and children’s mental health has been a growing concern. A new report by the United Health Foundation, “America’s Health Rankings: 2021 Health of Women and Children” found that mental health distress in Washington women and children has grown exponentially since 2014. Also, the report finds that teen suicide in Washington has grown 38% since 2014 and is currently sitting at a 40% higher rate than the national average.
The report similarly found that almost 20% of women ages 18-44 in Washington reported poor mental health for 14 or more days in the past 30 days, outlining a gradual 27% increase in frequent mental distress since 2015.
The report did find some improvements in Washington women’s health as smoking during pregnancy is down 33% between 2014 and 2019. Also, early childhood education enrollment increased 12% from 42.6% to 47.5% of children ages 3-4 between 2016 and 2019
For more information about the study and Washington’s results, go here (https://www.americashealthrankings.org/learn/reports/2021-health-of-women-and-children/state-summaries-washington)
Crickets……..?