Close
Reflecting on Three Decades of Data
Dr. Margaret-Mary Wilson, MD, Executive Vice President & Chief Medical Officer, UnitedHealth Group
As we mark 35 years of America’s Health Rankings®, the longest-running state-by-state analysis of the nation’s health, I want to thank you for taking the time to consider the important findings in this Annual Report.
From the beginning, the goal of the United Health Foundation has 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. For the past 35 years, America’s Health Rankings has provided 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. It has tracked growing challenges like diabetes, depression and maternal mortality and it has highlighted promising signs of progress like an overall decrease in smoking and increase in access to clinical care.
In this year’s Annual Report, we can see multi-decade trends, short-term changes, and areas where there are disparities among diverse population groups. Over and again, we are reminded of the critical importance of preventive health care as well as broader environmental and socioeconomic improvements that help reverse long-term negative health trends.
Looking back on three and a half decades of research, a persistent truth emerges: Data and insights drive value only when they are used. As we reflect on the findings in this year’s report, each of us who can impact health and health care in this country must rededicate ourselves to creating a healthier nation for all.