When it comes to public health, Missouri could be mistaken for misery.
As we recently reported, the state's health rankings have been dropping for the past 30 years. In the newest Scorecard on State Health System Performance, Missouri dropped seven spots to 48th (third from the bottom).
The report is released annually by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that aims to promote a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality and greater efficiency.
Dr. Randall Williams, director of Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, said the state has worked to make tangible improvements.
Williams said he has changed the culture since coming to the state four years ago, from an "idle" culture to one of action.
It has reduced the number of home health patients who suffered with limited mobility. It made more anti-psychotic medication available for nursing home residents. It got more adults treatment for mental illness.
Opioid deaths decreased this year for the first time, in part because the state has focused its efforts in St. Louis, where 75 percent of the deaths occur.
The state also expanded access to Naloxone, which reverses opioid overdoses, and authorized pharmacists to distribute it without a prescription.
Through the pandemic, Williams and Gov. Mike Parson have been in close contact with county health department administrators and organizations such as the Missouri Hospital Association.
We applaud the administration's efforts, but more obviously needs to be done.
On the negative side, there was a surge over the past year in the percentage of Missouri children who are overweight or obese, public health funding remained the lowest in the country and potentially avoidable emergency department visits jumped.
Obesity is a growing epidemic, and more needs to be done, especially in our state's schools. Among other things, nutrition standards and physical activity standards should be increased.
Overall, we're still seeing too many carbs/starches on lunch plates, and too little fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. If we're going to spend taxpayer money to feed children, we should offer them healthier choices.
News Tribune