How does North Carolina rank for children’s health care? Not great, study finds
North Carolina is among the lowest-ranking states for children’s health care, according to new findings.
The state was named 8th worst in a national study by finance website WalletHub of kids’ medical and dental health.
To come up with the rankings WalletHub says it evaluated children’s overall health, access to doctors, nutrition, exercise, obesity rates and dental care. Scores were given to each state and the District of Columbia, results show.
North Carolina ranked in the bottom 10 in two categories: “Kids’ Health & Access to Health Care” and “Kids’ Oral Health,” according to WalletHub.
The state also had some of the fewest doctors who care for children and families — earning a No. 47 spot on the list, findings show.
The Tar Heel State is home to some major medical systems, including Duke Health and UNC Health. But outside of North Carolina’s urban areas, 11 hospitals closed from 2006 to 2018, The Charlotte Observer reported.
The study results were released as North Carolina and other states grapple with new coronavirus cases.
Though most coronavirus patients are adults, children can get the disease and give it to others, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To help slow the spread, North Carolina has shut down public school buildings until at least May 15. While home, health experts recommend parents teach their children to wash their hands and stay away from people who may be sick.
In the WalletHub study, Massachusetts ranked the best state for kids’ health. Texas ended up at the bottom of the list.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 10:03 AM with the headline "How does North Carolina rank for children’s health care? Not great, study finds."
