Illinois ranks 15th nationally when it comes to the health of women and children, according to a report released by the United Health Foundation last week. [Health News Illinois]

The report from America's Health Rankings placed Illinois atop the country for its prevalence of neighborhood amenities and second-best for low prevalence of frequent mental distress among women. Other strengths include Illinois placing 8th for high enrollment in early childhood education and 9th for its low percentage of uninsured children.

Download report here>

However, the state received low marks for having a low prevalence of cervical cancer screening, which was the 4th worst in the country. 

Illinois also placed 45th for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children coverage among children 4 and younger, 41st for employment among women and 40th for fruit and vegetable consumption among women.

Illinois finished 16th for women’s health and 17th for children’s health.

Minnesota was ranked the healthiest state for women and children in the country, while Mississippi finished last.

Overall, the report found that rates of maternal mortality increased 29 percent between 2014-2018 and 2017-2021, with non-white women being disproportionately affected. The rate of drug deaths among women increased 27 percent from 2016-2018 to 2019-2022.

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