Avoidable deaths in the United States have been on the rise despite the country spending more on healthcare than other high-income nations. The average rate of avoidable deaths increased by 33 per 100,000 people from 2009 to 2019, in contrast to decreases seen in other countries during the same period. Avoidable mortality includes both preventable and treatable deaths, with preventable deaths being those that could be avoided through public health measures and treatable deaths being those that could be prevented with appropriate medical care. Some deaths fall into both categories, highlighting the importance of timely healthcare.
The research team assessed the average rate of avoidable deaths across U.S. states, finding significant variation from an increase of 5 per 100,000 people in New York to a jump of 100 per 100,000 people in West Virginia. While the study did not pinpoint specific factors driving the overall increase in avoidable deaths in the United States or the differences between states, the researchers suggest that differences in state-level public health policies could be contributing factors. Medicaid expansion, abortion restrictions, and gun control measures are potential factors that may be impacting the avoidable mortality rates in different states.
Avoidable mortality serves as a metric for evaluating the effectiveness of health systems, highlighting how many deaths among individuals under 75 years old could have been prevented with timely healthcare. The average number of avoidable deaths across all U.S. states in 2019 was approximately 280 per 100,000 people, indicating the scope of the issue. The rise in avoidable deaths underscores the need for continued efforts to improve public health measures, access to healthcare, and the overall effectiveness of health systems in addressing preventable and treatable causes of death.
The study underscores the importance of supporting climate journalism to strengthen environmental literacy and ensure that responses to challenges like climate change are informed by science. As we navigate critical issues like avoidable deaths in the United States, it is crucial to invest in science communication and education to drive informed decision-making and policy actions that promote public health and well-being. By engaging with science news and supporting initiatives that promote science literacy, individuals can contribute to better understanding and addressing the complex challenges we face in healthcare and beyond.
