Utah ranks low in CDC funding
Utah receives $14.81 per person from the CDC for such programs, ranking 46. That's the lowest amount in the region and less than half of what Southern states receive, according to "Shortchanging America's Health 2008," by Trust for America's Health, which looks at how federal public health dollars are spent in each state.
The disparity is both disturbing and understandable, said Dr. David Sundwall, Utah Department of Health director.
"It's always a little disconcerting when you see a ranking of any kind and we're not at the top," he said. "I think we do a pretty good job." On the other hand, Utah doesn't have the same challenges of some states, either. Fewer Utahns smoke, the state has a lower cancer rate and childhood obesity, while concerning, is more rampant elsewhere.
"We have a lot to be be proud of. If I were passing out money, I might give it to states with worse issues. But that doesn't mean we aren't very concerned about competing for these funds," Sundwall said.
Utah health officials recently applied for a CDC exercise and obesity/fitness initiative grant, one Sundwall said they're anxious to get. It would also correct some of the imbalance.
The report, released today, focuses on improving public health, which includes chronic disease and infectious disease prevention, as well as disease, disaster and bioterrorism preparedness.
"Chronic diseases are the driver of health-care costs today," said Jeff Levi, executive director of the trust. "And there's worry about health-care costs doubling by 2012. Chronic diseases have an impact on both quality and length of life. ... We're not investing in prevention activities on a range of issues. If we don't pay now, we will pay dearly later."
The report criticizes the current focus on caring for sick people, while neglecting efforts to prevent disease through public health measures.
CDC funding for prevention varied from a per capita low of $13.61 in Kansas to a per capita high of $69.76 in Alaska. The national average is $17.23 per person.
The report also looks at a state's own public health funding, but warns that differences in state reporting make it hard to do an apples-apples comparison. The range was $3.46 in Nevada to $152.66 in Hawaii. Utah came in near the middle at $31.45 per person (No. 27).
Chronic disease is responsible for about 70 percent of deaths in America each year, the report says, many of them avoided if "stronger action was taken to promote prevention efforts." Half of men and one-third of women will develop cancer at some point. One-fourth of American adults have heart disease. And two-thirds are overweight or obese. Programs that promote healthy lifestyles and educate could dramatically change those numbers, Levi says.
Recent comments
I'm curious why the good Doctor thinks it is the responsibility of...
Responsibility | April 2, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.
- New lives for pit bulls 11:23 p.m.
- Lobbyist disclosure law hit & miss 11:22 p.m.
- State Am: More than golf for Stimpson 11:14 p.m.
- Sleepy Ridge offers much for many 11:09 p.m.
- Sentencing delayed in con man's case 11:07 p.m.
- Draper Days bronc riding 11:07 p.m.
- Ex-S.L. man pleads guilty in Florida 11:07 p.m.
- 2 W.V. men charged with lewdness 11:06 p.m.
- Defense prepares for murder case 11:05 p.m.
- Utah man gets 51 months for fraud 11:05 p.m.
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
- Blazers offer Millsap 4-year deal
- Jazz in back of line for free agents
- A primer for the 6th Potter film
- Okur signs two-year extension
- Jazz won't meet Lopez on Europe trip
- Restaurant destroyed by fire
- Letters: Palin mistreated
142 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - LDS seminary principal arrested
139 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Blazers offer Millsap 4-year deal
85 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
It was not that long ago that all vaccinations were given during school. Of...
He was my seminary president this last year. He is a good mad, regardless of...
Scott, Thanks for calling attention to this very rare, special show. I too...
I am one of those primary care doctors that has to see more and more patients...
wisdom. Call Prichard's bluff and let Millsap go. It is too much money and he...
My bad I forgot Thomas.
Tough decision in my eyes. Yes it is a lot of money to pay for Milsap to sit...
The definition of "lie" is to make an untrue statement with the intent to...
why do people complain about the story vs. not story. If you don't think the...
Know your enemy: relax no one cares about the spelling. Anonymous: I agree...

