The latest data from a national health-related nonprofit foundation has found an increase of kidney disease and drug-related deaths among Mainers over the past two years.
The United Health Foundation’s latest report, which ranks states nationwide based on health-related criteria, indicated Maine was the 10th healthiest state in the country. Number One on the list was neighboring New Hampshire, followed by Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and Minnesota.
Despite the high ranking, the report, which bases its findings in part on data from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, found that Maine has seen a 30% increase in chronic kidney disease in adults between 2020 and 2022.
The report also found that in one year, from 2020 to 2021, Maine saw a 20% increase in drug-related deaths, going from 37.6 deaths per 100,000 population to 45.2.
Maine is not alone in seeing an increase in kidney disease. On the national level, the report found an historic increase in the prevalence of eight chronic health conditions, including arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and diabetes.
Source: Spectrum News
