The Centers for Disease Control has released its annual reportthat grades states on their capacity to prevent public health problems. It was a mixed bag for the state.
New Hampshire’s Department of Health and Human Services says the CDC report applauds its coordinated efforts to address the Hep C outbreak at Exeter Hospital.
But the CDC also notes seatbelt use is lower than the national average and blames the absence of an adult seat belt law.
The report also finds New Hampshire is close to the national average for adult and child obesity rates but it marks the state’s regulatory system poorly for allowing too much junk food to be sold in schools and not mandating a minimum for time spent in physical education each week.
The CDC also gives New Hampshire a ‘red’ grade for having no pain clinic laws or prescription drug monitoring program in place. The latter was adopted into law but is yet to be in operation.