A recent study reveals a 30-year gap in average life expectancy between Mississippi and Connecticut, the poorest and richest U.S. states respectively in terms of per capita income. The report also reveals vast disparities in income, health and education.
The American Human Development Index ranks the U.S. 42nd in life expectancy and 34th in infant mortality globally. While spending roughly $5.2 billion a day for health care—more per capita than any other country—U.S. citizens live shorter lives than nearly all of Western Europe, where nationalized health care is commonplace.
“Some Americans are living anywhere from 30 to 50 years behind others when it comes to issues we all care about: health, education and standard of living,” said Sarah Burd-Sharps co-author of the report. (The Independent, July 17)
The study also criticizes the rigid adherence of the U.S. government to so-called “free market” approaches to poverty reduction.
