Mental illness and obesity are among the top health issues in Rhode Island, according to a new Community Health Needs Assessment by the Hospital Association of Rhode Island.
The assessment, released today, combined health-survey data with interviews and focus groups, to meet a requirement of the Affordable Care Act.
Surveys show that, compared with the nation, a higher percentage of Rhode Islanders experienced poor mental health and had been diagnosed with depression.
The obesity rate in Rhode Island, 25 percent, is slightly lower than the national average. But the percentage of people who are overweight, as well as the percentage of people who have borderline diabetes, is higher than the national average.
Next, the hospitals will develop a plan to meet the needs identified.