The Ranking Of Montana’s Top 10 Causes of Death
Montana is a rugged state and it takes a lot to live and thrive here. It can also be a very dangerous state. The mountains, the roads, the weather and the wildlife all can be dangerous and even in some cases deadly. So can the way Montanan's live. According to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) these are the top leading causes of death in Montana.
- Heart Disease
- Cancer
- Covid- 19
- Accidents
- Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
- Stroke
- Suicide
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Diabetes
- Chronic Liver Disease/Cirrhosis
The data is the latest that the CDC has published using numbers ending from the year 2021. There are a couple of statistics that may be surprising in comparison to other states in the country.
Montana's Ranking On Certain Categories Across the Nation is Not Good
Montana's seventh leading cause of death statewide is suicide. When it compares to other states, Montana has the second highest suicide rate in the nation, just behind Wyoming. If we can help break some of the stigma behind mental health issues, not just in Montana but across the country, we could possibly see those numbers lower over time.
Related: Breaking Stigma Can Be Powerful Helping With Montana Issue
Montana's Drinking Is One of the Leading Causes of Death
Another statistic about Montana, the tenth leading cause of death in Montana is liver disease and Cirrhosis. Compared to other states in the nation Montana ranks as one of the worst for this cause of death, behind Wyoming, South Dakota, and New Mexico in that order.
Montana has three cities that rank as some of the drunkest in the nation. With rankings like that, it may not surprise people that we would have a higher rate of liver disease than other states.
There is Help Available in Montana
Talking to your health care provider can help prevent some of these causes of death. There is also help with the National Suicide and Crisis Line, you can dial 988 to speak with a professional.
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Gallery Credit: Aubrey Jane McClaine