Researchers at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found California to be on par with the national average in terms of how prepared the state is for a public health threat or emergency, according to the foundation’s annual assessment of health security and preparedness.
On a 10-point scale, California received a score of 6.8 in the 2016 National Health Security Preparedness Index. The national average was 6.7.
Maryland came in with the highest rating at 7.6, while Louisiana was found to have the lowest rating at 5.6.
In coming up with each state’s score, researchers looked at more than 100 data points, ranging from flu vaccination rates and number of hospitals to wireless 911 coverage and hazard planning for public schools. Each state was given a score in six subcategories ranging from health security surveillance to health care delivery.
To read more about the study, click here. To view the breakdown for California’s rating, click here.