Why Montana's Youth Health Ranking Is One Of The Worst In U.S.

Most of us are familiar with the lyrics "I believe the children are the future", but what about here in Montana? How are our kids doing? Are they staying in school? Making good choices? Are the healthy?

I ask these questions because according to new data, it seems that the youth of Montana might be in a bit of trouble.

Our friends over at WalletHub decided to come out with information ranking each state when it comes to "Most-At-Risk-Youth" and while Montana didn't land in the Top 10, we weren't far behind. So, what's the issue? Why is Montana ranked so high when it comes to youth being at-risk?

Well, it seems that it's based on two different factors:

Education and Employment Rank
Health Rank

When you combine those two, you get where each state ranks when it comes to at-risk-youth and while we did mention that Montana isn't in the Top 10, we are ranked 12th in the country. In fact, the only state in our region with a higher ranking is Oregon.

When it comes to Education and Employment Rank, we're 33rd. However, it is the health rank that is alarming. Montana is ranked 1st and before you get too excited, you should know what the determining factors are in that ranking.

Overweight and Obese Youth
Youth Using Illicit Drugs
Youth Reporting Heavy Drinking
Youth with Depression
Physically, Mentally, and Emotionally Inhibited Youth

What can be done to help the youth of Montana? Well, that's the question, isn't it. It should be noted that Montana is a rural state, and often rural states will see an increase in drugs and alcohol, however, that's not an excuse to not approach the problem.

I think we often think, "well, it's not my kid, so who cares". But what if it was your kid? Would you want help? Would you want support?

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What do you think? What can be done to help the at-risk-youth here in Montana? Education? Peer Groups? More activities? Or is it something else? Let us know your thoughts be sending us a message on our app.

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