Stockton’s population is healthier than ever before, and a new report shows the area to be the most improved in the nation for health and health care.
The Stockton region, which includes San Joaquin and Calaveras Counties, ranked 92nd out of 306 areas nationwide in 2016.
According to the Commonwealth Fund, which studies community health trends, Stockton improved from its previous ranking of 156th in 2012.
San Joaquin County Public Health Director Tammy Evans says the Affordable Care Act helped in large part.
And she says Stockton Unified Schools were the first in California to establish health clinics on campus.
“Rather than just being sent home they can go into the clinic, you know, an eye infection or an ear infection, they can get a note from their teacher, go and get that taken care of, get a prescription for medication while they’re in school,” Evans said.
Evans says local agencies have also come together to lower the rates of asthma, obesity and infant mortality, and to increase the rates of vaccinations and cancer screenings.
The Sacramento region ranked 54th and Modesto 157th.
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