The new report report finds the nation’s ability to prevent and control infectious disease outbreaks “are hampered by outdated systems and limited resources.”

Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that a majority of states score 5 or lower out of 10 key indicators of policies and capabilities to protect against infectious disease threats. 

Hawaii scored better than most states with 6 out of 10. Among other indicators, we cover routine HIV screening under  Medicaid programs and vaccinate at least half the population for seasonal flu.

But we fall short in other areas, including reduction in funding for public health services in recent years.

Photo: Screen shot, Dec. 22, 2013. (healthyamericans.org)

—Chad Blair