BOSTON (WWLP) – Massachusetts has been ranked the top state in the nation for the health of women and children, according to America’s Health Rankings 2026 Health of Women and Children Report.
The ranking marks the 10th consecutive year Massachusetts has placed among the top states in the country for overall health and well-being among women and children.
The report analyzed data through 2024, evaluating clinical care access, health outcomes, social and economic factors, and physical environments. Massachusetts ranked at the top of the nation alongside Vermont, New Hampshire, Minnesota, and Connecticut.
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Massachusetts recorded the lowest teen suicide rate in the country, with 4.6 deaths per 100,000 adolescents ages 15 to 19. The state also has the highest concentration of pediatricians nationwide, with 224.2 pediatricians per 100,000 individuals ages 0 to 21.
Additional positive indicators in the report included low infant mortality, low prevalence of obesity among women, and high rates of child food sufficiency.
“Massachusetts has long understood that investing in the health of women, infants, and children is one of the most important ways we can support and strengthen the health of our Commonwealth,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “We are proud of the progress reflected in this ranking, but a number cannot provide a full picture. Too many families still experience unacceptable disparities in health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, geography, income, and other factors. Our goal is to provide every woman, child, and family in Massachusetts the opportunity to be healthy and to thrive. That means listening to communities, investing in proven public health strategies, and focusing resources where they can have the greatest impact.”
The report identified specific challenge areas for Massachusetts, including teen illicit drug use, cervical cancer screening rates, and exclusive breastfeeding for infants through six months.
To address maternal health challenges, Governor Healey signed comprehensive maternal health legislation in 2024 aimed at expanding care access and reducing racial and geographic disparities. The state expanded the Welcome Family universal postpartum home visiting program and MCPAP for Moms to support mental health and substance use care during pregnancy and postpartum. The Department of Public Health is also updating postpartum screening requirements to improve detection of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
For youth and mental health services, the state has expanded access through the 31 Community Behavioral Health Centers and the Behavioral Health Help Line. Governor Healey proposed an additional $100 million for schools to retain mental health counselors and introduced legislation to hold social media platforms accountable for impacts on youth mental health.
“We’re proud that Massachusetts is ranked number one in the country for the health of women and children. It reflects the incredible work happening every day to support families and make sure they have access to high-quality health care,” Healey said. “But we also know there is more work to do, particularly to close disparities and make sure everyone can get the care and support they need. That’s why I’m working every day to increase access to primary, mental health and maternal health care, while also finding ways to lower costs for patients.”
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