Health & Health Care

This section of the report identifies key health indicators in Pennsylvania, as well as Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties. These indicators encompass metrics related to physical and mental health, health resources, insurance, and both healthy and unhealthy habits.

The cancer death rate is influenced by behavior (such as smoking, known to cause various types of cancer) and health care (cancer death rates decline as access to the latest treatments improves). Demographics also complicate these statistics; for instance, cancer is more prevalent among older individuals. Although cancer death rates have fluctuated in recent years, the annual average number of deaths in the three counties exceeds the statewide average. The age-adjusted rate of death from heart disease – another leading cause of death in the U.S. – is similarly affected by health-related behaviors. Although access to health care has improved, rates are still higher than the state average.

Environmental health factors are associated with lifelong health complications. Screening for childhood lead exposure, one such environmental health issue, is not mandated for all children in Pennsylvania. Despite smaller percentages being tested, elevated levels of lead are present. In 2022, the number of children tested with elevated blood lead levels is shown for children with higher than 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood. Previously, the number tested with elevated blood lead levels was shown for children with higher than 5 micrograms of lead for every deciliter of blood.

Personal behavior impacts many health conditions, including but not limited to heart disease and cancer. At a time when many residents in the area live with low or moderate incomes, healthy choices are not always top priorities, nor are they affordable. Issues related to social determinants and the presence of food deserts in the region also complicate efforts to improve population health. Rates of obesity, smoking, and chronic and binge drinking remain high.

Drug overdose deaths and opioid prescribing rates are improving. County-level data on individuals with a drug use disorder show mixed results. The prevalence of these high-risk behaviors presents a significant public health concern and is often a consequence of poverty.

A significantly larger proportion of individuals in the region and statewide had health insurance coverage in 2020 compared to 2010, mainly due to an increase in people covered by public health insurance. There have been minor fluctuations in those with public health insurance and a slight decrease in those with private insurance during the most recent year analyzed. The availability and cost of health care are significant concerns. Although Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wayne Counties are home to multiple health care resources, the cost of daily private room rates has risen. This increase could hinder access for those who are underinsured or uninsured. In contrast, the number of nursing home beds per 1,000 has decreased while costs have increased. Given the region’s large population of residents aged 65 and older and rising life expectancy, this presents a continuous challenge, making the capacity to care for older adults an important issue to address. Considerations must include care at various levels, home-based solutions, and skilled nursing facilities.

In the 2025 edition of the report, rates of premature death, preventable hospital stays among Medicare enrollees, and the number of primary care physicians and dentists were added as indicators.