STATE VITALS: ALASKA

The state known as “The Last Frontier” has the highest suicide rate and ranks 6th in accidents. Alaska also has mortality rates that are higher than the U.S. for the following causes: cancer, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and influenza/pneumonia.

However, Alaska had the lowest rates in the country for low birthweight rate (6% of all births) and cesarean delivery rates (20.8% of all births).  The state also ranks among the 10 lowest rates for heart disease mortality, with an age-adjusted death rate of 151.5.