National Health Security Preparedness Index 2019: Nation’s Ability to Manage Health Emergencies Rises

The 2019 National Health Security Preparedness Index shows that the United States scores a 6.7 on a 10-point scale for preparedness—a 3.1 percent improvement over the last year, and a 11.7 percent improvement since the Index began in 2013.

The Index analyzes 129 different measures for each state and the nation—including the percentage of bridges that are in good condition, the prevalence of hazard planning in nursing homes, the number of paramedics and medical volunteers, and other factors—to calculate a composite score providing the most comprehensive picture of health security available. The scores indicate the ability to protect the health security of Americans from incidents like newly emerging infectious diseases, terrorism, and extreme weather conditions at the state and national levels.