The Wyoming Department of Health is asking for public comment after releasing a draft of the state's first-ever state health assessment, a comprehensive review of health issues impacting Wyoming.
According to the assessment, the aging population will be one of the biggest future health issues the state will face. By 2030, one-fifth of Wyoming's population will be 65 or older.
Additionally, the assessment stated Wyoming ranks third in suicide deaths, and the rate is nearly double the national rate.
Stephanie Pyle, senior administrator of the Public Health Division of the Wyoming Department of Health, said the assessment was created to better understand health across Wyoming.
"We have a lot of data that shows us what the issues are. And so we also wanted to hear from communities too if that was their experience-their lived experience- that they are facing day in and day out within their communities," Pyle said.
The final assessment will be released in the spring. After that, the department will work on a state health improvement plan to address some of the issues raised, Pyle said.
The public comment period will close February 5.
