The survey, published Feb. 4, polled 2,121 adults on their top public health priorities and concerns.
More than half of respondents, 54%, said the U.S. has last ground on the opioid epidemic, more than any other issue included in the survey. Half, 50%, said the U.S. has lost ground on addressing mental health.
Here are three other numbers to note:
- One in four survey respondents ranked improving healthcare access and affordability as the public health issue that should be given highest priority by government leaders, and 52% of respondents included this issue among their top three priorities.
- About one in five respondents ranked addressing the opioid and drug overdose epidemic among the top three issues leaders should address. Ensuring adequate mental healthcare was also ranked in the top three by about one in five respondents.
- The majority of those surveyed, 69%, said the federal government, rather than state governments, should lead on addressing the opioid crisis. Preferences were mixed on ensuring adequate mental healthcare — 47% of respondents said the federal government should lead, while 53% said state governments should lead on the issue.
Read the full survey here.
