A groundbreaking study has unveiled distressing findings about US mortality rates compared to other affluent countries. If the United States had similar mortality rates as its peers, over one million lives could have been saved in 2021 alone. Termed the “Missing Americans,” these excess deaths have become a matter of concern for experts like Boston University’s epidemiologist, Jacob Bor.
THE US’ MORTALITY CRISIS
While the COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly caused a surge in global mortality rates, the US faced an even graver situation when compared to other wealthy nations like Canada, Australia, and the UK. The study reveals that this alarming trend of increased mortality has been on the rise for the past four decades, setting the US apart from its Western counterparts.
IMPACT ON MINORITY GROUPS
The problem of early death is disproportionately affecting minority groups, with Native Americans experiencing mortality rates up to eight times higher on average. However, this crisis isn’t limited to minorities, as two-thirds of the Missing Americans are White Americans.
POLICY FAILURES AND BROAD CONSEQUENCES
Bor and his team examined mortality data from 21 wealthy countries dating back to 1933. During World War II, the US had the lowest mortality rates among its peers. However, from the 1980s, the number of Missing Americans steadily increased, surpassing one million in recent years. The researchers attribute this to various factors, including higher rates of homicide, suicide, car crashes, STIs, drug abuse, and other diseases.
POLICY ENVIRONMENT’S IMPACT
The researchers argue that broad policy failures are responsible for these alarming increases in mortality rates. While other comparable countries underwent similar societal changes, the US failed to protect those with limited access to education and opportunities. The lack of affordable healthcare, minimum wage increases, and safety nets has deepened inequality, leaving vulnerable populations with unregulated and unhealthy living and working conditions.
SOLUTIONS AND CHALLENGES
Addressing the US mortality crisis requires significant policy changes, including providing accessible healthcare and social welfare benefits to all residents. However, vested interests have hindered progress, making these solutions politically contentious. The pandemic’s aftermath has also eroded trust in government and support for public health initiatives, further complicating the path to improvement.
The revelation of the Missing Americans underscores the urgent need for substantial policy reforms in the US. Learning from the success of comparable countries in tackling mortality challenges can guide the nation towards higher life expectancy and better health outcomes. With strategic interventions and collective efforts, the US can begin to bridge the mortality gap and protect the lives of its citizens. This study’s findings were published in PNAS Nexus, serving as a wake-up call for policymakers and society as a whole.