Nevada ranked last in nation in child health care

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A new report by a private foundation is ranking Nevada dead last in the nation in health care for children.

The Commonwealth Fund report dubbed a State Scorecard on Child Health System Performance ranks the Silver State behind every other state and the District of Columbia.

Clark County Medical Society president Dr. Mitchell Forman tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal the report should serve as a wake-up call for the public and private sector to work together.

The findings by the New York and Washington, D.C.-based organization are that fewer than half of Nevada children see a medical practitioner regularly. In New Hampshire, the percentage is better than two in three.

Nevada State Health Officer Dr. Tracy Green says Nevada is unlike many states because it has a shortage of doctors.