In the latest 2024 County Health Rankings (CHR) report, Montgomery County, Frederick County, and Howard County have been recognized as some of the healthiest counties in the United States. The report emphasizes the importance of civic infrastructure and spaces that allow for connection and information sharing, such as access to local news, broadband internet, and public libraries. It also highlights how structural barriers like policies, laws, and practices can hinder participation in activities like voting and worker unionizing.
The CHR is a collaboration between the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Each year, the CHR compares counties within each state across more than 30 factors that influence health outcomes. These factors include social determinants like education, employment, housing, physical activity, and daily commute times. Based on these criteria, Montgomery, Frederick