By Rex Hodge
WLOS–ABC News 13
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. — Babies born in Western North Carolina counties are expected to live years less than a baby born elsewhere in the state. That’s according to a new report released by an organization called NC Child.
It measures several factors, like population and unemployment rates.
Check out county-by-county data here
In Swain County a baby born today is expected to live to 73.1 years of age. In Jackson County, 78.6, and in both Buncombe and Henderson more than 79. By comparison, a baby born in Orange County is expected to live to 81.7.
The CEO of hospitals in Swain and Jackson says that can change by providing better access to care.
“We’ve done that through the recruitment of additional women’s health providers, pediatricians to the community. Just this year we started a new OB clinic in Swain County,” says Steve Heatherly.
Heatherly says he’s also started a partnership with Swain County schools encouraging healthier lifestyles for employees and students.