How healthy is Georgia? A new report from Augusta University reveals some troubling answers, with the state ranking among the nation's poorest performers in several important measures of health and well-being.

The 2026 Healthy Georgia: Our State of Public Health report, released by Augusta University's School of Public Health, examines 31 health indicators, offering a comprehensive picture of the challenges facing residents across the state.

Biplab Datta, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Health Management, Economics, and Policy and the report's lead analyst, identifies healthcare affordability, kidney disease, loneliness and substance misuse as particularly concerning issues.

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A State Facing Serious Health Challenges

Among the report's findings, Georgia ranks 48th in healthcare affordability, seventh highest in kidney disease prevalence and second highest in loneliness.

The state also faces significant challenges involving mental health, opioid misuse and access to dental care.

Datta emphasized that affordability and social isolation deserve particular attention because of their consequences for individual and community health.

The findings also reveal a persistent divide between rural and urban communities. Rural Georgians experience higher rates of cigarette smoking, vaping, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease.

Beyond the Numbers

The report highlights the interconnected nature of Georgia's public health challenges. Limited access to affordable care, geographic disparities and social isolation can complicate efforts to improve health outcomes.

While Georgia has maintained comparatively low rates of heavy drinking and made progress on annual wellness visits, the findings suggest that substantial work remains to address health inequalities.

Now in its fifth edition, the Healthy Georgia Report provides policymakers, health professionals and community leaders with data to guide decisions about prevention, access to care and public health priorities.

“Healthcare affordability and dental visit rates were persistently lower in Georgia in the last five years,” Datta said. “Prevalence of kidney disease has been increasing nationally, but the gap between Georgia and the rest of the nation remains persistent. While some declining trends in child asthma have been observed, Georgia prevalence remained persistently higher than the national and regional averages.”

An Expert Voice on Public Health

As Georgia confronts rising healthcare costs, rural health disparities and growing concerns about mental well-being, Datta offers valuable expertise on the economic and policy dimensions of public health.

His work provides important context for journalists examining healthcare affordability, chronic disease, health disparities and the challenges facing communities across Georgia.

Biplab Datta, PhD, is available to speak with media about the findings of the 2026 Healthy Georgia Report and their implications for the state's public health priorities.

To connect with Datta or arrange an interview, click on his profile below.