Report: Child Death Rate Rising In Wyoming

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A national study shows the death rate for children and teens in Wyoming inched up during the second half of the past decade while the national rate declined.

The report released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows the rate of child and teenage deaths in Wyoming rose from 45 to 47 per 100,000 during the years 2005 to 2009. The national average dropped from 32 deaths to 27 over the same period.

The Associated Press reports that Wyoming's disturbing trend contributed to the state's poor health score in the foundation's annual Kids Count report measuring child well-being. The state ranked 47th in the nation in the health category.