Columbus Co. health ratings lowest in state

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The numbers are in and according to countyhealthrankings.org, Columbus County ranked lowest for overall health throughout our state.

The study considered things like smoking, obesity and sexual health, among others when determining the standings. Columbus County Health Director Kim Smith says that there is nowhere the county can go but up from here and she’s hopeful for the future.

“For us to be number 1, that would be wonderful, and maybe, you know, over the next 20 to 30 years we might be able to get up there,” Smith said. “But like I said these numbers don’t change overnight. So it’s going to be awhile before we’re up there on number one.”

Smith says the county is working on educating people to make healthier choices in their daily lives.