Gap in urban-rural pediatric mortality rates widens

Pediatric mortality is declining more slowly in rural areas than urban areas, a Health Affairs report released Thursday notes. Racial and ethnic gaps also persist.

The big picture: Deaths from unintentional injury and suicide among rural youth compound the slew of health struggles that more than 46 million Americans living in remote areas face.

Between the lines: Rural Americans experience higher rates of automobile accidents, with high speed limits and poor quality roads.

• Lower physician-to population ratios in rural areas also means higher hospital visits and ambulance calls.

Go deeper: Rural Americans can't catch a break