Violent Crime Now the Top Public Health Concern

Community violence and crime constitute the No. 1 “public health issue” that concerns registered voters in Virginia, finds the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association (VHHA) in a poll released today. Fifty-one percent of the 800 Virginians polled selected the issue.

The No. 2 concern was healthcare work shortages, which logged the top vote from 25% of respondents. (The VHHA press release did not indicate which other concerns, such as COVID-19, that people could select from.)

The poll also found that:

  • Two thirds support a VHHA priority, the Certificate of Public Need, which regulates investment in new facilities and equipment;
  • Virginians view hospitals more favorably than insurance companies, and blame health insurance costs, pharmaceutical companies and general inflation the most for rising health care costs; and
  • 92.6% have had at least one COVID vaccination dose. Respondents were evenly divided between those who still wear masks in crowded indoor spaces and those who don’t.

— JAB