"Alarming Rise in Early Deaths Leaves Over a Million Americans 'Missing'"
A new study reveals that if the United States had the same mortality rates as other wealthy countries, over 1 million people would have avoided death in 2021. Termed the "Missing Americans," this excess death phenomenon is unprecedented in modern times and is a unique crisis of early death among wealthy nations. The US's mortality increase was even more severe compared to other countries, and it has failed to recover in the same way. The problem disproportionately affects minority groups, but two-thirds of the Missing are White Americans. The researchers attribute this crisis to policy failures, including a low priority on public health and social protections, particularly for low-income individuals. The study suggests that increasing access to healthcare and social welfare benefits are crucial steps to reduce the number of Missing Americans.