New report says Kansas fell in children's health ranking

A report that tracks children's well being around the nation says teen pregnancy rates in Kansas have fallen, but the rate of lower birth weights has risen.

The annual Kids Count Data Book gives a glimpse of how children are doing in each state based on multiple factors, such as health, education, economic well-being, family and community.

According to the report, Kansas fell two places from last year, landing at 15 overall.

The data book claims the state has seen a 46% decline in teen birth rates over the last 8 years, but a 4% increase in the number of lower birth weights.

The report also says Kansas has seen a 17 percent drop in the number of kids in poverty from 2010 to 2017.

The Casey Foundation, the group responsible for the data book, wants government officials to expand programs that keep kids and the adults in their lives healthy. They specifically point to the Kansas Senate blocking a vote for Medicaid expansion this year as a missed opportunity to improve in that area.