Study shows American's capacity to care

A new measurement of America's social and economic well being was recently released by United Way of America. It shows a strong upward national trend in Americans' capacity to care for one another during the 1990s.

By releasing the State of Caring Index it is hoped it will help policy makers and others in the public and private sectors identify areas of greatest need as they direct community building efforts. The index will be released annually and reflects a range of elements including financial security, health care, education, safety, but also charitable activity, voluntaryism and civil engagements at the state and national levels.

The Caring Index for the nation as a whole rose 536 (of 1,000) in 1998 from 510 in 1988, a 5.1 percent increase.

It hit a decade low point of 482 in 1993, yet has risen for five straight years since then. In addition to the improvement in the economy, the index was pushed higher by declining rates of property and violent crimes, and educational gains, including increased math and science proficiency by the nation's high school seniors. Overall, more indicators are up than down since 1993, even in states ranked in the lower portions of the index.