Our data

NCHS is the nation’s principal health statistics agency. NCHS provides critical evidence to inform public health policy, monitor programs, track progress, and measure change.

As part of Federal statistical systemThe NCHS is the nation’s source of official health statistics. NCHS has decades of experience collecting and analyzing health data to produce objective, credible and relevant health statistics to support research and public policy. NCHS also has expertise in building and maintaining the services and systems required to deliver health data, and developing and applying the methods necessary to ensure their quality.

The picture of American health

NCHS data help us understand the physical and mental health of Americans throughout our lifespan. We collaborate with public and private health partners and utilize several data sources to get a broad overview of the country’s health, influence on health and health outcomes.

We collect information about births, deaths and almost everything health-related in between, incl.

• Growth and development across our lives
• Sexual health and behaviour, use of contraception and pregnancy
• Diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, and health conditions, such as high blood pressure and depression
• Behaviors that affect our health, such as what food we eat, how physically active we are and whether we smoke or drink alcohol
• Events and experiences that affect our health, such as injuries and exposures to chemicals in the environment
• Our ability to perform daily activities (function) and disability
• Access to and use of health services, health insurance, health services and the health system

Timely, accurate and efficient

At NHCS, we provide critical information to answer the most important health questions. We do this by –

• Collecting data to describe and understand the full spectrum of public health issues, including emerging health threats
• Analysis of data to identify health problems, disease patterns and characteristics and behaviors that increase the risk of disease, injury or death (risk factors)
• Comparing data across time, groups and geographic areas to understand trends
• Identifying and tracking health data by social, economic, geographic, and other characteristics to understand, promote, and protect the health of all Americans
• Sharing data, statistics, and resources to inform actions, policies, and research that improve the health of the American people

Widely available

NCHS shares our data, statistics and analysis as widely as possible. We collect this information on behalf of the American people. These resources and the insights they provide belong to all of us.

We share our work through

For evidence-based solutions

A wide variety of groups use NCHS data and statistics to guide their efforts to improve the health of Americans.

• Policymakers – setting priorities for research and prevention programs, tracking implementation of health policies and programs, and evaluating outcomes
• Public health professionals – to identify and monitor health problems, risk factors and disease patterns and assess the impact of health recommendations and programs
• Healthcare providers – to evaluate their patients’ health and risk factors
• Researchers – to study trends in health, health care delivery, risk factors and outcomes
• Media and advocacy groups – to find and share accurate information about health issues
• Business leaders – to support and guide the health-related activities of industry associations and private companies