National center for health statistics

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is a United States federal agency that is responsible for producing vital and health statistics. The agency is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland.

History

The NCHS was established in 1960. The center's roots can be traced back to the establishment of the United States Census Bureau's Division of Vital Statistics in 1902. The NCHS was created to provide statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.

Function

The NCHS collects data from birth and death records, medical records, interview surveys, and through direct physical exams and laboratory testing. The center's mission is to provide statistical information that will guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people. The NCHS uses this data to monitor trends in health status, health care access and progress towards health objectives.

Data Collection Programs

The NCHS operates several key data collection programs. These include the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), and the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS).

Impact

The data collected by the NCHS is used by public health officials, policymakers, and researchers to monitor and improve the nation's health. The center's data is also used to identify disparities in health status and use of health care by race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, region, and other population characteristics.

See also

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Public health

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