Last updated April 2026.
National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS): America’s Health Data Authority
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is a specialized federal agency within the United States public health system responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating vital statistics and health information. Headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland, the NCHS plays a critical role in shaping public health policy and improving the health outcomes of Americans by providing comprehensive statistical data on births, deaths, marriages, and divorces across the nation.
Understanding NCHS Organization and Structure
NCHS as Part of the CDC
The NCHS is a sub-agency of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is itself a division of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This organizational structure places the NCHS within the broader federal public health infrastructure, allowing it to coordinate with other health agencies and contribute to nationwide health initiatives.
Role Within the U.S. Federal Statistical System
The NCHS is a key component of the U.S. Federal Statistical System, which encompasses multiple federal agencies responsible for collecting and analyzing data on various aspects of American life. Within this system, the NCHS focuses specifically on health-related statistics, including vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages, divorces), health surveys, and clinical data from healthcare providers.
Primary Responsibilities and Functions of NCHS
Data Collection
The NCHS oversees the collection of vital statistics from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and tribal jurisdictions. This includes data from birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. The agency standardizes data collection methods to ensure consistency and comparability across different jurisdictions.
Data Analysis and Research
NCHS analysts examine collected vital statistics to identify trends, patterns, and changes in American health. They conduct research on topics such as maternal mortality rates, infant mortality, causes of death, life expectancy, and marriage and divorce trends. This analysis helps identify emerging health issues and informs public health policy decisions.
Reporting and Publication
The NCHS releases findings through various channels, including technical reports, monthly vital statistics reports, fact sheets, data briefs, and peer-reviewed journal articles. These publications are made available to researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the general public through both print and online formats.
NCHS Data Products and Resources
Vital Statistics System (VSS)
The Vital Statistics System is the NCHS’s comprehensive national database of vital records. It contains data on millions of births and deaths occurring in the United States each year. This system allows researchers and policymakers to track health trends and evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions.
National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
The NHIS is one of the largest household surveys conducted by NCHS, collecting information on health status, health behaviors, and healthcare access from a representative sample of the U.S. population. Data from this survey are used to monitor public health and inform healthcare policy.
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)
NHANES combines interviews with medical examinations and laboratory tests to assess the health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. This data is crucial for understanding chronic disease prevalence and guiding nutritional and public health policies.
How NCHS Data Influences Policy
The statistical health information released by NCHS is used by federal, state, and local government agencies to shape new policies designed to improve public health. Healthcare providers use NCHS data to understand disease patterns and improve clinical care. Insurance companies use mortality and morbidity data to set rates and manage risk. Researchers use NCHS databases to conduct studies on health disparities, disease trends, and healthcare outcomes.
Accessing NCHS Data
Public Data Resources
Much of the data collected and analyzed by NCHS is made publicly available through the CDC website and specialized data portals. Researchers and the general public can access vital statistics reports, datasets, and analysis tools online at no cost. Some specialized datasets may require registration or approval for access.
Research and Custom Data Requests
Researchers needing specific data analyses or custom datasets can submit requests to NCHS. The agency works with academic institutions, government agencies, and other organizations to provide data support for health research projects.
NCHS and Vital Records
The NCHS maintains the National Vital Statistics System, which aggregates vital records data from state and local vital records offices across the country. This national perspective on vital statistics allows public health officials to identify health trends and disparities that might not be apparent at the state or local level. The data informs policy decisions on issues ranging from maternal and child health to chronic disease prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access NCHS data?
Most NCHS reports and data products are freely available through the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/nchs). You can access vital statistics reports, data briefs, and raw datasets through these public portals. Some specialized databases may require registration.
What is the difference between NCHS and my state’s vital records office?
State vital records offices maintain the original records for events occurring in that state and issue certified copies. The NCHS compiles and analyzes national data from all states to identify health trends and inform national policy.
Can I request specific vital records from NCHS?
No. NCHS does not issue certified copies of birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificates. For those documents, you must contact the vital records office in the state where the event occurred. NCHS provides aggregate statistical data, not individual records.
How often is NCHS data updated?
Vital statistics are typically published on an annual basis, with preliminary monthly data released throughout the year. Some specialized surveys and datasets have different release schedules. Check the NCHS website for the most current information.
What types of health statistics does NCHS track?
NCHS tracks vital statistics (births, deaths, marriages, divorces), health survey data, clinical examination data, and health behaviors. The agency monitors trends in chronic diseases, maternal and infant health, life expectancy, health disparities, and many other health-related metrics.
Related Terms
Department of Health | Social Security Number | Driver’s License