Data Sources
Open public health data sources are platforms that provide unrestricted access to health-related information, allowing researchers, policymakers, and the public to freely explore and analyze data. These sources usually come from government databases, public health groups, and international organizations. On the other hand, restricted public health data sources involve controlled access due to privacy concerns or sensitive information, requiring authorization for use to ensure the protection of individuals’ confidentiality and compliance with data governance regulations. Below is the list of the unrestricted and restricted data sources used for this platform.
Publicly Available Data Sources
ALICE Data: Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed data, provided by the United Way, offers insights into the financial struggles of households that earn above the federal poverty level but still struggle to afford basic necessities, highlighting economic challenges faced by working families.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS): A nationwide health-related telephone survey system in the United States that collects data on residents’ health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health’s Mapping Medicare Disparities (MMD) Tool: An interactive online platform developed by the CMS Office of Minority Health to identify and visualize health disparities among Medicare beneficiaries across different racial, ethnic, and geographic groups.
Community Risk Profiles, Department of Health and Human Services: Data reports that provide information on various risk factors affecting communities.
Federal Bureau of Investigation, Crime Data Explorer: An online platform that provides access to comprehensive crime statistics and trends in the United States, collected through the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program.
Healthy People 2023: Produced by the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and provides 10-year national public health objectives and targets of what is considered healthy or ideal.
Healthy Youth Survey (HYS): A biennial survey conducted in Washington State to gather data on the health behaviors, risks, and resilience factors of youth in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12.
Homeland Infrastructure Foundation-Level Data (HIFLD): A compilation of geospatial data layers and services provided by the U.S. government to support homeland security, emergency response, and infrastructure protection activities.
National Equity Atlas (Integrated Public Use Microdata Series): A comprehensive data resource that provides information on demographic diversity, economic inclusion, and equity in the United States, drawing from the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) and other sources.
U.S. Census Bureau of Labor Statistics: The U.S. Census Bureau collects and analyzes labor market data, including employment, unemployment, wages, and occupational statistics, to inform economic policies and workforce development.
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI): An annual publication that provides detailed data on student performance, school demographics, and educational outcomes for public schools in Washington State.
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT): The WSDOT is responsible for planning, building, and maintaining the state’s transportation system, providing data on traffic, infrastructure projects, and transportation safety.
Washington Tracking Network: An online data system managed by the Washington State Department of Health that provides information on environmental health hazards, population health outcomes, and related community health indicator.
Restricted Data Sources (Not Publicly Available)
Annual Point-In-Time Count: The Annual Point-In-Time Count is a nationwide effort that provides a snapshot of homelessness by counting the number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness on a single night, used to inform homelessness services and policy.
National Syndromic Surveillance Program (NSSP): NSSP is a nationwide initiative by the CDC that collects and analyzes real-time health data from emergency departments and other sources to monitor and respond to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
Washington State Community Health Assessment Tool (CHAT): A data system provided by the Washington State Department of Health that offers access to public health data, including demographics, health behaviors, and outcomes, to support community health assessments and planning.
- Birth Rate
- Life Expectancy
- Infant Mortality
- Mortality
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System (CHARS): CHARS collects detailed information on hospitalizations across Washington State, including patient demographics, diagnoses, procedures, and outcomes, to support healthcare planning and policy.
Washington State Immunization Information System: A comprehensive database that tracks immunization records for residents in Washington State, helping to ensure high vaccination coverage and public health safety.