Statistics atCDC

Abstract

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the lead U.S. Federal agency for protecting the health and safety of people. It accomplishes this mission by promoting health and quality of life with programs preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. In this mission CDC is joined by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), which is charged with evaluating the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), which is a Federal statistical agency with broad responsibilities to monitor the health of the nation, became a part of CDC in 1987. Both CDC and ATSDR are components of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). An important function of CDC is compilation, analysis, and interpretation of statistical information to guide actions and policies to improve health. Sources of data include vital statistics records, medical records, personal interviews, telephone and mail surveys, physical examinations, and laboratory testing. The integration of statistics and analytic techniques into public health research is also a critical asset to the agency, and has resulted in important applications in various disciplines such as epidemiology, economics, and the behavioral and social sciences. Coordination of statistical activities across CDC and ATSDR is carried out by the CDC/ATSDR Statistical Advisory Group.