In the initial days of the Trump administration, officials scoured federal websites for any mention of what they deemed “DEI” keywords — terms as generic as “diverse” and “historically” and even “women.” They soon identified reams of some of the country’s most valuable public health data containing some of the targeted words, including language about LGBTQ+ people, and quickly took down much of it — from surveys on obesity and suicide rates to real-time reports on immediate infectious disease threats like bird flu.
The removal elicited a swift response from public health experts who warned that without this data, the country risked being in the dark about important health trends that shape life-and-death public health decisions made in communities across the country.
—Dylan Scott for Vox Future Perfect
Last week’s newsletter from Vox made me think about how basic health information that we have readily available can be taken for granted. Public health data is a cornerstone of effective policy-making, research, and intervention strategies aimed at improving community health. These datasets provide critical insights into health trends, risk factors, and disparities, helping guide decisions that shape healthcare services and public health initiatives.
So, Why Public Health Data Matters?
The collection and analysis of public health data enable researchers and policymakers to track health trends, allocate resources efficiently, and implement targeted interventions. Without access to comprehensive and reliable data, communities risk being uninformed about pressing health concerns, which can lead to delays in addressing emerging issues such as disease outbreaks, mental health crises, and lifestyle-related conditions.
In the U.S., a variety of national surveys collect essential health data to provide a comprehensive view of public health. Below are some of the most impactful surveys and how they have been put into good use.
Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)
The BRFSS is one of the most extensive national health surveys, collecting data annually from approximately 400,000 Americans. Conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it tracks behavioral health risks such as physical activity, diet, tobacco and alcohol use, and chronic diseases.
Findings from BRFSS have been instrumental in monitoring trends such as the rise in teen vaping. For instance, BRFSS data helped inform decisions on banning flavored e-cigarettes, and subsequent research indicated potential unintended consequences, such as an increase in traditional cigarette use among youth. Additionally, BRFSS has played a crucial role in identifying health disparities among LGBTQ+ populations, shedding light on higher rates of uninsurance and poor self-reported health, prompting targeted health initiatives.
Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)
The YRBS, conducted by the CDC since 1990, focuses on the behaviors of high school students, collecting data directly from adolescents rather than from parents or teachers. This survey is essential for understanding trends in mental health, substance use, sexual activity, and experiences of violence.
For example, YRBS data has highlighted increasing rates of depression and anxiety among teenagers, contributing to national conversations on youth mental health. It has also been used to explore the relationship between social media usage and teen well-being, informing debates over policies such as phone restrictions in schools.
Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
The SVI is a specialized dataset that breaks the U.S. into small geographic regions and assesses their vulnerability to public health crises and natural disasters based on socioeconomic factors, disability rates, and housing conditions. Government agencies and emergency planners use this data to allocate resources effectively before, during, and after disasters.
For example, researchers utilized SVI data to evaluate community responses to Hurricane Helene, identifying patterns in disaster preparedness and recovery across different socioeconomic groups. This information has been vital in shaping future emergency response strategies and ensuring equitable disaster relief distribution.
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