In your opinion, what is the best method to obtain data on a health-related topic? Would you call your local health department, contact your physician, or email the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention? Perhaps you would do none of these. Where would you go to obtain data? You will discuss how you can retrieve data on a health-related topic of your choice!

This Discussion is an opportunity for you to explore the practical application of research in health care. Please respond in first person, share personal experiences, and ask questions to further develop your understanding of how to obtain data on a health-related topic. Also cite references and share links to your resources.

National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) – National and state data sets as well as statistic reports. Information about ordering data sets that cannot be downloaded.
CDC Data and Statistics page – much more than NCHS
CDC WONDER – WONDER provides a single point of access to a wide variety of reports and numeric public health data.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality – Data and Surveys
Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) – Data dictionaries, documentation and request forms. No searchable data online.
U.S. Census Bureau, Current census data including information broken down by state, city, and region.
WHOSIS — WHO Statistical Information System