MGH Guides: DNH-720 Population Health: Data for Population Health

Local, National & Global Health Data

Looking for datasets? Fortunately, there are a variety of credible data sources on the open web, as well as tools for mapping such data. Take a look at these resources and tools and Ask a Librarian if you have additional questions.

If you need more local level data, try searching Google or another search engine for the website of a city or state's public health department.

HealthData.gov
A federal database of health data sets.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
If you choose a condition on the CDC website, you will find Data and Statistics about that condition.
Boston Public health Commission: Health Data
You can read the data available in the Health of Boston reports, as well as request data that does not appear in the reports.
World Health Organization:Global Health Observatory
WHO's portal providing access to data and analyses for monitoring the global health situation. Provides critical data and analyses for over 30 health themes ranging from health systems to disease-specific themes, as well as direct access to the full database.
WHO Global Health Estimates
The GHE provide a comprehensive and comparable assessment of mortality and loss of health due to diseases, injuries and risk factors. Global, regional and country estimates for all-cause mortality, and deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by age, sex and cause, are available for download.
WHO Mortality Database
Database of annual death registration data on causes of death by age and sex as reported from civil registration systems of more than 100 Member States.
World Bank Open Data: Health
Data here cover health systems, disease prevention, reproductive health, nutrition, and population dynamics. Data are from the United Nations Population Division, World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, and various other sources.
County Health Rankings
The annual County Health Rankings measure vital health factors, including high school graduation rates, obesity, smoking, unemployment, access to healthy foods, the quality of air and water, income, and teen births in nearly every county in America.

Mapping Public Health Data

These webs resources will help you map out public health data. If you need help using any of these tools, please Ask a Librarian.

Chronic Disease GIS Exchange (CDC)
Explore a wealth of spatial, environmental and public health GIS resources.
PolicyMap
Has some freely accessible health data.
HealthMap
Brings together disparate data sources, including online news aggregators, eyewitness reports, expert-curated discussions and validated official reports, to achieve a unified and comprehensive view of the current global state of infectious diseases and their effect on human and animal health.
NCHHSTP Atlas (CDC)
Access data reported to CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP). Use HIV, STD, hepatitis, and TB data to create maps, charts, and detailed reports, and analyze trends and patterns.
Community Commons
Provides public access to thousands of meaningful data layers that allow mapping and reporting capabilities so you can thoroughly explore community health.