Oral

Interest in and recommendations for enhanced local data on the health of populations have been increasing at all levels. The US DHHS has recently launched the Community Health Data Initiative which is designed to provide data on local areas for the entire nation. Several IOM reports have advocated expanded state and local population health data. Many states are developing or expanding state and local health surveys. This session examines the role of state and local health surveys in providing such data and how they have been used to improve population health.

Session Objectives: 1. Describe strategies for using statewide local health survey data to identify and analyze health disparities and to evaluate health care reform 2. Discuss benefits of a coordinated network for state and local health surveys 3. Describe the role of national and state health surveys in tracking the progress of health care reform

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)