Health Data
The Assessment, Evaluation, and Planning team works to develop a comprehensive understanding of health in our community and translate data into action. Our team of epidemiologists collect, analyze, interpret, and disseminate various types of health data, visualizations, reports, plans, and presentations to community partners, decision-makers, and the public.
Data provides information about the health of a community. It can be used as a tool to:
- Identify and prioritize needs
- Make data-informed decisions
- Plan and evaluate programs
- Develop and implement policies
- Demonstrate a need for funding
- Inform the community about local health issues
Many things affect the health of a community. Health data topics include, but are not limited to:
- Access to care
- Affordable housing
- Demographics
- Health equity
- Income and education
- Leading causes of death and hospitalization
- Maternal and child health
- Mental health
- Racism and discrimination
- Substance use
Health data is gathered through in-house data collection, as well as through analysis of existing data sources available, such as:
- Vital records
- Population surveys
- Information systems
Data storytelling is the process of transforming complex data into simplified narratives and visualizations that communicate context, insight, and interpretation. Below are health-related data stories made by the Assessment, Evaluation, and Planning team:
County Health Rankings and Roadmaps have released the 2024 County Health Rankings, which provide an annual snapshot of the health of the nation’s counties. Thurston County is faring about the same as the average county in Washington for Health Outcomes, and better than the average county in the nation. Thurston County is faring worse than the average county in Washington for Health Factors, and better than the average county in the nation. Explore the health outcomes and health factors of Thurston County and see how other counties compare at www.countyhealthrankings.org/health-data/washington/thurston?year=2024, or view the summary report put together by our team titled County Health Rankings 2024 Data Release for Thurston County and Washington State.
Health Outcomes
Health Factors
To make a data request, or to obtain copies of previous health data, visualizations, reports, plans, or presentations, contact the Assessment, Evaluation, and Planning team at phss_data@co.thurston.wa.us.
Community Health Assessment
The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is a collection and review of health data used to illustrate the current health status of a community and monitor its progress over time. It is a critical step in defining the vision for health in Thurston County so that targeted health improvement efforts can be selected to affect policies, dismantle health disparities, and promote collective impact in our community. The findings from a CHA are used to identify the health priorities of focus for a Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). A Thurston County CHA is in the process of being conducted.
Contact our Assessment, Evaluation, and Planning team at phss_data@co.thurston.wa.us if you have additional questions.