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Thurston County, Washington

Public Health and Social Services

Picture of health data, visualizations, reports, plans, and presentations

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

To make a data request, or to obtain copies of previous health data, visualizations, reports, plans, or presentations, contact Mary Ann O’Garro at 360-867-2525 or ogarrom@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. For more information, contact April Gunderson at april.gunderson@co.thurston.wa.us.