Explore the Library

To find community examples and tools for collecting and using health data, browse through all content or select by topic.

About These Tools

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust is presenting these data tools for your information and use, but did not create them. These tools may be subject to copyright, and should be used within the terms of use outlined in any copyright restrictions.

Be Advised

We hope you find these tools useful. We advise you to keep in mind that the content in these tools may cover sensitive issues that could be triggering for certain individuals.

Category: Updated Annually

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- National Center for Health Statistics
Tool Type: Guides, National Data Source, Questionnaire / Survey, Reports
Existing Data Source

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) measures the health and nutritional status of adults and children in the United States and includes both interviews and physical examinations. In addition to demographic, socioeconomic, dietary, and health-related questions, the NHANES also contains medical, dental, and physiological measurements, as well as laboratory tests administered by highly trained medical professionals.

North Carolina Data Portal

Author: Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems- University of Missouri Extension
Tool Type: Assessment, Dashboard, Data Visualization, National Data Source, Notes, Questionnaire / Survey, Reports
Existing Data Source

The North Carolina Data Portal provides users with access to data, maps, and tools required to conduct community health assessments and other public health activities. North Carolina’s NC Data Portal is poised to serve as the primary source of secondary health data for most local health departments.

Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

Author: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tool Type: Questionnaire / Survey
Data Collection Tool

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is a system of state-based telephone surveys that collects info about chronic disease and injury risk behaviors, preventive health practices, and access to health care.

Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool

Author: Council on Environmental Quality
Tool Type: Dashboard, National Data Source, State Data Source
Existing Data Source

The Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool provides information about environmental health burdens on communities.

Census Reporter

Author: Census Reporter
Tool Type: National Data Source, Questionnaire / Survey, State Data Source
Existing Data Source

Census Reporter provides journalists with easy access to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Population and dollar figures are broken down by category: Demographics, Economics, Families, Housing and Social.

PLACES: Local Data for Better Health

Author: CDC, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the CDC Foundation
Tool Type: National Data Source, Reports
Existing Data Source

PLACES provides model-based, community-level analysis of 36 chronic-disease realated measures for all counties, states, and census tracts nationwide.

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

Author: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, School of Medicine and Public Health
Tool Type: Reports
Existing Data Source

This data source produces annual county health ranking reports at the state and county levels. The rankings are based on a variety of health factors that influences the wellbeing of the communities, including health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. In addition to the rankings, this data source provides guidance and additional resources for the stakeholders to improve health outcomes and promote health equity in their communities.