Health Data & Epidemiology

What is Epidemiology? 

Epidemiology is the branch of public health that focuses on investigating patterns of disease and measuring the health of a community. A key function of epidemiology is to collect data through surveillance and reporting systems to look for trends and patterns of disease in the community. Data can highlight both the existence of problems and opportunities for improvement. It can also guide local action in support of policy changes and improve programs’ effectiveness. It also helps users prioritize needs, mobilize local resources, tap state and national resources, and act on opportunities to promote health. 

Types of Data

1. Primary data are collected first-hand through surveys, listening sessions, interviews, and observations
2. Secondary data are collected by another entity or for another purpose
3. Indicators are secondary data that have been analyzed and can be used to compare rates or trends of priority community health outcomes and determinants

To read more about different sources of data that exist, please visit the CDC Community Health Data website. 

How do we use Data?

We are committed to using and sharing data to ensure positive outcomes at the program and population level. We use gathered information to design, target, and evaluate programs that meet specific community needs.

Interactive Data Dashboard

The Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services (DPHCS) is excited to announce the launch of our data dashboard hosted on LiveStories! This data dashboard presents a broad range of public health indicators through an interactive web-based application. The dashboard houses the most up to date health data available for the Greater Nashua Region and will be continuously updated as new data becomes available. This collaborative platform provides data from the community level to national data, and tables and figures can be customized by age, gender, race/ethnicity, geographic location, etc. to explore different trends and patterns. In addition, the dashboard provides information about highlighted community activities and areas of interest. This dashboard is a powerful launch point for data-driven conversations at the community level. Check it out here!