Collects data on family formation, growth, and dissolution; and vital events (i.e., births and deaths). The principal agency that produces general-purpose health data. NCHS is responsible for the collection, maintenance, analysis, and dissemination of statistics on the nature and extent of the health, illness, and disability of the U.S. population; the impact of illness and disability on the economy; the effects of environmental, social, and other health hazards and health care costs and financing.