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How To... - Disseminate Data
Why Disseminate State Surveillance Data?
Dissemination of your state surveillance data is important to increase
awareness or raise visibility of your program and to gather support for
your program from target audiences. For example, you may want to raise the
visibility of your program among potential funders or the state
legislature to obtain additional resources, or among state and local
agencies to set priorities, modify programs, or inform policy.
After data have been distributed to those involved in the collection
(i.e., local, county and regional contributors) consider summarizing the
data in a report that includes tables and graphics for distribution to a
larger audience. For example, a summary report for other agencies and
organizations can provide information for program planning in your state.
Report on trends and provide comparison data (i.e., national data or
Healthy People 2010 objectives) when possible. Alternatively, consider
developing a fact sheet on one health indicator identified in the data for
which you want to increase visibility. Active dissemination of data is
useful to inform and educate health professionals, policy makers and
legislators. More than ever, states need reliable data to help in planning
and implementing health care policy. Although the Pediatric Nutrition
Surveillance System (PedNSS) and the Pregnancy Nutrition Surveillance
System (PNSS) data are program-based rather than population-based the data
can be a valuable source of information for health professionals and
policy makers.
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