National Vital Statistics System

The National Vital Statistics System (NVSS) an inter-governmental data sharing in Public Health provides the most complete data on births and deaths in the United States. The National Vital Statistics System is the oldest and most successful example of inter-governmental data sharing in Public Health and the shared relationships, standards, and procedures form the mechanism by which NCHS collects and disseminates the Nation's official vital statistics. These data are provided through contracts between NCHS and vital registration systems operated in the various jurisdictions legally responsible for the registration of vital events- births, deaths, marriages, divorces, and fetal deaths. Vital statistics data are also available online.