About the Health Statistics Center

The Health Statistics Center (HSC) is a division of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health.

The HSC has two main Divisions.

• The HSC’s Vital Registration Office is the state’s official repository of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. These records are collectively referred to as “Vital Records.”

  The Vital Registration Office verifies the completeness and accuracy of the records, corrects errors and omissions, and issues certified copies of these records (for a fee), which are required for such items as school enrollment, employment, and passports.

• The HSC’s Statistical Services Program analyzes the information from vital records (and other sources) and makes it available for planning and policy purposes.

  The information is used to help monitor the health of West Virginians by analyzing birth, death, behavioral and other health data.  Such analysis can identify areas where specific interventions might favorably impact the health of state residents.

  Statistical Services produces two annual publications plus numerous special reports on specific topics. While the Statistical Services program tries to accommodate specific valid data requests for information that is not covered in the reports, data availability, request complexity, and both statistical and privacy concerns govern what requests can be fulfilled.
  Click here for more information on special data requests

The Vital Registration Office was first created by law in 1917. In 1978, the HSC was formed by executive proclamation of the Governor to encompass both Vital Registration and Statistical Services. The Statistical Services Program was formed from the addition of new employees and the incorporation of those in Vital Registration who had been responsible for data management and statistics. In 2008, Statistical Services expanded to include a chronic disease epidemiology unit responsible for conducting disease surveillance and program evaluation for public health programs addressing chronic disease, tobacco prevention, and minority health issues in West Virginia.