Health Statistics & Data Management (HSDM):

• Receives access to birth data via the Bureau of Data and Systems Management in DHHS from the Division of Vital Records Administration under NH state law;
• Analyzes information from reported birth records for NH DHHS programs and for external community customers;
• Distributes statistical reports to government agencies and other requesting public and private organizations; and
• Prepares reports that contain tabulations of birth data.

The Data:

• Is used to plan, administer and evaluate community and public health programs; and
• Is typically considered complete and available for analysis approximately 12 months after the close of a calendar year.

The Division of Vital Records Administration in the Office of the Secretary of State collects:

• NH Birth information from hospital and midwife reporters;
• NH resident out-of-state births through an interstate exchange agreement; and
• Birth certificate data information, which includes:
  • Newborn's sex, weight, period of gestation, date of birth and congenital anomalies;
  • Mother's and father's residence, age, race and ancestry; and
  • Many characteristics of the pregnancy and birth including maternal smoking and alcohol use, method of delivery, use of prenatal care and complications of the pregnancy.