The mission of the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) is to provide statistical information that will guide actions and policies to improve the health of the American people.

The National Center for Health Statistics is responsible for the collection, 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, & other health hazards; the use of health care services; health resources; family formation, growth, and dissolution; and vital events (i.e., births and deaths).