From Data to Action: Finding and Using Data to Achieve Results Ann Glusker Public Health- Seattle & King County January, 2009

When might you need data? If you know there’s an issue in your community but need to prove it To get funding To affect policy To advocate for your community or organization To question what someone else is saying To decide what programs you need to plan To direct you to next steps (remember- data can create more questions!)

What kinds of data are available? What are the pluses and minuses? Census/ACS (more on this later!) School data/OSPI Health data: Vital statistics (births and deaths) HIV/AIDS, TB, STDs BRFSS (for example, insurance, food security, obesity) Domestic violence Other State Population Survey Web-based Reports and Data National and State organizations Other

What are the most effective ways to present data? Prioritizing- offer 2 or 3 crucial facts Comparing- what makes a good comparison? Maps and graphics Building a case

What if the data you want isn’t readily available? Give data for the county, then show proportions that apply to your neighborhood Use data for a larger group, and then compare your group to the larger group Use substitutions Internet (start with Google, but don’t stop there!) Advocate for better collection of data sources of interest Consider gathering qualitative data

Quantitative and Qualitative data The two work together- qualitative can inform quantitative Qualitative data is stronger than anecdote, and can help you persuade someone that an anecdote is true Can be directed at specific groups and questions Can get at issues that quantitative data doesn’t Can incorporate cultural difference Combining stories with quantitative data gives a human face to the issue

Examples of using data Which languages should a community outreach brochure be translated to? Census and school data on languages in the area What level of need is there for low-income medical services in an area? Percent uninsured How does crime in our area compare this year to five years ago? Crime statistics (Seattle Police Department and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs sites ) What about overall income and housing quality? Census (and some other surveys have this data as well)

How do I use the Census/ACS? WITH CAUTION! Census data represent a COUNT- strong data, but old ACS data represent a SAMPLE- there’s error, but it is up to date ACS is not meant to be used for population estimates Can get tables from interactive site See tables in handout for examples

Other ideas and resources See handout on ideas for data sources See handout on ideas for presenting data effectively A good librarian is a good friend! Consider data collaboration Mention data needs while networking- ask about the latest new thing!

Feel free to contact me with questions… Ann Glusker Assessment, Policy Development and Evaluation Unit Public Health - Seattle & King County 401 5th Avenue, Suite 1300 Seattle, WA Phone: (206) Schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday A.M.