About
The Friends of NCHS is a voluntary coalition of more than 170 organizations and individuals that support the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). Members of this diverse group -- including think tanks, professional associations, and universities -- rely on the data collected and maintained by NCHS to conduct research, support advocacy efforts, and inform health policy.
The Friends of NCHS advocates on behalf of the agency to Congress. Its activities include:
Sending joint letters to key members of Congress;
Making joint visits to members of Congress and their staff; and
Coordinating briefings to demonstrate the importance of NCHS and the research it supports.
Learn about the Friends of NCHS governance: NCHS Charter.
Join the Friends
If your association, university, or corporation would like to join the Friends of NCHS, please use this form.
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Executive Committee
The Friends of NCHS is governed by a nine-member Executive Committee with seven permanent and two rotating members.
PERMANENT MEMBER
Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics
Founded in 1981, the Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics (COPAFS) represents over 300,000 individual researchers, educators, public health professionals, civic groups, and businesses that rely on the quality and accessibility of statistics that can only be effectively collected by the federal government.
chair | PERMANENT MEMBER
American Statistical Association
The American Statistical Association is the world's largest community of statisticians, the "Big Tent for Statistics." It is the second-oldest, continuously operating professional association in the country. Since it was founded in Boston in 1839, the ASA has supported excellence in the development, application, and dissemination of statistical science through meetings, publications, membership services, education, accreditation, and advocacy.
permanent member
AcademyHealth
AcademyHealth is the home and leading national organization for health services researchers, policymakers, and health care practitioners and stakeholders. Together with its members, AcademyHealth works to improve health and the performance of the health system by supporting the production and use of evidence to inform policy and practice – increasing the understanding of methods and data used in the field, enhancing the professionals skills of researchers and research users, and expanding awareness.
PERMANENT MEMBER
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is the nation’s leading group of physicians providing evidence-based obstetric and gynecologic care. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of more than 60,000 members, ACOG strongly advocates for equitable, exceptional, and respectful care for all women and people in need of obstetric and gynecologic care; maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members; promotes patient education; and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing patients and their families and communities.”
STAFF CONTACT
Lillie Heyman
rotating MEMBER
American Heart Association
For nearly 100 years, the American Heart Association has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive.
STAFF CONTACT
John Laughner
Rotating member
Data Foundation
The Data Foundation is a non-profit think tank based in Washington, D.C. that seeks to improve government and society by using data to inform public policymaking. Their research and educational activities proactively and rapidly address relevant, emerging data-related needs in the country with the goal of devising realistic solutions, accelerating policy coordination, and advancing innovation. The Data Foundation values diversity and transparency in pursuit of an equitable, data-informed society.
STAFF CONTACT
Corinna Turbes
Permanent member
March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family.
STAFF CONTACT
KJ Hertz
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VICE CHAIR | permanent member
National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems
The National Association for Public Health and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) is the national nonprofit organization representing the state vital records and public health statistics offices in the United States. Formed in 1933, NAPHSIS brings together more than 250 public health professionals from each state, the five territories, New York City, and the District of Columbia.
STAFF CONTACT
Meg Riley
PERMANENT MEMBER
Population Association of America/Association of Population Centers
The Association of Population Centers and Population Association of America work together to educate policymakers about population research outcomes and the federal agencies that support population, or demographic, research.
STAFF CONTACT
Mary Jo Hoeksema