Health Statistics & Data Management analyzes information from the records of reported deaths and distributes statistical reports to government agencies and other requesting public and private organizations. The data is used to plan, administer and evaluate health and other programs.

Although the Health Statistics and Data Management Section analyzes birth and death data, it does not maintain the actual vital records or certificates.  To make inquiries about birth certificates or death certificates, contact the Division of Vital Records Administration at the New Hampshire Secretary of State's Office. 

The Bureau of Vital Records is responsible to collect information on deaths to NH residents and deaths occurring in NH as mandated by NH Administrative Rules.  Funeral home directors and the medical examiner report the information to Vital Records.  Information about out-of-state deaths to NH residents is collected by the state where the death occurs and reported to NH through an interstate exchange agreement.  HSDM receives the death data set from the Bureau of Vital Records.

Death data consists of information from a Death Certificate including but not limited to:

• Sex and age, residence, occupation and education of the deceased,
• Location and date of death, and
• Underlying cause of death as well as up to 14 contributing causes of death.

Information is complete and available for analysis approximately 12 months after the close of a calendar year.  The most recent death data available for analysis is calendar year 2000.  In addition to performing special analysis of the data, HSDM publishes an annual Vital Statistics report that contains tabulations of death data.