Virginia Vital Events and Screening Tracking System (VVESTS)

Description

Death certificate data contain medical information, including underlying and contributing cause(s) of death, from medical providers, medical examiners, or coroners and are the primary source of data for official mortality statistics in the United States.

How the Community can use the Data

The Virginia Department of Health’s Vital Events and Screening Tracking System helps community members, researchers, policymakers, and public health professionals understand key population trends related to births, deaths, marriages, and divorces in Virginia. This data can inform health initiatives, guide policy decisions, support resource planning, and help address health disparities. It also plays a critical role in tracking public health priorities and improving services that support the well-being of communities across the Commonwealth.

Data Limitations

The accuracy and completeness of records depend on the information reported by healthcare providers, certifiers, and individuals involved in the registration process. Errors or omissions in reporting can affect data quality. Additionally, there may be delays in data processing and finalization, and the data typically focuses on high-level trends rather than detailed individual information. Privacy protections may also limit access to certain data elements.