Race and ethnicity

Connecticut vital statistics race and ethnicity reporting updates

Collecting race and ethnicity information on vital records is an important part of public health reporting. This information helps the Connecticut Department of Public Health track birth and death rates and better understand health trends across different communities. It also helps calculate rates of illness, disease, and other health risks using birth, fetal death, and death data.

The way race and ethnicity information is collected and reported has changed over time. Because of these changes, DPH uses specialized methods to analyze the data and accurately track health trends over time.

1997 revision to SPD-15

The fact sheets and report below explain the approach that DPH took to address the reporting impacts of changes to the way race data were collected on Connecticut vital certificates. These changes were prompted by a 1997 update to the 1977-based federal standard for collecting race and ethnicity data provided by Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD-15). Background information on the 1997 update of SPD-15 – or simply, the 1997 Revision – is also provided.

Fact Sheet: Connecticut DPH Vital Statistics: Single and Two or More (TOM) Race-Ethnicity Classification. Fact Sheet: Connecticut DPH Vital Statistics: Single and Two or More (TOM) Race-Ethnicity Classification.

Describes Connecticut’s adoption of a new Single and Two or More (TOM) Race and Ethnicity Classification for reporting vital statistics released in 2023 and later.
Fact Sheet: Guidance for Use of Connecticut Vital Statistics by Race and Ethnicity Across Data Collection and Classification Changes. Fact Sheet: Guidance for Use of Connecticut Vital Statistics by Race and Ethnicity Across Data Collection and Classification Changes.

Explains how changes in federal race and ethnicity reporting standards affect reporting of trends in Connecticut vital statistics.
Report: Natality and Infant Mortality Trends in Connecticut by Race and Ethnicity, 2003-2022. Report: Natality and Infant Mortality Trends in Connecticut by Race and Ethnicity, 2003-2022.

Provides results of analyses that combine older and newer data on race and ethnicity to better understand recent and longer-term patterns in maternal and infant health.

2024 revision to SPD-15

A second update to SPD-15 in 2024 highlights the continued need for state health departments to consider new analytical approaches for managing and reporting vital statistics by race and ethnicity. The links below provide additional information on this standard update, which DPH must adopt by 2029.

Statistical Policy Direction No. 15: History of Federal Race and Ethnicity Data Collection Standards

Race and ethnicity

Connecticut vital statistics race and ethnicity reporting updates

1997 revision to SPD-15

2024 revision to SPD-15

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Archived data

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Department of Public Health