National Violent Death Reporting System

Key points

  • The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) compiles information about violent deaths, including homicides and suicides.
  • Death certificates and death investigation reports are critical information sources about these violent deaths.
The NVDRS logo shows icons of a heart with EKG line, scales of justice, and papers.

Overview

CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) provides comprehensive information about all types of violent deaths, including homicides and suicides. NVDRS captures violent deaths in all settings and at all ages.

Decision-makers and program planners can use NVDRS to develop and tailor violence prevention efforts.

NVDRS data

NVDRS data come from death certificates, as well as reports from medical examiners and coroners, toxicology testing, and law enforcement. All data are stored anonymously in the NVDRS database.

The collected data provide valuable information about violent deaths and can increase our understanding of this type of mortality. NVDRS includes data about—

  • Relationship problems
  • Mental health conditions and treatment
  • Toxicology results
  • Money- and work-related problems
  • Physical health problems

All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico participate in NVDRS. It is the only state-based surveillance system that combines more than 600 unique data elements.

Resources

Print
Content Source:
National Center for Health Statistics