Bringing Clarity to Health Information - CDC Vital Signs

Select another finalist

Americans want trustworthy health information they can use, but are often bombarded with largely unusable or incorrect information. To help remedy this, CDC Vital Signs was developed to translate the latest scientific and surveillance data into recommended actions using plain language that is easy to understand. Specific recommendations are directed to individuals and key institutions, including state and local health officials, employers, hospital administrators and school officials.

CDC Vital Signs releases separate material to two audiences. Information for scientists is written in language used in technical journals, while information for the public is written in clear easy-to-understand language. Town Hall teleconferences are also held monthly so that nearly 200 state and local health departments, clinicians, and others can share their own experiences in their community.

In the first year ending June 2011, monthly topics covered cancer prevention, obesity, tobacco, binge drinking, access to healthcare, HIV/AIDS testing, motor vehicle passenger safety, preventing cardiovascular disease, healthcare-associated infections, teen pregnancy, asthma, and food safety. Podcasts and fact sheets are available for all of these topics. The initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of different techniques for using and presenting sound data in the service of disease prevention.

Visit the CDC Vital Signs website or contact Dr. Richard Schieber at RSchieber@cdc.gov for more information.

Back to Innovative Landing page

select this link to scroll to the previous timeline event

select this link to scroll to the next timeline event

Bringing Clarity to Health Information - CDC Vital Signs

Finding the latest health recommendations that are both science-based and easy to understand can often be difficult.

Learn how CDC turns scientific and surveillance data into advice that everyone can use to stay healthy and prevent illness.More details ...

Improving Health and Sustainability in Food Choices

Having healthy, sustainable food choices available at work is essential to maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.

Find out how HHS and GSA are leading the way in improving dietary choices at federal facilities. More details ...

Getting More out of Video - NLM Video Search

Searching through videos to find specific information can be difficult and time-consuming.

Learn about the open-source National Library of Medicine tool that helps you find information in medical and public health films. More details ...

Lighting the Way - The NIOSH cap lamp

Helping underground miners see more clearly has tremendous benefits in an environment that is dangerous and difficult to illuminate.

Read how NIOSH developed a new light-emitting diode (LED) cap lamp that can prevent injuries and save lives. More details ...

Supporting Tribal Grantees – ACF Makes it Simple

Navigating grant requirements can be challenging, particularly when forms are complex and staff turnover is high.

Read how ACF’s Children’s Bureau has helped tribal grantees access funds through streamlining processes and better understanding tribal needs. More details ...

The National Database for Autism Research

Accelerating the pace of scientific discovery requires bringing together data from multiple disciplines, broadening engagement and increasing transparency.

Find out how the National Institutes of Health developed an information sharing platform for the autism research community. More details ...