About this Site

Background of the Health Data Collaborative

A small group of Central Texas non-profit organizations began to hold regular meetings in early 2004 because they were concerned about the availability and quality of data regarding the uninsured in Central Texas.  The Central Texas Health Data Collaborative grew out of this group, and the focus broadened from data related to healthcare coverage, to data related to health in general.

Members of the Health Data Collaborative

The purpose of the Central Texas Health Data Collaborative is to improve access to health-related, data-oriented information specific to Central Texas. There are currently ten organizations involved in the collaborative.

• Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department
• Central Texas Sustainability Indicators Project
• City of Austin, Community Care Services Department
• Community Action Network
• Indigent Care Collaboration
• insure-a-kid
• Seton Family of Hospitals
• St. David's Community Health Foundation
• St. David's Healthcare
• Williamson County & Cities Health District

Disclaimer:  The Central Texas Health Data Collaborative supports the sharing of diverse data sources and perspectives.  Hence, members of the Health Data Collaborative link data and post reports without auditing or clearing them with other members.  The Health Data Collaborative and its members cannot guarantee the technical correctness of a publication or dataset, nor assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information. The Health Data Collaborative provides the Central Texas Health Data Collaborative website as a service to the public. The links, documents and other information available at this website is provided on an "As Is" and "As Available" basis and without warranties or conditions of any kind, either express or implied. By accessing or using this website, you agree to these Terms of Use.

Using The Website

This website is unique in that all posted items contain information specific to Central Texas counties.  There are 2 basic ways to use this website:

• Search for data or reports by county or keywords
• Browse links to other health-related websites

Some search tips:

• To broaden your results, select fewer health topics or counties at a time.
• To narrow your results, select more variables [e.g. select health topic(s) AND county(s)].
• Use simplest or fewest possible keywords.
• Try different forms of words (e.g., cancer instead of cancerous growths).
• Try different terminology (e.g., drug, pharmaceutical, medication).

Website Users

Guests (registration recommended)

The Central Texas Health Data Collaborative allows any guest to search, view, and download all studies and reports described on the site.  Click to register or log-in.

Submitters (registration required)

Anyone may submit health-related, Central Texas-focused studies or reports for posting consideration.  Once a study or report is submitted, a member of the Health Data Collaborative will review it, and either accept or reject it for posting on the Collaborative website.  Click to register or log-in.

Members (Collaborative members only)

Individuals representing the participating organizations of the Health Data Collaborative have full privileges.  Members submit studies and reports, as well as review and publish submissions.

Submission & Publishing Policies

Submission Policy:

• Individuals and organizations may share their own work through the CTHDC website.
• Generally, sharing of data and reports will be through links to documents or web pages already published electronically elsewhere.
• Only the authoring individual or organization may upload documents.
• Any works formally published and requiring permission/payment for use must be limited to an abstract. Links to the publisher's or author's website or contact information should be included to assist users in accessing the work.

Suitable submissions must:

• Contain information specific to at least 1 of the 10 Central Texas counties.
• Be data oriented.
• Be relatively current (2000 to present).
• Not contain obvious factual errors.
• Be in compliance with HIPPAA regulations.
• Not defame or invade the privacy of any individual or organization.

Unsuitable submissions include:

• Documents containing Texas state or national information.
• Health or social service resource guides.
• Personal health information.
• Any materials protected under copyright, trademark or trade secret laws, unless with the express authorization of the owners.
• Documents supporting a specific political agenda or political candidate.
• Opinion/editorial pieces.

Publishing Policy:

"Level 1" Collaborative Members will take responsibility for reviewing and publishing submissions. At least one Level 1 Collaborative member must approve the submission for it to be published on the CTHDC website.

1. Document or data must:
   • Meet all submission criteria.
   • Be the "first copy" (i.e., not already contained in the CTHDC library).
   • If upload, submitter appears to be the copyright holder of the work or the authorized representative.
2. Report fields on website are complete and accurate.

Any complaints about the propriety (e.g. copyright violation) of a CTHDC-published report should be forwarded immediately to website administrators for follow-up. Administrators will:

• Immediately remove entry from the CTHDC website and investigate complaint promptly in consultation with the Advisory Board to determine validity of complaint.
• If a document is found to be posted in violation of copyright laws, submitter of work will receive an email from the administrator explaining reasons for removal of entry and if appropriate, include suggestions for making the work acceptable for CTHDC publishing.
• If complaint is found to be invalid, administrators will repost entry to CTHDC website.
• Administrator will keep record of complaints and emails related to complaints.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about the website