Data Sources

The BRFSS is a national survey administered on an ongoing basis by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to adults in all 50 states and several districts and territories. The instrument collects data on adult risk behaviors, including alcohol abuse annually through a telephone survey. Due to limitations in sample sizes, data is suppressed when cell numbers reach a minimum threshold as a result of small sample size. The full South Dakota BRFSS information is available on the South Dakota Department of Health’s website at:
https://doh.sd.gov/statistics/2016BRFSS/default.aspx

The NSDUH is a national survey administered annually by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to youth ages 12 to 17 years of age and adults ages 18 and up. The instrument collects information on substance use and health at the national, regional and state levels. The advantage of NSDUH is that it allows comparisons to be made across the lifespan (that is, ages 12 and up). NSDUH indicators can be accessed at:
https://public.tableau.com/profile/roland.loudenburg#!/vizhome/NSDUH_SDvUS_2016/Sheet2

The Office of Highway Safety is responsible for tracking all fatalities that occur on South Dakota's highways and reporting this information through the Fatal Analysis Reporting System (FARS). The data represented provides information on highway crashes and fatalities. Much of this information is gathered through the accident records system, which records data on fatal crashes in South Dakota for input into a larger national record-keeping system of statistical data. Impaired driving is one of the most serious traffic risks facing residents on South Dakota roadways. Data and information on Highway Safety initiatives and activities can be found at:
https://dps.sd.gov/safety-enforcement/highway-safety

The YRBS is a statewide survey administered biennially since 1991 through a collaborative partnership between South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Department of Education in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its purpose is to quantify the health-related behaviors and attitudes of 9th through 12th graders by direct student survey. The survey collects information on student substance use, risk factors related to substance use, as well as consequences, perceptions and social risk factors related to substances, and collects information on many other health factors. Data and information from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey can be found at:
https://doh.sd.gov/Statistics/YRBS.aspx