NVDRS Resources

CDC provides technical assistance for the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) in the form of manuals and complementary resources.

For further information on NVDRS, contact dvpinquiries@cdc.gov.

• NVDRS Overview Cdc-pdf[372 KB, 2 Pages, 508]
  This fact sheet describes how the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) helps CDC monitor and track deaths related to violence. It also provides information on the benefits and challenges of NVDRS, examples of program highlights, and next steps. Also available in Spanish Cdc-pdf[194 KB, 2 Pages, 508]
• NVDRS and Law Enforcement Cdc-pdf[722 KB, 2 Pages, 508]
  This fact sheet describes how the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) allows law enforcement to have a more comprehensive view of violent deaths.
• NVDRS and Coroner/Medical Examiner Partners Cdc-pdf[577 KB, 2 Pages, 508]
  This factsheet describes the essential role coroners and medical examiners have in NVDRS.
• NVDRS Implementation Manual Cdc-pdf[1.83 MB, 67 Pages, 508]
  The NVDRS Implementation Manual is a training tool for public or private agencies who want to implement a violent death reporting system in their jurisdictions. The manual provides helpful information on what types of data to collect, where to collect them, and how to work best with data providers.
• NVDRS Coding Manual Cdc-pdf[1.29 MB, 202 Pages, 508]
  The NVDRS Web Coding Manual is a reference document for defining cases, entering data, and checking data once it is entered. It contains information about individual variables and the way the data are structured. The coding manual was developed through an extensive consultation process. It is published by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

NVDRS Stories

NVDRS increases our knowledge about where violent deaths occur, who is most at risk, and the factors that contribute to violent deaths. These data provide the foundation for building successful strategies for preventing violence so that all communities are safe and free from violence and people can live to their full potential.

The following success stories demonstrate significant efforts from states using NVDRS data to inform prevention-focused programming.

NVDRS: Stories from the Frontlines of Violent Death Surveillance Cdc-pdf[6.44 MB, 18 pages, Print Only]External
This 2017 report produced by Safe States Alliance includes an overview of NVDRS and profiles of how nine states translated NVDRS data into action.

Data Help Describe Suicide Problem in Utah [250 KB, 2 Pages, 508]
The Utah Department of Health’s Violence and Injury Prevention Program (VIPP) used NVDRS data to develop a suicide awareness toolkit to equip local media to more adequately report on suicide trends in the state.

Other Success Stories

States around the country are using NVDRS to help inform their violence prevention efforts:

• Oklahoma: Oklahoma used NVDRS data on intimate partner violence homicides to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot lethality assessment program. Police responding to domestic violence incidents connected victims at high risk for homicide with a local domestic violence service provider. Compared to the control group, women in the program reported experiencing significantly less violence, were more likely to apply for an order of protection, and were more likely to receive domestic violence services. The lethality assessment program is now being implemented statewide.

• Colorado: The Colorado Department of Health used NVDRS data on suicide among middle-aged men to develop a web-based suicide prevention initiative to engage and help connect men with appropriate resources. Initial web analytics show 83% of survey respondents reporting that they would recommend the site to a friend in need.

• Rhode Island: NVDRS data showed the adult working age population as being at increased risk for suicide and suicide attempts. A symposium was conducted with the two largest employers in the state to increase awareness of depression and suicide among working age adults and provide strategies for integrating suicide prevention into worksites.