W. P. A. PROJECT FOR THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF

COLUMBIA

(Proposal Number 46; Sponsor's Number 24)

BUREAU OF VITAL STATISTICS PROJECT

Objectives. "Completion and tabulation of statistical data concerning the District of Columbia additional to tables and charts heretofore made and published."

(1) Allocation of census tract numbers to all birth and death certificates for a 5-year period beginning with January 1, 1932, and ending with December 31, 1936.

(2) Preparation of tables, charts, graphs, and maps according to race and census tracts by location, residence of decedent, and cause of death.

Appropriation.-This project covered the work for all the bureaus in the health department, including the bureau of vital statistics. The first appropriation was in the amount of $12,000 covering the period from February through May 1937. The second appropriation was in the amount of $70,000 and provided for the employment of 50 people, beginning with June 1937. The project has, as yet, not been terminated.

Number of employees.-The average number of employees in the bureau of vital statistics project is 5.

Duration of project.-February 1937 to date. This project is still being continued.

Summary of work and personel, 1927, 1932, and 1937

In the effort to measure the degree to which the statistics of the bureau of vital statistics in the District of Columbia Health Department compare with the standard of performance, the work in the bureau was scored on the "Appraisal Form for City Health

Work," developed by the Committee on Administration Practice of the American Public Health Association.

Of the possible 100 points, the score for the bureau of vital statistics is 87. The items which account for the deficiency of 13 points in the score are as follows:

1. Birth statistics:

b. ii.—Tabular statement, printed annually, of births, classified as to place of delivery and by whom delivered. Value of item, 8; value assigned, 6. Statements are prepared and distributed in the department to interested agents but is not printed, as sufficient funds are not available for this purpose.

¤. iv.—Graphic presentation of infant mortality rates, total, and by principal causes, during period for which accurate statistics are available. Value of item, 3; value assigned, 1. Charts are available showing annual infant mortality rates. Data are available on infant mortality by principal causes, but charts have not been prepared.

b. v.-Printing of annual tabulations of births and of infant mortality rates by sex and by color. Value of item, 3; value assigned, 0. Data available, but not printed.

2. Mortality statistics:

b. v.-Graphic presentation of total death rate and of rates of at least the four most important local causes during the period for which accurate statistics are available. Value of item, 10; value assigned, 7. Charts are available, showing total death rates and death rates from principal communicable diseases, but not of other important local causes.

b. vi.-Publication of tables annually, showing deaths by cause, age, sex, and color; deaths under 1 year by cause and age; puerperal deaths by cause and kind of obstetrical care; deaths from the 10 most numerous causes of death, and from all communicable diseases. Value of item, 4; value assigned, 1. Of the above, the printed annual statistical report includes the deaths from the 10 most numerous causes and from all communicable diseases.

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