The Division of Health Statistics (DHS) collects, compiles and reports vital statistics data. This includes data on births, deaths, natural fetal deaths and induced terminations of pregnancies. The data are collected during vital records registration which assures high responses DHS also formats population data from the National Center for Health Statistics and the Census Bureau into reports by age, race, sex and ethnicity. The statistics are widely used by federal, state and local government as well as the private sector to analyze current and historical patterns and to forecast future needs. Government officials also use the data collected by DHS to establish baselines and to evaluate the effectiveness of programs they administer. These measurements help officials judge how well they are meeting their strategic plan. The DHS does a lot of collaborating with other group to develop comprehensive data bases.