About the Dashboard
This dashboard shares selected data on deaths of Massachusetts residents including deaths by year, cause of death, and demographics of people who died. The different tabs show annual death trends and can be filtered by year, city/town, and cause. In addition, the data is presented in both total number of deaths and age-adjusted rate. All visualizations focus on reported race and Hispanic ethnicity, age, and gender.
The data found in the Excel file below complements the data contained within the dashboard.
As you look at data on this webpage, you may see differences among population groups. The differences are especially noticeable between white people and people of color.
These differences exist because of structural racism. These differences are NOT because of an individual’s choices, behaviors, or identity.
Systems of oppression, such as racism, cause harm to everyone. They also influence the social determinants of health (SDoH), which impact health outcomes. See Figure 1.
It is important to keep these notes in mind when looking at the data and using it to inform public health efforts.
If you decide to share these data, remember to use racial equity context and framing. The DPH Racial Equity Data Road Map is one resource that can help.
About Deaths of Massachusetts Residents
These data are collected from individual death certificates of Massachusetts residents, including residents who died in other US states. Demographic information is most often provided by family members, while cause of death information is provided by medical certifiers such as physicians, medical examiners, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.
Examining data on deaths of Massachusetts residents allows for the monitoring of trends in cancer, heart disease, suicide rates, or other diseases and aspects of health. This information can be used to track the characteristics of those who have died, inform and make decisions about public health challenges, and compare death trends with other communities.