Emergency department and urgent care data collected in VDH’s syndromic surveillance system (ESSENCE) is available upon request. Before submitting a data request, please review data already available for some topic areas, including drug overdose, firearm injury, respiratory illness, and heat-related illness.
VDH evaluates each data request considering factors such as applicable laws and data release policies, data availability, and data quality to determine if the request can be completed. If we determine the request can be completed, we will provide you an estimated turnaround time. If we cannot fulfill your request, you may be referred to an external source or contact.
To request emergency department and/or urgent care data from ESSENCE:
- Review the ESSENCE Data Dictionary to understand the data elements in the system.
- Read about the limitations of syndromic surveillance data.
- Complete and submit the ESSENCE Data Request Form. The request form can be used by VDH employees, other partners, and the general public.
- Expect a response within 3-5 business days with an estimated timeframe for completing your request or notification that your request cannot be fulfilled.
Special Note: If your request is deemed as research, you may need to pursue review by the Virginia Department of Health Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Questions? Email Syndromic@vdh.virginia.gov