Saving statistical lives - Contributions of statistics to public health

Prevention is about saving "statistical lives"-lives that society knows abo ut only through the efforts of public health statisticians like Jack Smith. As Mr. Smith's lifework suggests, statistics in public health are critical for calling attention to problems, identifying risk factors, and suggestin g solutions, and ultimately for taking credit for our successes. His work i llustrates two important lessons about public health statistics today. First, it's important to get the facts straight. Mr. Smith's experience sho ws that a careful, thoughtful analysis is not only more convincing in the e nd, but also brings to light important subtleties not seen in the initial a nalysis. Second, it takes considerable time and attention to get the facts straight. Jack Smith's work illustrates the importance of partnerships with other federal agencies, state statistical organizations, and private-secto r entities.