About the Office of Analytics (OOA)

About the Office of Analytics (OOA)

Vision and Mission 

OOA’s mission is to help DHHS staff and stakeholders help people by providing reliable analytics and data to make a difference. 

Achieving this mission involves the following activities: 

  • Centralized Data Access: Serving as a consistent point of contact for DHHS Divisions and programs, the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, the media, and other stakeholders for data requests or inquiries about DHHS reports  
  • Core Deliverables: Producing recurring reports and dashboards that are either internal or externally-facing to ensure timely and relevant information dissemination 
  • Special Projects and Research: Conducting research and completing special projects on behalf of DHHS leadership to address specific needs and priorities 
  • DHHS Caseload Projections: Monitoring and projecting internal caseloads related to DHHS budgets, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF enrollment, to support effective budget management 
  • Ad-Hoc Data Requests: Fulfilling ad-hoc data requests for internal DHHS agencies and stakeholders, ensuring they have data needed for decision-making 
  • External Data Requests: Reviewing and fulfilling ad-hoc data requests from external agencies, researchers, community partners, and others, subject to resource availability 
  • Quality Improvement: Continuously enhancing the consistency and quality of analytic products produced and disseminated by DHHS to ensure they meet high standards of accuracy and reliability

History and Organizational Structure 

Prior to the establishment of the OOA, analytical positions were disbursed across various divisions and programs within DHHS. In 2018, efforts began to centralize these analytical resources. Analytical staff from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) and the Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS) were co-located in a shared office space and began working together under the direction of the Chief Biostatistician.  The team adopted a centralized DHHS data request tracking tool, and other analytic efficiencies, collaboration, and improvements began.


Following the 2019 Legislative Session, DHHS was approved to establish a formal pilot program for a centralized analytics unit (OOA).  Analytic positions from the Division of Health Care Financing and Policy (DHCFP), the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS), and the Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) joined OOA. Staff remained in their originating agency budget accounts but were co-located with OOA staff in the shared office space and continued to receive technical guidance from the Chief Biostatistician.


In 2020, staff from the OOA were instrumental in collecting and providing internal and public-facing data for Nevada's COVID-19 pandemic response and associated public health-related initiatives.  Analytic collaboration and growth continued, despite pandemic challenges. Various dashboarding initiatives, driven by the success and use of the public-facing COVID-19 dashboard, were implemented.


Following the 2021 Legislative Session, the OOA was formalized into an official program in the DHHS Director's Office with its own budget account and funding. Staff positions from the pilot program were formally transferred to the OOA. Since then, OOA leadership and staff continue to build internal analytic capacity, improve efficiencies, streamline processes, and expand the quality and scope of data deliverables for DHHS.