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Frequently Asked Questions

For other helpful information, please refer to the “How to Usesection.  If you can’t find an answer to your question, please feel free to email us at community@catalyst.harvard.edu.

How did you select the topics included in the Policy Atlas?

We sought to compile a comprehensive database of publicly available resources and downloadable data on a variety of emerging policy issues and common health topics.

I’ve noticed that my favorite or commonly used policy database isn’t included in the Policy Atlas. Why?

Harvard Catalyst Policy Atlas is a living database. Our team regularly updates it by adding new relevant data and resources. If you have a suggestion for a policy data resource that would be a valuable addition, please send it to community@catalyst.harvard.edu .

I’ve noticed that the data included in the Policy Atlas for my topic is not for the current year.

We update the Policy Atlas regularly, so most current data may be added in the next data upload. Also, it is possible that no current data have been publicly released. In this case, it’s best to contact the data repository administrator directly. If you are aware that more recent data is available, please contact us at community@catalyst.harvard.edu, so we can be sure to include it in the next update.

How do you search for treatment versus prevention data for a specific health condition?

In this scenario, the best approach would be to use the search bar function by specifying all key terms of interest. Because some original sources may contain data that cover both prevention and treatment, reviewing a codebook for that specific data source is recommended.

I can’t find any policies on the topic I am looking for. Do you have suggestions for how I can do a better search?

One way to get started would be to type what you are looking for in the search bar on the home page.  You can also select the plus sign on the left hand menu to expand the topics included.  For more tips, see the “How to Use” section.

I’ve noticed that the Policy Atlas includes non-policy health data.

Because most policy data sources don’t contain health outcome data, we provide additional resources to publicly available health data that can be merged with policy data.

The link to a specific resource isn’t working.

Unfortunately, broken weblinks and other website changes may occur. If you found a link that no longer works, contact the administrator of that website to inquire further.

Can you notify me when the Policy Atlas is updated?

Yes, please send us an email community@catalyst.harvard.edu to be added to our mailing list.

Can I add my dataset to the Policy Atlas?

We welcome your contribution. Please send us the link with a short description of your data to  community@catalyst.harvard.edu. Our team will review your request and respond in 2-3 business days.