The County Health Rankings provide a snapshot of a community’s health and a starting point for investigating and discussing ways to improve health. This guide will help you find and understand the data - in this site and beyond - as you begin to assess your needs and resources, and focus on what's important. The guide includes seven sections:

• Communities Using the Rankings Data – introduces the many ways communities are using the Rankings.
• Exploring the Data – helps you get the most out of the Rankings and the wealth of underlying data.
• Making Use of Your Snapshot – helps you navigate the information in your county’s snapshot and identify key areas where you may wish to look for additional data. 
• Digging Deeper – helps you think through what other information would help you further understand the health of your community. 
• Broadening Your View – helps you widen your focus beyond the specific measures included in the Rankings.
• Visualizing the Data – provides links to resources to help you visualize where the assets and weaknesses are in your community.
• Finding More Data – directs you to additional national and state data sources.