Illuminating Populations Needing Support: Data Maven Presents at the 2025 CSTE Annual Conference
- Date: June 10, 2025
Data Maven’s Alexia Málaga presenting her research on mental health conditions among children at the 2025 CSTE annual conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Data Maven’s Alexia Málaga, had the opportunity to attend and present at the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, MI, where more than 2,800 public health epidemiologists gathered to exchange ideas, share best practices, and showcase innovations across the field. As an epidemiologist as well as a mother passionate about maternal and child health, the conference was an energizing space to be part of—full of meaningful conversations and shared purpose.
Alexia’s presentation, “Mental Health Conditions Among Children – Trends and Demographic Disparities at National and State Levels,” focused on the growing burden of mental health conditions among U.S. children and the demographic patterns that warrant closer attention. This work was a collaboration with Data Maven colleagues Samantha Liv, MPH; Kristin Shaw, MPH; Aaron Clark; and Sarah Milder, MPH.
The goal of this presentation was to illuminate populations needing support in receiving timely mental health diagnoses and care. Notable findings included:
More children are being diagnosed with mental health conditions each year.
Data in this analysis suggested potential underdiagnosis among Asian and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander children as well as children with a caregiver with less than high school education. These groups had low prevalences and a lack of significant change over the long-term, deviating from the general trend seen among the majority of other demographic groups.
Data in this analysis were from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), which is funded and directed by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, in partnership with the Census Bureau. At Data Maven, we specialize in turning large, complex datasets into insights that inform smarter policy, better programs, and targeted action. Our work analyzing NSCH data helps our partners—and the broader public health field—understand where disparities exist and where resources are most needed.
The CSTE Annual Conference was more than a platform to present findings. It was an incredible opportunity to reconnect with public health colleagues from across the country, learn from leaders in the field, and share knowledge across disciplines. We left feeling even more committed to our mission: using data to illuminate what matters—and help public health professionals respond with clarity and compassion.
