The Data Equity Coalition State Advocacy Toolkit to Align with SPD 15 is a comprehensive resource designed to support state-level advocacy efforts to modernize and standardize race and ethnicity data collection. Developed by the Data Equity Coalition—an initiative led by the National Minority Quality Forum and BlueCross BlueShield Association—this toolkit equips policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders with the tools needed to align with the updated OMB Statistical Policy Directive No. 15 (SPD 15).

Following the 2024 revision of SPD 15—the first update in nearly 30 years—this toolkit provides model legislative language, policy talking points, community resources, and state legislative timelines to help drive alignment across states. By adopting these updated standards, states can improve data accuracy, enhance interoperability with federal systems, and better identify and address health disparities across diverse populations.

With a compliance deadline extended to 2027 for planning and 2029 for full implementation, this toolkit serves as a timely guide for advancing equitable data practices that ensure all communities are accurately represented and better served.

View Toolkit Here