At NCDHHS, we are dedicated to providing accurate, transparent, and reliable information to our audience, particularly focusing on health, wellness, and resources that support minority communities. This Fact-Checking Policy outlines the steps we take to ensure that the content on our website is verified, up-to-date, and based on credible sources.
1. Commitment to Accuracy
Our primary objective is to provide our audience with information that is factual, unbiased, and reflective of the latest available knowledge. We understand the importance of accuracy in health information, as it impacts decisions, behaviors, and, ultimately, the well-being of individuals and communities.
2. Fact-Checking Process
Our fact-checking process is comprehensive and involves multiple steps:
- Research and Sourcing: Each article and resource published on our site is based on reputable and authoritative sources. Our team uses primary sources wherever possible, including government health agencies (e.g., CDC, WHO), peer-reviewed medical journals, recognized health organizations, and expert opinions.
- Cross-Verification: Information is cross-checked across multiple reliable sources to ensure accuracy. In cases where there may be conflicting information, we prioritize data from the most recent, reputable sources or acknowledge differences in findings.
- Review by Experts: Health-related content is reviewed by qualified medical professionals or subject-matter experts to ensure that it aligns with current standards, practices, and guidelines.
- Editor Review: Our editorial team further reviews the content for consistency, clarity, and accuracy before publication.
3. Standards for Reliable Sources
We maintain high standards for the sources we rely on, favoring:
- Scientific Publications: Peer-reviewed research published in credible medical and scientific journals.
- Government and Health Agency Reports: Publications and data from established health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other reputable health entities.
- Expert Insights: Opinions and insights from experienced health professionals, academics, and researchers who have proven expertise in their field.
- Community Health Data: For content focusing on minority and underserved populations, we may also use community health data, reputable demographic studies, and reports from trusted community health organizations.
4. Updates and Revisions
Medical and health information is constantly evolving. We are committed to keeping our content accurate and relevant by:
- Regular Reviews: Our editorial team periodically reviews published content to ensure it remains current. Each piece of content is tagged with a “last reviewed” or “last updated” date to inform readers of its currency.
- Ongoing Updates: If new research or guidance emerges that impacts our published information, we update content promptly. We add editorial notes for significant updates to explain the nature of the changes.
- User Feedback: We welcome feedback from our readers regarding accuracy and relevancy. If a reader identifies potential inaccuracies, we investigate the feedback thoroughly and make corrections as necessary.
5. Correction Policy
We are committed to transparency in addressing errors and inaccuracies:
- Minor Corrections: Typographical errors, spelling mistakes, or minor factual errors (such as incorrect dates) are corrected as soon as they are identified without formal notice.
- Significant Corrections: For errors that impact the substance or understanding of the content, we update the article and include an editorial note explaining the correction. Our audience is encouraged to notify us of any factual errors they encounter by contacting our editorial team.
6. Transparency in Reporting
To maintain transparency with our readers, we ensure that:
- Source Attribution: All sources used in our content are clearly cited or hyperlinked, allowing readers to review the original sources.
- Conflicting Information: In cases where there is debate or conflicting information on a topic, we aim to present a balanced view by acknowledging different perspectives and explaining the reasons for discrepancies.
- Authorship and Review: Articles on our site include bylines and, where appropriate, attributions to the medical or subject-matter reviewers to give our audience clarity on the expertise involved in developing our content.
7. Editorial Independence
Our fact-checking and content development are conducted independently of any outside influence. Sponsorships or partnerships that may appear on our website do not affect our editorial integrity, as we maintain full control over content decisions. If sponsored content is present, it will be clearly labeled to differentiate it from our independent editorial content.
8. Handling Health Claims
Health claims, advice, or recommendations presented on our site are carefully vetted. We avoid making unsubstantiated claims and ensure that all health-related advice is backed by reliable research or expert opinion. Any potential risks or limitations of health-related recommendations are also communicated clearly.
9. User Contributions
User-generated content, including comments, is monitored but is not subject to the same fact-checking standards as our editorial content. We encourage a respectful, evidence-based discussion within our community guidelines. Content that may contain misleading or incorrect health information will be reviewed, and if necessary, removed to maintain a safe, factual environment.
10. Feedback and Questions
We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, transparency, and integrity. If you have questions or feedback regarding our Fact-Checking Policy or wish to report an error, please contact us: