Institute Presents Social and Health Profile of Schoolchildren

Dr. Orville M. Disdier, Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, was a keynote speaker at the First Puerto Rican Summit on School Health Promotion. During his presentation, he provided an update on the social and health profile of schoolchildren in Puerto Rico, highlighting the impact of social determinants on inequalities.

Dr. Disdier explained that Puerto Rico is facing a school enrollment crisis linked to demographic changes, as well as significant socioeconomic vulnerability, evidenced by more than 50% of minors living below the poverty level. However, he emphasized that despite high income inequality and various health challenges, education remains the primary driver of social mobility and an essential path to economic advancement.

Access a copy of the presentation at: The Social and Health Profile of Schoolchildren in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Idania R. Rodriguez Ayuso, Executive Deputy Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics, delivered the inaugural presentation at the Puerto Rico Interoperability & Digital Health Summit 2026.

This important event was organized by the Puerto Rico Primary Healthcare Association. Dr. Rodriguez presented on "Building a Data Driven Health System for Puerto Rico."

The event was attended by staff from Puerto Rico's 330 Centers, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and federal government personnel.

The Institute participated in the public hearing on “Protecting, Managing and Preserving Digital Evidence in Criminal Cases”.

From the Institute's perspective, the regulation of digital evidence in criminal proceedings must explicitly incorporate a statistical and data governance approach that strengthens the quality, integrity, traceability and availability of the information that underpins judicial and public policy decision-making.

The Institute recognizes the relevance of the proposed issues and supports the development of a legal framework that, in addition to establishing substantive obligations, enables the generation of indicators, standardized administrative records and interoperable systems to monitor the performance of the criminal justice system in terms of digital evidence, while respecting the principles of confidentiality, protection of personal data and fundamental rights.

Access the explanatory memorial: https://www.estadisticas.pr.gov/blogposts/memorial-explicativo-para-la-vista-publica-proteccion-manejo-y-conservacion-de-evidencia-digital-en-casos-penales