Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to Make an Impact on the Prevention and Treatment of Heart Disease, Stroke and Other Chronic Diseases
- Michele Casper, PhD, Small Area Analysis Team, CDC, DHDSP (and moderator)
- Mario Rivera, MS, Program Evaluator, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Prevention Services Division
- Velma Theisen, RN, MSN, Manager, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Unit, Cardiovascular Health, Nutrition and Physical Activity Section, Michigan Department of Community Health
- Comilla Sasson, MD, MS, University of Michigan
- Andy Hull, Associate in Research, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University
- Marie Lynn Miranda, PhD, Associate Professor, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University
Session Objective
The objectives for this session are to:
- Identify specific ways in which geographic information systems (GIS) can be used to make an impact on the prevention and treatment of heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases via: 1) surveillance of geographic disparities, 2) building and strengthening partnerships, 3) informing and guiding program and policy decisions, 4) facilitating integration, and 5) leveraging resources.
- Learn how GIS can be applied to data from the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) to identify high risk communities and tailor programs to improve bystander CPR rates.
- Become familiar with the upcoming GIS Web Portal. The GIS Web Portal will meet the critical need for state and local GIS users (beginners and advanced), chronic disease managers, and epidemiologists to have an on-line forum to share successful applications of GIS, learn new GIS techniques, discuss cutting-edge GIS issues, and access GIS-related resources.
- Learn about upcoming opportunities for training in GIS state surveillance.
Session Summary
Geographic information systems (GIS) offer a powerful set of tools for public health officials to apply to the surveillance and prevention of heart disease, stroke and other chronic disease conditions. Maps of local disparities in factors such as the burden of disease, access to health care, social-environmental conditions, and elements of the built environment provide critical information for identifying high-risk groups, galvanizing new and existing partnerships, guiding policy and program decisions, enhancing integration among chronic disease units, and leveraging resources.
State health departments can benefit greatly from increased use of GIS for their activities related to the surveillance and policy and program development for heart disease, stroke and other chronic disease conditions.
