3183.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 10

Abstract #15516

Use of Geographic Information Systems to Identify and Treat Homes That Lead-Poison Multiple Children: A CDC/HUD Community-Based Initiative

Neal L. Rosenblatt, MS, PhDStudent and Forrest Staley, BA, BS. Division of Environmental Health & Protection, Louisville/Jefferson County Health Department, 400 East Gray Street, Ste. 204, Louisville, KY 40201-1704, (502) 574-6644, neal.rosenblatt@louisville.edu

Purpose: To discuss the utility of a Geographic Information System as a surveillance, diagnostic and treatment tool aimed at identifying intersecting data sets of 1) 1990 - 1998 births and 2) housing units that have poisoned multiple children in high risk areas where Pre-1950 housing stock is greater than 27% of total. Further, emphasis is placed on the applied nature of this project; i.e., the development of a Lead-Safe Louisville partnership between a CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and a HUD Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. Methods: Using GIS as a diagnostic tool, housing stock that have lead-poisoned multiple children since 1990 were identified. At-risk children (Medicaid or EPSDT recipients or infants and children identified by electronic birth files) currently living in these homes or who had previously resided in these homes were also identified. Results: Between 1994 and 1998, 79 homes housed 35% of the 524 children identified as lead poisoned (BLL £ 20 mg/dL). These housing units have been prioritized for lead-hazard remediation. Conclusion: The use of a GIS is a very effective tool in planning lead exposure screening and remediation strategies and developing community-based initiatives.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. Recognize the use of a GIS in surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment activities in a community-based initiative. 2. Discuss the collaborative nature of the CDC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program and the HUD Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. 3. Recognize the utility of a GIS as a policy development tool. 4. Identify the usefulness of a GIS in planning lead exposure screening strategies and measuring program performace

Keywords: Lead, Geographic Information Systems

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA