Since the development of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) an increasing number of fields, including health and human services, city planning, engineering and agriculture have utilized this innovative method of mapping and analysis. Public health has utilized GIS mapping in order to document the epidemiology of infectious and chronic diseases and the access to health care. Fulton County is the largest county in Georgia, and includes the majority of the city of Atlanta with a population of over 800,000. There are large racial, ethnic and income level disparities with regards to the rates of cardiovascular disease in Fulton County. In an attempt to define the issues which promote a healthy lifestyle, leading to a decrease in the associated morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases and to decrease the disparity, we review, through the use of GIS the location of fast-food restaurants, liquor/package stores and large chain supermarkets in relation to neighborhood characteristics i.e., income, race and health status. Our findings point to three important areas which will be examined: 1) Creating environmental changes in communities which reflect present health promotion interventions to improve health outcomes. 2) The need for policy development in order to increase accessibility to high quality fresh foods at reasonable prices particularly in certain sectors of the County. 3) To encourage the review of zoning regulations for establishments which permit off-site consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Learning Objectives: 1.Recognize the correlation between the health of a community and access to certain food and liquor establishments. 2.Evalute the usefulness of GIS mapping in community health.
Keywords: Community Planning, 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.