Building GIS capacity as a public health competency

Through previous experiences using spatial analysis approaches to address public health problems, the Children's Environmental Health Initiative (CEHI) has worked with a diverse set of agencies and organizations to incorporate GIS competencies in the practice of public health. GIS capacity building is a core element of CEHI's outreach program.

CEHI is currently involved in capacity building within both state and local health departments. Within state health departments, we are working to increase the use of GIS approaches for designing and implementing programs aimed at the prevention and treatment of heart disease and stroke, with three accompanying objectives: 1) build capacity for GIS applications in selected SHDs; 2) improve heart disease and stroke prevention and treatment programs and policies using GIS-based applications; and 3) develop guidelines for developing GIS capacity in SHDs across the country.

Complementing this work at the local health department level, we are working to enhance GIS capacity generally in local health departments across North Carolina, as well as to develop specific applications related to childhood lead exposure, all-hazards preparedness, consumption of mercury-containing fish, outreach to migrant populations, and drinking water quality.

Unique pedagogical components of CEHI's capacity building work include identifying the agency's need and expertise, tailoring training modules appropriately, defining GIS projects collaboratively to apply training modules, and building a local network of GIS users across multiple departments.