Using CX3 and geographic information systems (GIS) to evaluate resource inequity and health disparities in two neighboring communities: Riverside County, California

Unequal distribution of resources has been shown to affect health outcomes, such that those who have social and economic capital also typically have better health than those with fewer resources. For this reason, the Riverside County Department of Public Health (RCDOPH) is taking actions to ensure that all community residents, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to healthy food, health care, and places for children and adults to be safely physically active. GIS mapping was combined with CX3, an evaluation tool developed by the California Department of Public Health, to identify and characterize communities with great resource inequity. A standardized list of indicators was used to quantify the number of grocery stores, farmer's markets, parks, convenience stores, fast food restaurants, public transportation access points, and health care clinics. The focus area is a small, youthful, impoverished, and predominantly Hispanic community in the Coachella Valley. Comparable data were collected for a neighboring community that is primarily white and affluent, with a higher median age. The resulting maps and data products demonstrate the dramatic differences between the two proximate built environments to local policy makers, planners, and developers. Combined with local morbidity and mortality data, the maps stimulate residents to participate in community forums on local growth and development. RCDOPH staff effectively target local businesses to increase awareness and participation with various nutrition programs. Local leaders use this data to help identify areas where physical activity can be increased by modifying or adding structures like streets, sidewalks, and parks.