Using local data and GIS to analyze alcohol use and impact on communities with recreational water sources in Indiana

Using Global information system (GIS) mapping software and local level data provides public health professionals with the ability to demonstrate spatial relationships for describing basic demographic information, assessing needs of a small geographic area such as a mile radius or even large areas like an entire state.

There is great potential for GIS to be used by members of the community, including those working in addictions services. Mapping risk and protective factors serves to enhance environmental strategies in substance abuse prevention. Being aware of risk factors in recreational and tourism areas, such as alcohol outlet locations, communities can apply social pressure to encourage change in current practices. Customizing public health efforts to small areas can lead to greater cultural competency and buy in from stakeholders in decision making.

Analyzing alcohol use and the impact alcohol makes on communities that have recreational water sources in Indiana using GIS software we are able to tailor public health programming to have a greater impact. We will evaluate alcohol related data including arrests, fatalities, and outlets around a specific radius in relation to a body of water used for recreational purposes in that community. This evaluation using GIS mapping of local data will help determine if proximity to these water resource areas increases alcohol impact to the adjacent community. Further we will look specifically at the relationship of riverboat casinos and alcohol use impact. Finally, we will compare the water recreational areas to each other to determine which areas have the most impact.