220384 Use of GIS technology in selecting a site for a community mental health center: A case example

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 5:30 PM - 5:45 PM

Roger A. Boothroyd, PhD , Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
     
Estimates suggest that 26% of adults in the US have a diagnosable mental disorder (Kessler, Chiu, Demler, &, Walters, 2005). Wang, Lane, Olfson, Pincus, Wells, & Kessler (2005) documented that only 25% of these individuals receives treatment. Two of the major barriers associated with individuals' access care are (1) availability of mental health providers (US Department of Health and Human Services, 1999) and (2) distance from available services (Higgs, 2004; Holton et al., 1973; Dworin et al., 1964). This study used Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to identify potential sites in Hillsborough County, Florida on which to locate a new community mental health center (CMHC). Eight criteria (six constraint and two suitability) were considered in the analysis. The criteria included: (1) within county boundaries, (2) accessibility, (3) distance from existing CMHCs, (4) zoning, (5) land use, (6) parcel size, (7) mental health need, and (8) median family income in assessing the most appropriate locations. The analysis identified 53 land parcels in Hillsborough County that met the six constraint criteria. Suitability scores for these parcels ranged from a low of 2.25 to a high of 7.0. Parcels with the highest suitable scores were located in three distinct parts of the county. The full presentation will summarize the potential value and application of GIS to mental health services research.

Learning Areas:
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
After attending this presentation, participants will be able to: (1)Describe GIS; (2) Identify potential applications of GIS to mental health services research;and (3) Compare GIS to other spatial analytic techniques.

Keywords: Research, Methodology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I conducted the study and have had formal training in the area.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3410.0: Geographic analyses in mental health