Using geographic information systems (GIS) to assess healthy eating and active living (HEAL) environments in LiveWell Colorado communities

Geographic information systems (GIS) are increasingly being used as a public health tool to identify risks and assets in communities. Obesity has emerged as a risk for virtually all population groups, but low-income and racial/ethnic minority populations tend to experience higher rates of obesity and related co-morbidities, in part because these populations have reduced access to physical activity and healthy eating environments compared to other populations. To address health disparities and environmental justice issues related to nutrition, physical activity and obesity, the non profit organization LiveWell Colorado (LWC) funds underserved communities to implement environmental changes to increase access to affordable healthy foods and active living. We will use GIS to spatially analyze healthy eating and active living (HEAL) environments in communities funded by LWC. Specifically, we will map active living environments (e.g. parks, playgrounds, trails), food service outlets (e.g. markets, fast food, community gardens), and neighborhood variables (e.g. organizations present, public transportation, safety issues) to identify existing resources, gaps and barriers to HEAL. Examples from LWC using GIS technology will show how the spatial information gathered through mapping can be used to design community strategies targeting areas of highest need and influencing the development of policy and environmental changes addressing HEAL.