230273 Utilizing geographic information system technology to address social justice

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Marinelle Payton, MD, PhD, MS, MPH , Center of Excellence in Minority Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, College of Public Service, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Stevenson Paradeshi, BS , College of Science Engineering and Technology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
Lead poisoning, the silent killer with signs and symptoms mimicking other diseases, continues to play a major role in contributing to the public health burden of diseases. Although one of the most preventable environmental diseases, children remain the most vulnerable population for lead exposure. Despite substantial reduction in lead exposure in the United States, there are still approximately one million children with high levels of lead. Of the many risk factors for exposure, old homes with lead-based paint and lead in pipes are one of the major sources. Furthermore, social determinants of lead exposure such as geographical location in underserved areas with dilapidated housing may pose additional risks. The pervasive reality of lead exposure in underserved communities may lead to racism and classism, such as assumptions about intelligence and lifestyle. Although Mississippi recently implemented a lead poisoning prevention plan, its risk to environmental lead exposure remains unknown. Geographic Information System (GIS) Technology may offer insight into social determinants of lead exposure. Therefore, the Jackson State University Center of Excellence in Minority Health in Jackson, Mississippi, is utilizing this technology to examine correlates of social determinants and lead exposure. This is the first study in Mississippi to utilize GIS targeted screening to assess social justice issues. It has great public health significance in identifying determinants of environmental lead exposure in old homes; assisting public health officials in developing effective targeted screening programs to improve children's health, and implementing and enforcing health and social resources to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Advocacy for health and health education
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Describe the use of geographic information system technology in addressing social justice issues such as environmental lead exposure. Discuss major issues surrounding social determinants of lead exposure and prevention in Mississippi.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract author on the content I am responsible for because I wrote the abstract. In addition, I serve as the Principal Investigator and Director of this project and I am well published in lead studies, having published the first epidemiological study of lead in bone and cognitive function. Furthermore, over the last two decades, I have served as Director and Principal Investigator of many complex scientific research projects, and, I have expertise and a strong academic background in public health and medicine.
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.