Using Geographic Information Systems to Match Local Health Needs with Public Health Services and Programs

Cover: Using Geographic Information Systems to Match Local Health Needs with Public Health Services and Programs

Published In: American Journal of Public Health, v. 101, no. 9, Sept. 2011, p. 1664-1665

Local health departments (LHDs) play an important role in ensuring essential public health services. Geographic information system (GIS) technology offers a promising means for LHDs to identify geographic gaps between areas of need and the reach of public health services. We examined how large LHDs could better inform planning and investments by using GIS based methodologies to align community needs and health outcomes with public health programs. We present a framework to drive LHDs in identifying and addressing gaps or mismatches in services or health outcomes.

Document Details

  • Availability: Non-RAND
  • Pages: 2
  • Document Number: EP-201100-147
  • Year: 2011
  • Series: External Publications

This report is part of the RAND Corporation external publication series. Many RAND studies are published in peer-reviewed scholarly journals, as chapters in commercial books, or as documents published by other organizations.

The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.