Map to Healthy Living: Bringing Data to Life

Abstract

ObjectiveDesign an interactive map of nutrition education and physical activity resources available to low-income Michiganders to facilitate targeted, collaborative programming.Target audienceProfessional nutrition education and physical activity programmers.Theory, Prior Research, RationaleUsed widely in other fields, the GIS technology underlying Map to Healthy Living affords SNAP-Ed partners easy access to a wide array of information crucial for data-driven decision making.DescriptionMap to Healthy Living (accessible via www.m2hl.org) allows nutrition educators and physical activity promoters to rapidly visualize relationships between complex social, environmental, and economic factors influencing low-income families’ diets and physical activity. With Map to Healthy Living, programmers may conduct a preliminary needs assessment, target programming to areas of highest need, and demonstrate grant compliance in a few clicks of a button – locating underserved residents of clearly defined SNAP-Ed eligible census tracts and identifying local partners with whom to collaboratively reach them. What’s more, Map to Healthy Living leverages technology to facilitate targeted statewide social marketing to reinforce these on-the-ground efforts.EvaluationMap to Healthy Living is currently undergoing beta testing of FY 2012 data and search capabilities to improve functionality and user experience. Focus group testing will continue as the Map to Healthy Living enters new phases of development.Conclusions and ImplicationsMap to Healthy Living affords SNAP-Ed partners easy access to a wide array of information crucial for data-driven decision making. Its integration into program design, management, and communications increases efficiency and, it is hoped, program impact.FundingSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - Education. ObjectiveDesign an interactive map of nutrition education and physical activity resources available to low-income Michiganders to facilitate targeted, collaborative programming. Design an interactive map of nutrition education and physical activity resources available to low-income Michiganders to facilitate targeted, collaborative programming. Target audienceProfessional nutrition education and physical activity programmers. Professional nutrition education and physical activity programmers. Theory, Prior Research, RationaleUsed widely in other fields, the GIS technology underlying Map to Healthy Living affords SNAP-Ed partners easy access to a wide array of information crucial for data-driven decision making. Used widely in other fields, the GIS technology underlying Map to Healthy Living affords SNAP-Ed partners easy access to a wide array of information crucial for data-driven decision making. DescriptionMap to Healthy Living (accessible via www.m2hl.org) allows nutrition educators and physical activity promoters to rapidly visualize relationships between complex social, environmental, and economic factors influencing low-income families’ diets and physical activity. With Map to Healthy Living, programmers may conduct a preliminary needs assessment, target programming to areas of highest need, and demonstrate grant compliance in a few clicks of a button – locating underserved residents of clearly defined SNAP-Ed eligible census tracts and identifying local partners with whom to collaboratively reach them. What’s more, Map to Healthy Living leverages technology to facilitate targeted statewide social marketing to reinforce these on-the-ground efforts. Map to Healthy Living (accessible via www.m2hl.org) allows nutrition educators and physical activity promoters to rapidly visualize relationships between complex social, environmental, and economic factors influencing low-income families’ diets and physical activity. With Map to Healthy Living, programmers may conduct a preliminary needs assessment, target programming to areas of highest need, and demonstrate grant compliance in a few clicks of a button – locating underserved residents of clearly defined SNAP-Ed eligible census tracts and identifying local partners with whom to collaboratively reach them. What’s more, Map to Healthy Living leverages technology to facilitate targeted statewide social marketing to reinforce these on-the-ground efforts. EvaluationMap to Healthy Living is currently undergoing beta testing of FY 2012 data and search capabilities to improve functionality and user experience. Focus group testing will continue as the Map to Healthy Living enters new phases of development. Map to Healthy Living is currently undergoing beta testing of FY 2012 data and search capabilities to improve functionality and user experience. Focus group testing will continue as the Map to Healthy Living enters new phases of development. Conclusions and ImplicationsMap to Healthy Living affords SNAP-Ed partners easy access to a wide array of information crucial for data-driven decision making. Its integration into program design, management, and communications increases efficiency and, it is hoped, program impact. Map to Healthy Living affords SNAP-Ed partners easy access to a wide array of information crucial for data-driven decision making. Its integration into program design, management, and communications increases efficiency and, it is hoped, program impact.