 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Alberto Jose Cardelle, PhD, MPH, Public Health Program, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect Street, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, 570-422-3401, acardelle@po-box.esu.edu and Steven Godin, PhD, MPH, Center for Community Research & Development, East Stroudsburg University, 200 Prospect St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301.
This paper presents the results of a regional planning process using MAPPRO/GIS software to geographically map existing and future gaps in HIV case management and prevention services. The Counties in the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania account for the fastest growing population in the State. Driven almost entirely by out-of-state migration this population growth is having significant impact on HIV-AIDS service providers who are now addressing the needs of a larger and more diverse population. Historically providers in the area, because of limited data, have planned and allocated resources using historical data on HIV cases. This has resulted in a number of HIV+ residents that are in need of case management services who are not reached and an even larger number of at risk residents who do not receive appropriate prevention. The gap-analysis reported in this paper assembled multiple zip code based databases. These include -- demographic characteristics and transmission modes of new AIDS cases, HIV+ receiving health services, HIV+ consumers enrolled in case management, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis cases, and alcohol and substance abuse/dependence data. Using the mapping software’s “geographic overlays”, the analysis identified geographic areas covered by HIV case management services, and juxtaposed them with overlays of high MA eligible HIV+ consumers who do not receive case management services. The analysis also geographically juxtaposed high risk of HIV transmission areas, with existing prevention data and assessed appropriateness of existing prevention efforts. The “overlays” allowed for the identification of HIV service and prevention/education gaps, which are critical for long-term planning and resource allocation.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Planning, Geographic Information Systems
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.