For decades, efforts to improve health outcomes in the United States have focused on health care access. While access is important, research shows that social, economic and environmental factors, such as living in a distressed community with high unemployment, lack of childcare options, limited transportation and high crime, have a more significant impact on a person’s health. Quality data is critical to better understanding social determinants of health and advancing health equity because it provides insight into where vulnerable populations live, where interventions should be targeted, what progress is being made, and when goals are achieved.
That's why the Colorado Equity Compass, a collaborative comprised of Shift Research Lab, The Colorado Trust and Change Matrix, is developing a web-based open data platform of Colorado-focused, community-level health equity indicators that: brings to life the experiences of residents in communities experiencing inequities; provides compelling data describing those experiences; and shares stories of progress that can inspire change.
This pilot program will include in-depth work with potential users to design and test the platform site. The four communities are:
Larimer County (a collaboration between Larimer County Department of Health and Environment, Larimer County Workforce and Economic Development, Larimer County Department of Human Services, Larimer County Behavioral Health, Larimer County Information Technology, La Family/The Family Center, City of Fort Collins, Health District of Northern Colorado, United Way of Larimer County, Bohemian Foundation)
Pitkin County (a collaboration between Pitkin County Public Health, Eagle County Public Health, Garfield County Public Health, Aspen Community Foundation, West Mountain Regional Health Alliance, Mountain Family Health Center, Valley Settlement, Mobile Intercultural Resource Alliance)
RISE (Resilient. Inspired. Strong. Engaged.) Southeast and Solid Rock Community Development Corporation in Colorado Springs
East Colfax Neighborhood in Metro Denver
Shift’s knowledge and experience has been instrumental in helping us develop a social determinants of health equity platform to inform the work of The Colorado Trust as well as others across the state.
KEY FINDING
communities have been selected to pilot the Colorado Equity Compass.
Shift partners with social change organizations that are interested in using data to better serve their communities.
Is your work focused on one of our issue areas? Let’s chat to see how we can help.
