Far left: 9/11 emergency mapping team. Left: Hurricane Michael response team. Above: Ebola Surveillance Dashboard
The Essential Role of Location in Public Health Preparedness We can all recognize that the role geography plays in executing an effective public health response is critical. This truth became more prevalent through the dashboards displayed by organizations such as John Hopkins University, the news media, and national, state, and local governments during COVID-19. Location provided context at a more personal level, helping people nearby understand the disease’s potential impact on them. Understanding how to apply location-based thinking enhances preparedness and response efforts. GIS offers the opportunity to scale standard operating procedures; implement new response and recovery applications; engage with the public; and collaborate across organizations. Communities can also maximize resources using GIS, whether they are responding to a toxic spill, extreme heat waves, natural disasters or pandemics. GIS makes it possible to answer the question of “where.” Here are four key areas in which location supports public health preparedness plans: Strengthening Public Health Preparedness with GIS
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