By Matthew Simon
Matthew Simon, UNC Center for Public Health Preparedness, GIS Analyst & Research Associate
GIS technology is offering important new help in public health data collection and analysis. And North Carolina is at the forefront of developing GIS in the service of public health. In particular, the state benefits from the Spatial Health Assessment and Research Program (SHARP), a part of the University of North Carolina Center for Public Health Preparedness (NCCPHP). SHARP assists public health service agencies with public health data collection and spatial analysis projects by providing GIS technical assistance and consultation, training, and survey support related to emergency preparedness or other community-wide or regional public health concerns.