TY - JOUR AU - Gwede, Clement Kudzai AU - Ward, Beverly G AU - Luque, John S AU - Vadaparampil, Susan T AU - Rivers, Desiree AU - Martinez-Tyson, Dinorah AU - Noel-Thomas, Shalewa AU - Meade, Cathy D PY - 2010/04/09 Y2 - 2024/03/28 TI - Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Asset Mapping to Facilitate Identification of Colorectal Cancer Screening Resources JF - Online Journal of Public Health Informatics JA - OJPHI VL - 2 IS - 1 SE - Original Articles DO - 10.5210/ojphi.v2i1.2893 UR - https://ojphi.org/ojs/index.php/ojphi/article/view/2893 SP - AB - Objective: We sought to identify and map the geographic distribution of available colorectal cancer screening resources, following identification of this priority within a needs assessment of a local community-academic collaborative to reduce cancer health disparities in medically underserved communities. Methods: We used geographic information systems (GIS) and asset mapping tools to visually depict resources in the context of geography and a population of interest. We illustrate two examples, offer step-by-step directions for mapping, and discuss the challenges, lessons learned, and future directions for research and practice. Results: Our positive asset driven, community-based approach illustrated the distribution of existing colonoscopy screening facilities and locations of populations and organizations who might use these resources. A need for additional affordable and accessible colonoscopy resources was identified.Conclusion: These transdisciplinary community mapping efforts highlight the benefit of innovative community-academic partnerships for addressing cancer health disparities by bolstering infrastructure and community capacity-building for increased access to colonoscopies. ER -