Health Disparities
Identifying Equity Focus Areas within the City of Milwaukee: A Multivariate Geo-Spatial Index Integration Approach for Strategic Interventions Sivani Manchu* Feras Rizeq Sivani Manchu
This report presents a comprehensive geospatial analysis aimed at establishing an Equity Focus Area within the city of Milwaukee. The analysis integrates three crucial indices: The Milwaukee Childhood Opportunity Index (MCOI), the Milwaukee Asset Index (MAI), and Milwaukee Health Department Outcome Vulnerability Index (MHDOVI). By leveraging these indices, the study aims to identify areas within Milwaukee that require targeted interventions to promote equity and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents.
The MCOI assesses the quality of opportunities available to children in different neighborhoods, encompassing education, healthcare, safety, economic and social support. The MAI evaluates the distribution of essential resources and amenities, reflecting economic disparities and accessibility to critical services. The MHDOVI identifies and addresses health disparities by quantifying and assessing the vulnerability of different populations to health risks and challenges.
The analysis encompasses data collection, data integration, spatial analysis, index computation, and equity focus area identification. By applying geospatial techniques to these indices, the study unveils patterns of inequity across Milwaukee’s landscape. These findings facilitate the identification of areas in need of strategic investments and interventions, ensuring that resources are allocated to areas with the highest potential for positive impact.
These insights are invaluable for policymakers, urban planners, and community advocates striving to cultivate a more equitable city. By synthesizing multidimensional data, this analysis fosters a holistic understanding of disparities, enabling evidence-based decisions to be made in the pursuit of a fairer and more inclusive Milwaukee. As cities worldwide grapple with issues of equity, this report serves as a model for utilizing geospatial analysis and index integration to drive positive change and create lasting impact within urban communities.