Hampton Roads Wellness Intersectionality Study
College
College of Sciences
Department
Biological Sciences
Graduate Level
Doctoral
Graduate Program/Concentration
PhD in Ecological Sciences
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract
This transdisciplinary study emphasizes public engagement, recognizing the importance of community involvement in fostering healthier and more sustainable Hampton Roads. Initially focusing on health and safety, the study evolved to prioritize 66 schools in low-income areas and communities of color. Based on specific criteria, the selection includes 14 private and 52 public schools distributed across cities.
To further enhance prioritization, the study incorporates proximity to areas vulnerable to sea-level rise and uses the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify regions with less vegetation. Geospatial analysis and maps visually represent the suggested areas and the final list of prioritized schools, with a commitment to transparency and public access.
This intersectional approach addresses disparities and creates a more resilient and equitable community wellness framework. The project was developed during the Hampton Roads Datathon 2023 and won third place in the competition.
In summarizing our comprehensive study on community wellness in Hampton Roads, several key findings and prioritization criteria emerge as pivotal to our mission:
1. Focus on Disparities:
- The initial analysis highlighted significant disparities in wellness across Hampton Roads communities.
- Prioritization criteria included financial, social, physical, and environmental aspects to address these disparities comprehensively.
2. School Prioritization:
- A critical decision was made to prioritize schools in low-income areas and communities with a higher population of people of color.
3. City Distribution:
- The distribution of prioritized schools across cities is as follows: Norfolk (26), Portsmouth (12), Newport News (10), Hampton (9), Chesapeake (7), and Suffolk (2).
4. Enhanced Prioritization Criteria:
- Beyond socio-economic factors, further prioritization considers schools' proximity to areas vulnerable to sea-level rise.
- Incorporating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) refines prioritization based on environmental considerations.
5. Geospatial Mapping:
- Geospatial maps visually represent the identified areas and prioritized schools, providing a clear guide for future initiatives.
- Transparency in mapping ensures accessibility for both the public and stakeholders.
The implications of our findings and prioritization criteria extend far beyond data points and maps; they underscore a transformative potential for community wellness in Hampton Roads.
We focused on equitable access to wellness resources, resilience against environmental challenges, green infrastructure initiatives, and community engagement with a holistic wellness approach. By considering financial, social, physical, and environmental factors, our approach takes a holistic view of community wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of these elements.
In conclusion, the Hampton Roads Wellness Intersectionality Study identifies areas of concern and, more importantly, provides a roadmap for actionable change. Through targeted initiatives, community engagement, and a commitment to equity, we envision a future where Hampton Roads residents experience improved wellness across all facets of their lives.
Keywords
Wellness, sustainability, geospatial data analysis, environment, education, accessibility
Hampton Roads Wellness Intersectionality Study
This transdisciplinary study emphasizes public engagement, recognizing the importance of community involvement in fostering healthier and more sustainable Hampton Roads. Initially focusing on health and safety, the study evolved to prioritize 66 schools in low-income areas and communities of color. Based on specific criteria, the selection includes 14 private and 52 public schools distributed across cities.
To further enhance prioritization, the study incorporates proximity to areas vulnerable to sea-level rise and uses the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify regions with less vegetation. Geospatial analysis and maps visually represent the suggested areas and the final list of prioritized schools, with a commitment to transparency and public access.
This intersectional approach addresses disparities and creates a more resilient and equitable community wellness framework. The project was developed during the Hampton Roads Datathon 2023 and won third place in the competition.
In summarizing our comprehensive study on community wellness in Hampton Roads, several key findings and prioritization criteria emerge as pivotal to our mission:
1. Focus on Disparities:
- The initial analysis highlighted significant disparities in wellness across Hampton Roads communities.
- Prioritization criteria included financial, social, physical, and environmental aspects to address these disparities comprehensively.
2. School Prioritization:
- A critical decision was made to prioritize schools in low-income areas and communities with a higher population of people of color.
3. City Distribution:
- The distribution of prioritized schools across cities is as follows: Norfolk (26), Portsmouth (12), Newport News (10), Hampton (9), Chesapeake (7), and Suffolk (2).
4. Enhanced Prioritization Criteria:
- Beyond socio-economic factors, further prioritization considers schools' proximity to areas vulnerable to sea-level rise.
- Incorporating the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) refines prioritization based on environmental considerations.
5. Geospatial Mapping:
- Geospatial maps visually represent the identified areas and prioritized schools, providing a clear guide for future initiatives.
- Transparency in mapping ensures accessibility for both the public and stakeholders.
The implications of our findings and prioritization criteria extend far beyond data points and maps; they underscore a transformative potential for community wellness in Hampton Roads.
We focused on equitable access to wellness resources, resilience against environmental challenges, green infrastructure initiatives, and community engagement with a holistic wellness approach. By considering financial, social, physical, and environmental factors, our approach takes a holistic view of community wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of these elements.
In conclusion, the Hampton Roads Wellness Intersectionality Study identifies areas of concern and, more importantly, provides a roadmap for actionable change. Through targeted initiatives, community engagement, and a commitment to equity, we envision a future where Hampton Roads residents experience improved wellness across all facets of their lives.
Comments
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