What to know
The New York Tracking Program focuses on tracking environmental and health patterns and trends. As a part of the national Tracking Program, NY aims to improve access to environmental health information and support research, programs and policies that may help protect our communities.
Background
The vast majority of the state's landscape consists of forests, farmland, mountains, waterbodies and open land. However, most of New York State's population lives in urban areas.
- In 2014, the state population was 19.75 million.
- About 40% of residents lived in the five boroughs of New York City.
State counties differ considerably in terms of geography and demographics.
- Hamilton County spans 1,808 square miles. It has fewer than three people per square mile.
- New York County (Manhattan) is 33.8 square miles. It has over 69,000 people per square mile.
Accomplishments
Updating the Heat Advisory Threshold
The NY Tracking Program provided a health-based justification for lowering the heat advisory threshold from 100 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They partnered with the National Weather Service and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on this work. Read more.
Calculating Local-level Life Expectancy Data
New York State Tracking developed a framework to calculate census tract-based life expectancy data for the state. Other state and local health departments can use it to overcome many of the challenges in calculating life expectancy for census tracts.
Providing neighborhood-level cancer data
New York residents would like to see maps showing new cancer cases in their neighborhoods. New York State’s Tracking Program worked with partners to develop the Environmental Facilities and Cancer Mapping application. It contains maps that show the number of cancer cases and locations of environmental facilities at the census block level. Users can search for data on 23 types of cancer and see locations of 15 types of environmental facilities. With these tools, health departments can respond more quickly and easily able to information requests. The public can also use this information to better understand cancer in their neighborhoods.
Contacts
Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/public_health_tracking
Email: EPHT@health.ny.gov
Resources and tools
Local Resources
NYS Tracking has developed several resources to help residents prepare for extreme heat events and prevent heat-related illness.
Cooling Center mapping application
County Heat and Health Profiles