What to know
The mission of the Rhode Island (RI) Tracking Program is to translate environmental and public health data into meaningful information and increased knowledge and apply that knowledge to improve community health.
Quick Stats
Rhode Island is 1,214 square miles in size with a population of just over 1,050,000. This puts the state just behind New Jersey in terms of population density.
Rhode Island earns its reputation as the Ocean State with over 400 miles of coastline. Its maximum elevation is only 812 feet.
The state has dense urban populations and growing suburbs. This means that the environment has potential to have major impacts on the health of RI residents.
Rhode Island has a long history of manufacturing, its waterways once heavily contaminated with industrial waste. Major strides have been made in cleaning up Narragansett Bay and local neighborhoods. But legacy pollutants remain.
Unique Data
All state and local tracking programs collect and display a set of standard data. But individual programs may host other data that are important to their populations. Rhode Island's unique data include the following.
Accomplishments
Addressing Community Cancer Concerns
Residents living near the airport in Warwick, RI expressed concern about cases of cancer in their neighborhood and possible connections to air pollution from the airport. The RI Tracking Program analyzed cancer data from the upwind and downwind side of the airport. They determined that socioeconomic factors and smoking were more likely indicators of cancer risk than air quality.
Keeping Outdoor Workers Safe in the Heat
RI Tracking worked with partnersA to develop an awareness campaign on the health risks to outdoor workers on high-heat days. The partner group used RI Tracking data to identify populations who may be at higher risk and to schedule the timing of messages. Prevention messages aired on radio and television stations during high-heat days. The messages were also shared during Bristol's Fourth of July parade.
Greening Schoolyards
RI Tracking partnered with the state's Climate Change and Health program to distribute small grants to three Health Equity Zones and their partners. The grants supported activities to help cool schoolyards, address inequities in greenspace and shade, build climate resilience, and educate students and teachers on the importance of trees, shade, and clean air for health. Projects included tree plantings, installing shade structures, and engaging students and the community.
Establishing the Rhode Island Healthy Air Collaborative
RI Tracking helped create the Healthy Air Collaborative in partnership with other health department programs Band the American Lung Association. The collaborative's purpose is to educate Rhode Islanders about the connection between air pollution and lung health. The group has created several educational resources, hosted community events, and shared messages through various channels.
Milestones
2015-2016: Participated in ASTHO's Tracking Fellowship.
2017: RI Tracking Program established with CDC funding.
2018: Launched the RI Environmental Public Health Data Portal.
2019: Provided data to support carbon monoxide legislation for all schools in Rhode Island and upgraded lead environment data collection system.
2020: Provided support for COVID-19 response.
2021: Upgraded lead hazard mitigation environment data collection system, improved data reporting system using PowerBI, and expanded with Supplemental Grant for Food Protection (through 2022).
2022: Upgraded asbestos environment data collection system and cosponsored ESRI enterprise advantage program.
2023: Launched the Rhode Island Climate Change Explorer.
Who to contact
Website: http://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=1123
Email: peter.dipippo@health.ri.gov
Resources and tools
Fact Sheets
Data Stories
- Hazards and Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure in Rhode Island
- Lead in Drinking Water in Rhode Island
Other Resources
- Partners included the state Climate Change and Health Program and the state Occupational Safety and Health Administration consultancy.
- Climate Change and Health Program and Asthma Program