What to know
The Massachusetts (MA) Tracking Program’s mission is to provide access to up-to-date health and environmental data and visualization tools for improved public health. MA Tracking engages stakeholders and regularly participates in broad-reaching projects that leverage the program’s data and technological infrastructure.
Background
Massachusetts has 351 cities and towns, varying widely in population and demographic characteristics. Each has “town meeting” governments and municipally organized public health. Local data are critical to public health planning. Therefore, MA Tracking makes data available at the city/town and census tract levels whenever possible.
Accomplishments
Environmental Justice
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs used MA Tracking data to update Environmental Justice (EJ) Policy. This resource is designed for identifying at-risk "Vulnerable Health EJ Populations."
Childhood Lead Poisoning
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted a study on childhood blood lead and Superfund sites using MA Tracking childhood lead poisoning data. Findings showed that Superfund cleanup activities result in a significant reduction in childhood blood lead levels.
Data and Technology Infrastructure
MA Tracking provided the technological platform for the state health department's new public data access and communication tool called Public Health Information Tool (PHIT). PHIT provides data that can inform public health interventions targeting upstream social drivers of inequality, like neighborhood characteristics.
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. MA Tracking's unique data include the following.
Population-Based Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry
School-based Pediatric Asthma and Diabetes
Food Processing Facilities Inspections
Indoor Air Quality Assessments
Recreational Beach Water Quality Data
Massachusetts is a state with universal blood lead screening for children. It has one of the most comprehensive childhood lead databases in the country.
Milestones
2002: Massachusetts Tracking Program established with CDC funding
2008: Launched early version of the MA Tracking site with all required data.
2014: Enhanced MA Tracking site design for on-the-fly queries and interactive mapping.
2016: Developed community profile.
2017: Released mobile-friendly MA Tracking site.
Contacts
Website: https://matracking.ehs.state.ma.us/index.html
Email: DPH-MA-EPHT@state.ma.us
Monthly newsletter subscription: subscribe-dph-ept-newsletter@listserv.state.ma.us
Resources and tools
- Climate Change Vulnerability Mapping Tool
- Community Profile Reports
- Health Impact Assessment toolkit
- Emergency Preparedness Populations Planning Tool
Local Services
MA Tracking offers resources for health professionals who serve residents.
Local data: Access local health data and Community Profiles with summaries of city/town-specific environmental health information.
Training: Visit our tutorials pages for step-by-step instructions on how to use the MA Tracking website and tools; Email MA Tracking to ask about in-person training events.
Reports for physicians: View annual childhood lead screening progress reports for physicians. The reports provide city/town-specific lead screening and exposure prevention information.