CDC 24/7 - Protecting People - Washington's Success
Helping Communities Connect Air Pollution Control and Improved Health
What is the problem?
For American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington, asthma rates are much higher than the state average. These cases are also less likely to be well controlled. Reducing asthma triggers is a key step in preventing asthma attacks. Smoke can trigger an asthma attack and non-certified wood burning stoves are a major source of smoke in some communities. However, persuading community leaders to address smoke from non-certified woodstoves can be very hard.
What did Tracking do?
The Washington Tracking Network partnered with the Asthma Program at the Department of Health to find out where wood burning stoves- especially non-certified stoves – were being used. The data showed that wood burning was common in many communities, but scientists were most concerned about the high use of non-certified stoves in tribal communities where asthma rates were also high. They met with tribal leaders about wood stove use and highlighted how indoor and outdoor smoke from wood stoves can trigger problems for people with asthma.
Improved public health
After seeing the data about wood stove use and how wood smoke can trigger asthma, tribal leaders began to mobilize and motivate stakeholders around their action plan for managing smoke in their communities.
Improved Public Health Surveillance and Action for Lead
What is the problem?
An outdated, paper-based system made lead test reporting inefficient in Washington. State and local health agencies also had no way to share information about lead poisoning investigations in a secure, electronic environment. Using fax machines, paper and phones made ensuring the privacy of lab reports difficult and led to delays in case follow-up.
What did Tracking do?
The Washington Tracking Network improved the flow of environmental public health data by helping to build Washington’s electronic lab reporting system: Public Health Reporting of Electronic Data (PHRED). PHRED makes it easier to handle public health reports like blood lead testing. Once agency workers receive data from PHRED, they can transfer reports of concern into the Public Health Issues Management System (PHIMS). Within hours, local health officials can access PHIMS and carry out their investigations.
Improved public health
Systems like PHRED and PHIMS make public health surveillance and response faster. Labs can now report electronic lead poisoning test results more efficiently and securely. The state Child Blood Lead Registry receives more standardized and complete test results. Local public health officials now are alerted quickly to possible lead poisoning cases, cutting delays and saving costs during case investigations. PHIMS provides state and local health agencies an easy, secure way to communicate about ongoing investigations, also providing technical assistance more quickly, maintaining privacy, and improving public health response and prevention.