Understanding Client Communities Spatially for Developing Effective Interventions: Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technology for Program Planning in Health and Human Services Agencies

ABSTRACT

Social workers are better equipped to understand the need to incorporate geographical aspects pertaining to their clients’ lives as part of their practice, given the significant influence these factors have on client well-being. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology is a useful tool for administrators and planners to make informed decisions regarding human service programs including examining program outcomes and impact as well as streamlining program implementation. This article synthesizes the literature to date on GIS in health and human services with examples of real world applications.

KEYWORDS:

• Geographic information systems
• health services
• human services and management
• program planning

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Erick Guerrero of the University of Southern California School of Social Work for allowing reproduction of a map depicting travel distances for the Latino population to the closest outpatient substance use treatment facility offering services in Spanish in Los Angeles County. The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and publication of this article.