Employing community-engaged participatory geospatial mapping to access alternative health assets to advance health equity in minoritized populations

Project Director and PI: Dr. AJ Kim
Awarded: $867,445

Program Areas: Health Disparities, Child and Family Wellbeing, Social Determinants of Health, Public and Community Health

Significant policy gaps exist in current research when it comes to recognizing the centrality of structural racism and its effects on the health and wellbeing of marginalized populations. More research is needed to understand the lived experiences of those with intersectional identities that compound the negative effects of structural racism, facing systemic barriers to safety, security, health, and wellbeing. Qualitative and narrative data particularly from a spatial perspective provides an opportunity to understand hidden resources within diverse communities. The purpose of this project is to create a better understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats experienced by marginalized communities facing compounding forms of structural racism in specific geographic areas characterized by its own historical, social, cultural, political, and economic conditions. This project also aims to support community voice and engagement to elevate lived experiences of structural racism for different types of marginalized populations.

Support for this project was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the Foundation.

all photos belong to the author and may not be used without permission. copyright: ajkim