Children's Optimal Health

Through a commitment to shared data, collaboration, and on-going communication, Children's Optimal Health (COH) uses visual images (GIS mapping) and analysis to inform policy, improve operations, promote research, and mobilize the community to better the lives of our children and youth. During 2022, the time-series analysis of school district data to facilitate targeting of student and family supports continued. It was augmented by work with United Way for Greater Austin to analyze 211 needs data as part of our community response to the COVID pandemic. Interactive maps for the 5 county Metro Statistical Area were completed and publicly shared. A federal grant addressing substance use prevention, for which COH was a subcontractor, was successfully completed with development of training resources for those working with autonomous, but not independent, youth provided. Efforts to evolve a Community Information Exchange for central Texas were furthered in partnership with others. Significant research was conducted with grant funding to identify issues of digital access and equity for vulnerable populations, particularly during the pandemic. Findings and insights will be used to address policy issues and local action to improve both access and equity. The organization continued its involvement with the Urban Institute's National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP), the Community Advancement Network (CAN), the Travis County Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (YSAPC), and the Success by Six initiative involving among others, COH, United Way, E3 Alliance, and the University of Texas Medical School.