Explore the Library

To find community examples and tools for collecting and using health data, browse through all content or select by topic.

About These Tools

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust is presenting these data tools for your information and use, but did not create them. These tools may be subject to copyright, and should be used within the terms of use outlined in any copyright restrictions.

Be Advised

We hope you find these tools useful. We advise you to keep in mind that the content in these tools may cover sensitive issues that could be triggering for certain individuals.

PLACES: Local Data for Better Health

Author: CDC, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the CDC Foundation
Tool Type: National Data Source, Reports
Existing Data Source

PLACES provides model-based, community-level analysis of 36 chronic-disease realated measures for all counties, states, and census tracts nationwide.

Community Data Platform

Author: Cape Fear Collective
Tool Type: Dashboard
Existing Data Source

The Community Data Platform (CDP) is a cloud-based AWS MySQL database with over 1,000 metrics sourced from public sources, regional anchor institutions, and other community partners.

Examples of NC Food System Assessments

Author: Community Food Strategies
Tool Type: Reports
Sample Resource

This website, compiled by Community Food Strategies, lists examples of food system assessments conducted in North Carolina. The website serves as a resource for individuals and organizations interested in understanding the food system in North Carolina and implementing strategies to address food-related challenges. The referenced documents provide valuable information for policymakers, researchers, and community members who seek to promote sustainable agriculture, equitable food access, and a resilient food system in NC.

Participatory Asset Mapping Toolkit

Author: The Advancement Project
Tool Type: Guides
Data Collection Tool

This guide is a resource developed by the Advancement Project by Healthy City to support Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in leveraging community knowledge and assets for advocacy. Focusing on Participatory Asset Mapping, it combines participatory mapping and asset mapping to identify and document community assets. The toolbox provides practical guidance for hosting asset mapping events, conducting workshops, and conducting research within the Community Based Participatory Action Research framework. It emphasizes community-based organizations that actively engage residents and aims to amplify community voices in decision-making. This guide can be used to help organizations identify community assets, empower communities, and create positive change at the local level.

In-Person Marketplace Enrollment Efforts in North Carolina

Author: The Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research
Tool Type: Dashboard
Existing Data Source

The “Dashboard for In-Person Marketplace Enrollment Efforts in North Carolina” by the Sheps Center for Health Services Research, tracks and analyzes health insurance enrollment efforts, particularly in rural areas of North Carolina. The tool provides real-time data and visualizations to monitor progress, identify low enrollment areas, and evaluate outreach strategies. It helps stakeholders make informed decisions, understand enrollment trends, and address barriers to enrollment. The goal is to improve access to health insurance for rural populations in North Carolina by tailoring outreach initiatives based on evidence-based strategies.

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps

Author: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, School of Medicine and Public Health
Tool Type: Reports
Existing Data Source

This data source produces annual county health ranking reports at the state and county levels. The rankings are based on a variety of health factors that influences the wellbeing of the communities, including health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. In addition to the rankings, this data source provides guidance and additional resources for the stakeholders to improve health outcomes and promote health equity in their communities.

Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy Data

Author: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Tool Type: National Data Source
Existing Data Source

This is a dataset that provides information on severe housing problems and needs among households needing housing assistance, especially low-income households. The data are updated every four years (quadrennially) and available at the state, county, and census-tract levels through a web-based table generator (also known as a query tool) or complete downloadable sets of data files. The data are also stratified by race and ethnicity, household income, and more.

Map the Meal Gap

Author: Feeding America
Tool Type: Dashboard
Existing Data Source

This dashboard provides estimates of food insecurity at the county and congressional district levels across the United States. Data are produced annually and available by race, ethnicity, and age group. Using Map the Meal Gap, users can access measures, such as prevalence of food insecurity, average cost per meal, and estimated eligibility for food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC).