What to know
The Massachusetts (MA) Tracking Program’s mission is to provide access to up-to-date health and environmental data and visualization tools for improved public health. MA Tracking engages stakeholders and regularly participates in broad-reaching projects that leverage the program’s data and technological infrastructure.
Background
Massachusetts has 351 cities and towns, varying widely in population and demographic characteristics. Each has “town meeting” governments and municipally organized public health. Local data are critical to public health planning. Therefore, MA Tracking makes data available at the city/town and census tract levels whenever possible.
Accomplishments
Childhood Lead Poisoning
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted a using MA Tracking childhood lead poisoning data. Findings showed that Superfund cleanup activities result in a significant reduction in childhood blood lead levels.
Data and Technology Infrastructure
MA Tracking provided the technological platform for the state health department's new public data access and communication tool called (PHIT). PHIT provides data that can inform public health interventions targeting upstream social drivers of inequality, like neighborhood characteristics.
Unique Data
All state and local tracking programs collect and display a set of standard data. But individual programs may host other data that are important to their populations. MA Tracking's unique data include the following.
School-based Pediatric and
Massachusetts is a state with universal blood lead screening for children. It has one of the most comprehensive in the country.
Milestones
2002: Massachusetts Tracking Program established with ÐÇ¿ÕÓéÀÖ¹ÙÍø funding
2008: Launched early version of the with all required data.
2014: Enhanced MA Tracking site design for on-the-fly queries and interactive mapping.
2016: Developed .
2017: Released mobile-friendly .
Resources and tools
Local Services
MA Tracking offers resources for health professionals who serve residents.
Local data: Access local health data and with summaries of city/town-specific environmental health information.
Training: Visit our pages for step-by-step instructions on how to use the MA Tracking website and tools; Email MA Tracking to ask about in-person training events.
Reports for physicians: View annual childhood lead screening for physicians. The reports provide city/town-specific lead screening and exposure prevention information.