Background
Even today, the careful creation of the Environmental Health Disparities (EHD) map continues to be important. The initial development and publication of the EHD map in January 2019 was a collaborative project that took years.
Who Was Involved
What Was Done
The effort included 11 listening sessions with over 60 organizations and community groups in Washington State. Those groups were our initial organizing force and our call to action. Those participants gave input that informed the development of the EHD map over two years (2017-2019).
How the EHD Map Ties Into the Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act
Since the map was published in January 2019, several Washington laws and rules highlight it as a resource. The HEAL Act, passed in 2021, led to the first dedicated, ongoing state funding to maintain and update the EHD map. The HEAL Act (RCW 43.70.815) requires DOH to:
- Further develop the EHD map by engaging with communities, Tribes, researchers, and the Environmental Justice Council.
- Track changes in health disparities over time.
- Perform a comprehensive evaluation every three years.
- Expand online video trainings and guidance on how to use the EHD map.
- Provide support and consultation to state agencies on how to use the EHD map.
How Your Voices and Concerns Inform New EHD Map Measures
DOH continues to add data to the EHD map to reflect additional health risks. DOH is currently working with partners to develop and update the EHD map indicators for: wildfire smoke, pesticide exposure, water quality, community retail food environment, digital infrastructure, asthma, and a group of climate change measures.
We have also partnered with community organizations around the state to help bring community feedback to us so that we can improve the map. Those new engagement partners are:
How Often the Tool is Updated
The EHD map is a living tool. Improving it is an ongoing process of gathering your feedback and new data. Even as we work to make it as good as we can, the map will never fully reflect all communities’ experiences, and it should not be used to replace community engagement or Tribal consultation.
