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 Environmental Health Disparities (EHD) map is a living tool that we continue to update and improve. It represents our efforts to improve your experience as consultants and advisors of our work. We use feedback and new data to make changes over time. Even so, the map cannot show every community's full experience. It should not be used to replace community engagement or Tribal consultation. You can see how the EHD map has changed over time by reviewing the timeline below.
Environmental Health Disparities Map Timeline
Pre-Healthy Environment for All Act Timeline
- Text version of timeline
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Fall 2016
- Environmental Health Disparities (EHD) workgroup started.
- Regular workgroup meetings began.
- 11 community listening sessions began.
- Review of existing methods and methodology began.
- Development of criteria and refining data began, including improving methodology.
Winter 2017
- Guided literature review for the EHD map began.
February 2017
- Community Symposium began.
July 2017
- Review of existing methods and methodology ended.
- 11 community listening sessions ended.
September 2018
- Development of criteria for refining data, including improving methodology, ended.
- Community webinar to share findings.
January 2019
- EHD map version 1.0 was released.
December 2019
- EHD map version 1.1 was released.
Early Healthy Environment for All Act (2019-2023) Timeline
- Text version of timeline
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July 2019 - Fall 2020
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Environmental Justice (EJ) Task Force recommends prioritizing EJ using the map.
July - December 2021
- HEAL Act passed and became law.
- EHD mThe ap technical lead hired.
January - February 2022
- Version 1.1 updated.
- DOH hosts first technical workgroup.
July 2022
- EHD map version 2.0 released.
November 2022
- Washington State Institute of Public Policy Technical Review published.
January - May 2023
- Tribal listening sessions, roundtables, and consultation.
June - October 2023
- Tribal and community engagement staff hired.
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Environmental Health Disparities Map Version 3.0 Engagement 2024-Mid 2025 Timeline
- Text version of timeline
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April 2024
- EHD map community engagement listening sessions began.
- EHD map version 3.0 website revamp began.
- Tribal engagement in Tribal forums and with the native community began.
May - June 2024
- HEAL community and tribal capacity grants awarded.
- Partnered with SWACH for EHD map community engagement.
July 2024
- Partnered with SOMNetwork for EHD map community engagement.
August 2024
- Some EHD map version 2.0 materials translated into 6 languages.
November 2024
- Partnered with Elevate Health, Thriving Together, and Better Health Together ACHs for EHD map community engagement.
January 2025
- Partnered with Greater Health Now for EHD map community engagement.
- First EHD map community engagement partner community of practice.
April - July 2025
- EHD map community engagement roundtables.
- EHD map version 3.0 website revamp ends.
Post Draft Environmental Health Disparities Map Version 3.0 Mid 2025-2027 Timeline
- Text version of timeline
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Fall 2025
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Preparing draft EHD map version 3.0 and education materials.
Winter 2025
- Draft EHD map version 3.0 available.
January - September 2026
- Review and incorporate comments.
- Draft EHD map version 3.0 virtual workshops.
- Share public comments and responses.
Spring 2026
- Release of qualitative EHD map draft available in English.
Fall 2026
- EHD map version 3.0 webinars.
- EHD map version 3.0 released.
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Download the Environmental Health Disparities Map Timeline (PDF).