Participatory Mapping to Keep Norwood Cool

Environmental Justice - Keep Norwood Cool

Spring Health Sciences Cafe

Exposure to Air Pollution and Child Health

Learn the results of ground breaking research done right here in Greater Cincinnati, through clear maps, data and engaging presentation. Everyone believes in proactively impacting our environment, but how is our environment impacting us? Understanding leads to better decision making as we create a climate friendly Norwood. 

A Community Health Grant

Keep Norwood Cool received funding from a Community Health Grant in June 2020 to conduct the Participatory Mapping to Keep Norwood Cool Study. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, Community Health Grants are awarded to partnerships between academic researchers and community members seeking to systematically address community health issues.

Training Day for Climate Relay

Learn to measure and upload data from your environment for a study led by CCHMC and UC, and facilitated by the Norwood Health Department and Keep Norwood Cool. It’s fun and educational, and helps create a climate friendly Norwood! Sign up now for event happening on Saturday, July 25!

Report on Community Huddle July 2020

Project Overview

Zoom Meeting Video

Study Plan

The objective of the study will be to collectively identify both positive and negative factors that affect the microenvironments and associated microclimates of Norwood and then study how these factors affect the health and wellness of people living, working or playing in it.

The study is expected to include numerous opportunities for Norwood citizens to receive education, complete training and then work along researchers as “citizen scientists”.  Citizen scientist activities include: 1) scouring Norwood neighborhoods to both make and record visual observations (e.g. presence of garbage and trash, trash cans, trees, standing water, etc.) using their mobile devices; 2) querying neighbors and bystanders about their feelings of well-being and stress near locations likely to be heat islands using an online survey tool; and 3) carrying sensors on pre-planned walking or bike routes throughout a designated week to measure air temperature and levels of air pollution.

From these data, special multimedia geographical maps called StoryMaps will be created to represent, interpret and communicate sensor, observation and well-being information collected in Norwood. By layering the differing information collected on maps, the KNC team, partnering stakeholders and citizen scientists can make comparison between areas, identify key issues, make decisions together and mobilize future actions to promote healthier microenvironments in Norwood while minimizing the effects of less healthy ones.

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Meet Big Sam

Big Sam is a 40-something security guard at the high school Jazzy and Vito attend. Big Sam is worried about his health and recently found out his blood pressure is high. He covers up his worries with jokes. He lives in the apartment above Miss Georgia.

Meet Jazzy

Jazzy is a cheerful younger high school age girl. She is a cheerleader and does gymnastics. She enjoys spending time with older people and loves to bake with Miss Georgia. She has asthma and works hard to control it so she can enjoy her activities.

Meet Cardi

Cardi is a 30-something aerobics teacher at the community center who loves to help people get more fit and healthy but can be a bit too much “in your face” about it. She means well though!

Meet Vito

Vito is a plays-it-cool older high schooler who is sweet-natured at heart. He plays basketball at the community center and is friends with Jazzy. He loves pop and chips and can’t see why eating all he wants of them is a problem.

Meet Pops

Pops is a retired high school science teacher who loves to keep helping people learn about science and health. He likes to check out what everyone is doing or talking about and step in to give his opinion.

Meet Miss Georgia

Miss Georgia is a fun-loving lady in her 50’s who loves to sing, dance, and bake. She is always helping out at community events. She recently found out she has diabetes, and she is learning new ways to cook.