Mapping Binge Drinking in the Cincinnati Region

In recognition of National Prevention Week, we are drawing attention to health issues related to substance abuse and prevention. National Prevention Week is an annual health observance designed to increase public awareness of, and action around, substance abuse and mental health issues. This year's theme is: "Your voice. Your choice. Make a difference."

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) publishes the locations of substance abuse and mental health treatment centers. We have incorporated a SAMHSA Facility Mapper tool into HealthLandscape to help individuals and community agencies locate treatment centers, and to enable agencies to overlay SAMHSA site data with other population characteristics in their region.

For example, the map below shows SAMHSA facilities in Greater Cincinnati. The legend identifies whether the facility's focus is on substance abuse, mental health and substance abuse (some mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety can also occur in people who abuse alcohol), or some other form of treatment.

Basic information about each center (name, address, type of care, web site if available, and form of payment assistance) is shown in the tooltip, which appears when you click on one of the site locators.

The map also shows rates of binge drinking among adults 18 years of age and older in Greater Cincinnati who responded to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) question: "Considering all types of alcoholic beverages, how many times during the past 30 days did you have [5 for men, 4 for women] or more drinks on an occasion?"

HealthLandscape has data for SAMHSA facilities nationwide. To access the SAMHSA Facility Mapper:

1. Log on to www.HealthLandscape.org (registration is free).
2. Select SAMHSA Facility Mapper under the Tools menu.
3. Use the Zoom feature to locate a facility in your area of interest.

Are there collaborative efforts in your community to address alcohol abuse and dependence issues? How are you using data to advance your mission? Post a comment below to join the conversation.