State provides new, interactive information about the quality of community health care

IDPH launches Public Health Community Map website

[July 10, 2012]  CHICAGO -- Illinois Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck has announced a new, interactive "Public Health Community Map" featuring information about the quality of health care in communities throughout Illinois. Aligning with the State Health Improvement Plan, the map feature provides information about access to health care in communities statewide and highlights socioeconomic, geographic and racial-ethnic disparities. Data for Illinois is presented geographically by region and county, and for Cook County, by sub-regions and ZIP codes.

"Consumers are always seeking better information about the quality of health care in their communities. We are proud to make this information available through the new Public Health Community Map," Dr. Hasbrouck said. "Our new community map and user-friendly updates to the Hospital Report Card and Consumer Guide to Health Care website continues to provide consumers with access to invaluable information about quality of care."

Increasing access to high-quality, affordable health care for all Americans and eliminating disparities is a national priority. Data presented in the community map can be used to increase awareness of these health issues in communities and determine needs for health care resources. The Illinois Department of Public Health promotes the use of open data as a platform for ideas, advocacy, planning and policy.

Read more about the Public Health Community Map at http://www.healthcarereportcard.illinois.gov/
map_info.

Look up the latest information on the Illinois Hospital Report Card and Consumer Guide to Health Care, including a special statewide report on the quality of breast biopsy procedures, at http://www.healthcarereportcard.illinois.gov/.

[Text from Illinois Department of Public Health file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]