The Proximity Project: Using Spatial Thinking and Social Psychology to Develop Collaborations and Partnerships

Background: The reconfiguration of a regional program service area from six states to nine states presented an opportunity to utilize spatial thinking and the social psychology principle of proximity to understand the geographical relationship among entities interested in health information and engage them in community-level partnerships and programming. Spatial thinking helps us describe and analyze patterns and organizations of people, places and environments. The principle of proximity suggests that people in closer physical environments are more likely to form a relationship than those farther away. This project sought to identify clusters of entities in close proximity for developing potential collaborations.

Description: The project initially focused on identifying libraries, public health departments, and community-based health organizations (CBHO) in a nine-state region that served at risk or underserved communities, and that had an interest in health information or health programming for community members. These entities are often present in communities lacking medical facilities like clinics or hospitals, they can address unmet needs for vulnerable and disadvantaged community members, and they are often viewed as trusted organizations among community members. These entities are key stakeholders in improving the publics’ access to health information to enable them to make informed decisions about their health.

Libraries offer internet access, reliable health information, and health related training and programming to improve health literacy. Some libraries are also facilitating telehealth appointments and routine screenings. Public health departments provide a safety net for many communities by providing essential primary care, work to prevent disease outbreaks, and respond to emergencies and disasters. Community-based health organizations (CBHO) identify and address risk factors, offer education, and provide home health visits. CBHOs often specialize in providing services for a particular condition, like mental health, addiction, or HIV/AIDS, and staff frequently reside in the communities they serve.

Two MLIS practicum students learned how to use the selected cloud-based mapping and analysis program through online tutorials, and uploaded the entity location information to create the regional state maps. Region 4 engagement specialists used the mapping data to identify clusters where there were two or more entities within a reasonable travel distance of one another. We are reaching out to these entities to gauge their interest in participating. We will work with participants to measure how effective proximity is in developing partnerships and collaborations at the community level, and solicit feedback on the usefulness of the mapping for the entities.