CHaRT: a community heat-risk mapping and planning tool for local health departments
CHaRT Implementation Research Project
Guided use of the CHaRT heat-risk mapping and planning tool is offered to local health departments to help protect residents from dangerous heat.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190961 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project helps local public health teams use CHaRT, a mapping tool that shows heat risk at the neighborhood (census tract) level and links to proven actions to reduce harm. The team will enroll 30 local health departments and randomly give some extra, guided support using CHaRT while others receive information only, then compare how well communities plan and act. Researchers will also interview staff and partners to learn what helps or blocks using CHaRT and collect data on implementation processes. The approach combines a small randomized trial with in-depth learning about real-world barriers and facilitators so communities can more easily use the tool.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are local health departments and their staff in U.S. cities or counties facing heat risk who are willing to engage in community adaptation planning.
Not a fit: People whose local health department does not participate, or who live in areas not targeted by CHaRT, are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, communities could better identify neighborhood heat risks and take targeted actions that reduce heat-related illness and death.
How similar studies have performed: CHaRT has been piloted previously but has not undergone a formal randomized trial, so this is a formal test of a promising but unproven implementation approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hess, Jeremy Johnson — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Hess, Jeremy Johnson
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.