Finding affordable housing in Colorado continues to make headlines and cause headaches for those who live in the state; however, a University of Northern Colorado researcher is investigating affordable housing and physical and #mentalhealthissues using geographic information system (GIS)-mapping techniques.
JamesDonaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Results indicate that neighborhoods with rental burden, more than 30% of a household’s annual income, also show high rates of mental and physical health issues. The interactive maps show different data sets that overlap where connections can be drawn. For example, one layer shows how high-rent burden is throughout the entire state and then another layer can be added that shows #suicide and drug-mortality rates in those same areas.
The project used secondary, or existing, data from sources including the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey to identify high housing cost areas at the census tract level.
From there, areas with high housing cost can be identified for additional burden of physical and mental health problems such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, alcohol and drug consumption, #mentalhealth and #suicide. In turn, areas with high mental and physical health issues but no health facility nearby can be uncovered and receive information about resources and the closes medical centers. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs is reviewing the results for additional actionable insights, as well.
“From the results, the Denver-metro region has the majority of census tracts that experience both housing and mental health issues, but southern cities, such as Pueblo and Colorado Springs, have a disproportionate burden,” said Lee. “You can also see some hot spots in western parts of the state, such as high #suicide mortality near Grand Junction. Something should be done to explore what is happening.”
A Census tract in Weld County also experiences drug and #suicide mortality rates 20% higher than the state average. According to a recent 24/7 Wall St. report, Greeley ranks first in all U.S. metropolitan areas where home prices are at least 20% higher than at their nearest pre-recession peak: Greeley has experienced a 10-year population growth of 25% with a current median home price around $327,000, a 79% home-price change since before the recession.
The Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ Division of Housing will use these findings to further investigate housing affordability and #mentalhealthissues for those who are most affected.
This project, “Social Determinants of Health in Colorado: Spatial Analysis of Housing Affordability, #HealthIssues, and Health Care Accessibility,” was funded more than $45,000 by the University of Denver’s Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
