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Environmental Public Health Tracking Awareness Week 2020​

Welcome to Maryland Environmental Public Health Tracking (MD EPHT) - your gateway to environmental and health data resources. You can use Tracking to create data tables and maps, view a gallery of different environmental public health topics in Maryland, and more.​

Climate Change Data and Suicide Data





Before the Tracking Network, there was no single source where communities could access data and information to help them better understand relationships between the environment and health. 

As part of the Tracking Network, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) contributes standardized health and environmental data to the CDC, but also provides unique data on the MD EPHT Portal for the State. For example, in 2016, the Maryland Department of Health worked with researchers at the University of Maryland to create the Maryland Climate and Health Profile Report and added data to our MD EPHT Portal and the Climate Adaptation Tracker (EPHCAT). Find out how climate change is affecting our state here

The MDH also has partnerships within the agency including injury and violence prevention.  MD EPHT also makes available unique data such as suicide mortality​ on the MD EPHT Portal for Marylanders

Radon in Maryland

Since 2002, MDH had partnered with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to bring environmental and public health data together in a single platform - the MD EPHT Portal. This strong environmental public health partnership continues to grow and expand into more areas. MD EPHT relies on strategic partnerships to help lead, develop, support, and implement innovative programs that protect and improve community health. We are excited to work with MDE on the radon initiative! Click here to see how you can have your home tested for radon exposure.

Lead Poisoning and Lead Testing in Maryland

Because of MD EPHT, public health leaders and communities can make informed decisions about planning, implementing, and evaluating public health activities. Children across Maryland are exposed to lead in their environments from a variety of sources. To increase blood lead testing among young children, the Maryland Department of Health implemented multiple initiatives in 2016 and MD EPHT worked to provide estimates on the lead testing needed in the State for planning. Click here to see those projections and maps.  By 2018, blood lead testing among 12- and 24- month- olds increased in 15 counties compared to the 2010-2015 average. Click hereto learn more about the MDH Lead-Free Maryland Kids campaign.

Environmental Public Health in the Community

The MD EPHT program is more than just data – it’s also a network of people and resources that transform data into public health action. We provide essential environmental health infrastructure and expertise to keep communities safe and help improve where we live, work, and play. Our MD EPHT team is dedicated to keeping you healthy and your environment safe. MD EPHT has worked closely with the MDH Lead-Free Maryland Kids campaign and leveraged partnerships and resources for our communities. Click here to see a video to raise awareness among Maryland parents about lead exposure, of its risks, and of universal lead screening for children. Click here to see a PSA for health care providers on lead testing.​

Available Census Tract Data and Collaborating on Investigations 

The Maryland Tracking Program is one of the 26 tracking programs here in the US. What does that mean? It means we are passionate about sharing environmental public health information and data that can improve your life and your community’s well being. The Maryland Tracking portal allows you to explore a variety of health, environmental, and social-economic indicators at county, zip code, and census tract levels. Find out more by visiting our website, liking and following us on social media, and by checking out our interactive portal.​

In August 2019, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) became aware of a cluster of severe lung injury associated with e-cigarette use. With support from the Maryland Tracking Program team, MDH opened an epidemiological investigation of e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) cases in the state. The team provided non-infectious exposure response, supported case interviews and clinical review of exposures to this newly reportable condition. To learn more about EVALI in Maryland, click here.
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