United Way launches Greenwood, Abbeville data base

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Government officials, hospitals and schools in Greenwood and Abbeville counties can keep tabs on their service population and demographics through a new data base, Greenwood Counts.

The site, made possible through the work of United Way, offers access to population health data, demographics, evidence-based practices and information on vital resources and activities, including more than 140 health and quality of life data indicators, zip-code socio-economic maps and tailored data reports, among other resources, according to a news release from Ten at the Top.

“Our vision for Greenwood Counts was to provide Greenwood County with a vital resource to support community improvement work in the region,” Zeb Gantt, community research and data specialist of United Way of Greenwood and Abbeville Counties, said in the news release. “We are eager to make the site scalable and replicable for other surrounding counties in the future, as this would enable the region to come together collectively to formulate shared goals. This new platform will engage diverse stakeholders, help pinpoint at-risk populations and areas of need, promote the implementation of programs proven to affect change, and provide tools to track and report on results at the zip code, county and regional levels.”

The site also will serve as the data backbone for a Greenwood Counts Community Consortium created to serve the needs demonstrated by data on the site.

 “The Greenwood Counts Community Consortium is being developed with one goal in mind, bringing representatives from across multiple sectors to advocate and advance system changes for a safer, healthier and happier community,” Marisel Losa, president and CEO of United Way of Greenwood and Abbeville Counties, said in the release. “The Consortium will drive conversations on how Greenwood plans and coordinates services and will serve as advisors for governments and community leaders.”