OUR PORTFOLIO

The Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program (GRASP) uses geospatial science, analysis, technology, and visualization to examine the relationship between place and health. McKing developed the GRASP website to showcase the role of geospatial science in advancing ATSDR’s mission; promote the importance of the relationship between place and health; and connect the geospatial community to share information, collaborate on initiatives, and promote/facilitate the advancement of initiatives supporting the examination of place and health. The goal of the website is to highlight the role of geospatial science and technology in advancing public health research and practice for a varied audience, including the general public, researchers and students, potential partners, public health professionals, and those at all levels of knowledge about geographic information systems (GIS)—from beginners to experienced GRASP users.

McKing handled project coordination and worked collaboratively with the GRASP technology contractor on all stages of developing the website, including technology and content. McKing developed content (planning and writing), marketing, and digital media, and worked closely with the UX/UI development team. McKing is also responsible for monitoring and evaluation, survey design, data collection, and evaluating site metrics.

McKing conducted the background and research needed to develop this website. This included identifying criteria for prioritizing GRASP’s most relevant and impactful work, reviewing CDC’s sensitive topics list to identify controversial studies, conducting a content audit of existing GIS CDC/ATSDR websites, reviewing and analyzing stakeholder survey results to inform content strategy and design, finding appropriate images, and reviewing the CDC Web Policy to ensure adherence throughout development.

The website launched in September 2020; in October 2020, the website team received the CDC’s Health Literacy Hero Award in the New Initiative category.

The Need:
Personal stories told through digital media have become an increasingly effective health communication tool to engage audiences, promote positive health behaviors, and share information about effective health programs. In their mission to prevent, control, and eventually eliminate tuberculosis (TB) in the United States, the Division of Tuberculosis Elimination (DTBE) sought a contractor who could engage selected TB survivors, offer them messaging support, film them sharing their stories, and edit those stories for use on DTBE’s website and social media channels. In an attempt to counteract unequal TB disease burden, particularly in hard-to-reach and immigrant communities, there was an additional need to produce personal stories in other languages such as Spanish or Vietnamese. These videos could also be leveraged in the future for global eradication efforts.

Results:
McKing has provided HD video production, animation and digital photography support to DTBE, producing videos that highlight various aspects of TB (from diagnosis through treatment), focusing on survivors and their increased need for support throughout the lengthy treatment process. The TB Personal Stories shine a light on the personal experiences of both TB survivors and those working to control TB.

The Need:
CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention (NCHHSTP) sought health communication, marketing, and project management support, including development of health communication products and marketing tools, graphic design, photography, video production, and project management for large-scale, high profile events.

Results:
McKing provides support to NCHHSTP in every topic area. Key efforts include a variety of high-profile releases across all NCHHSTP Divisions: the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) Data Trends and Summary Report; graphic design services and infographic development for new data releases and promotion of observance days, such as STD Awareness Month and Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month. Additional efforts include educational videos for Tuberculosis screening and testing of healthcare personnel.

The Need:
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has caused significant impairment and disability for millions of people. The pain and disability are compounded by the fact that people with these conditions are often misdiagnosed and slighted by the health care providers to whom they turn for help. In 2015, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sought support to accelerate the adoption of the Institute of Medicine’s new diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, particularly among clinicians, aiming to make the disease easier to recognize and diagnose. CDC contracted with McKing to engage stakeholders and develop a plan to best communicate the latest ME/CFS recommendations through materials and content on CDC’s website.

Results:
Based on review and analysis of the findings from multiple roundtable discussions and additional feedback from project stakeholders and participants, McKing offered recommendations for CDC to continue work on ME/CFS in three key areas: website revisions/updates; continued stakeholder engagement; and educational materials development. Based on these recommendations CDC again contracted with McKing to continue the ME/CFS educational materials project, focusing on stakeholder engagement and taking the recommendations and feedback from the first phase to develop materials for both patients with ME/CFS and medical providers.