Browsing by Author "Sperber, Samantha"
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Item EMS Hot Spot Analysis: 2014-2016(Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS), 2016) Moy, James; Ofori-Atta, Nika; Simmons, Holly; Sperber, Samantha; Liu, ChaoThis report attempts to identify the locations of the most life-threatening EMS incidents, patterns indicated by data analysis by time of day/day of the week, and potential underlying causes of EMS incidents. We found that the highest concentrations of dispatch calls were in the north-central part of the county, in and around Annapolis, and in residential areas where some senior citizens live. Our recommendation is that the county can incorporate the ArcGIS Network Analyst tool to analyze transportation routes and response times. This will help identify ways to optimize emergency resources and improve overall effectiveness in providing emergency services to residents.Item Exploring the Safe Routes to School Program: Feasibility of Using an Active Mode of Transportation to and from School in Prince George’s County, Maryland(Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS), 2018) Sperber, Samantha; Liu, Chao; Bierbaum, ArielSafe Routes to School (SR2S) is a program that promotes student health by encouraging an active mode of transportation. “The Safe Routes to School National Partnership's mission is to advance safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, and in daily life, to improve the health and well-being of America's children and to foster the creation of livable, sustainable communities.”1 Many elementary and academy school students in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) meet the 1.5 miles from school bus eligibility criteria but still take the bus. PGCPS has also experienced budget cuts and is looking at ways to save money on student bussing. Based on preliminary findings, PGCPS wants to know the feasibility of implementing an SR2S program at Arrowhead Elementary, Beltsville Academy, Hyattsville Elementary, and William W. Hall Academy. To figure out the feasibility of implementing an SR2S program, current conditions of active student transportation had to be addressed. This study asks the question “To what extent do current conditions at these four schools support or hinder active student transportation?” This feasibility was examined through prior research, site observations, and spatial analysis. Table 1 shows the feasibility criteria for each level of feasibility using qualitative and quantitative data.Item Healthy Annapolis(Partnership for Action Learning in Sustainability (PALS), 2017) Akpedeye, Nicole; Dunham, Christine; Hopkins, Jennifer; Kellman, Daniel; Kurien, Alyssa; Lipscomb, David; Patterson, Diane; Rohn, Kacy; Sperber, Samantha; Thornton, Arica; Warner, Claire; Bailey, Charles; Roberts, Jennifer D.Annapolis, Maryland, located in Anne Arundel County, is home to the United States Naval Academy and Saint John’s College. The small waterfront capital city is also a popular tourist destination for sailors and history buffs drawn to the nationally recognized historic district. While continuing to focus on preserving the City’s historic and natural resources and strong local economy, Annapolis is taking steps to become a healthier city by participating in the Let’s Move! Cities Towns, and Counties (LMCTC) initiative, a national campaign to end childhood obesity by providing guidance to elected officials, parents, schools, community leaders, and other stakeholders in order to make healthy living accessible for everyone. Annapolis has successfully met the five initial program goals for LMCTC, and has achieved All-Star status. This report will help the City pursue three of the four All-Star strategies it is now eligible to pursue after achieving All-Star status. This report highlights disadvantaged communities, as they are more likely to suffer from poor health. In addition to an increased likelihood of health issues, these communities are also less likely to have resources such as education and community support to improve certain aspects of their health. This University of Maryland PALS summer studio project is meant to help guide the City of Annapolis in creating a healthier city for all residents, and in reaching their LMCTC All-Star strategies. Four chapters were written by groups that focused on health-related aspects of the city that relate directly to areas of focus for achieving All-Star status: 1) updates to incorporate health into the Comprehensive Plan, 2) parks and open space, 3) bicycle infrastructure, and 4) urban agriculture and community gardens. We hope that by providing recommendations for integrating health into the planning process and city design, and by suggesting strategies to make the most effective use of existing tools, Annapolis will be better situated to achieve its LMCTC All-Star strategies.