title: A data-driven allocation tool for in-kind resources distributed by a state health department.
abstract: The objective of this study was to leverage a state health department's operational data to allocate in-kind resources (children's car seats) to counties, with the proposition that need-based allocation could ultimately improve public health outcomes.
  
  
  
  This study used a retrospective analysis of administrative data on car seats distributed to counties statewide by the Georgia Department of Public Health and development of a need-based allocation tool (presented as interactive supplemental digital content, adaptable to other types of in-kind public health resources) that relies on current county-level injury and sociodemographic data.
  
  
  
  Car seat allocation using public health data and a need-based formula resulted in substantially different recommended allocations to individual counties compared to historic distribution.
  
  
  
  Results indicate that making an in-kind public health resource like car seats universally available results in a less equitable distribution of that resource compared to deliberate allocation according to public health need. Public health agencies can use local data to allocate in-kind resources consistent with health objectives; that is, in a manner offering the greatest potential health impact. Future analysis can determine whether the change to a more equitable allocation of resources is also more efficient, resulting in measurably improved public health outcomes.
authors.affiliation: a National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia.
authors.forename: Cora
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.affiliation: a National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia.
authors.forename: Scott R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kegler
authors.affiliation: b Injury Prevention Program , Georgia Department of Public Health , Atlanta , Georgia.
authors.forename: Wende R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.affiliation: a National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Atlanta , Georgia.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sullivan
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D057207:Child Restraint Systems; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011635:Public Health Administration; D040841:Resource Allocation / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control
keywords: accidents; economics/statistics and numerical data; financing, government/supply and distribution; traffic