Health Impact Assessments and Planning: Bridging the Gap to Promote Health Equity

Public Deposited
Back to Parent Record Analytics

Downloadable Content

Download PDF
Request Version for Screen Reader
Alternate title
  • Planning for Equity in a Local Context: Case Studies from the North Carolina chapter of the American Planning Association Contributors: Health Impact Assessments and Planning: Bridging the Gap to Promote Health Equity
Creator
  • Danley, Christopher
    • Other Affiliation: Owner, Vitruvian Planning, Boise, ID
  • Hebert, Katherine
    • Other Affiliation: Design 4 Life Coordinator, Town of Davidson, NC
  • Kostelec, Donald
    • Other Affiliation: Owner, Kostelec Planning, Asheville, NC
Abstract
  • Public health and planning have been intertwined professions since the 1800s, when a concern over the health and wellness of city dwellers led reformers to demand greater order to the growth of cities and the provision of government services. The connection between the two professions was reinforced again in the 1960s, when air and water pollution legislation swept the nation.1 Today, the evidence of the relationship between planning decisions and public health outcomes can be seen in increasing health inequalities throughout the United States. Health Impact Assessment (HIA) can contribute information to the planning process in order to address these unintended health consequences prior to a decision being made. Planners work to “improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations.”2 A planner’s actions can either contribute to health inequities or promote equity. Language related to the protection of health and enhancing quality of life is commonplace in comprehensive plans and zoning ordinances. However, this language typically concerns only very basic health issues such as clean water, sanitary sewer services, building stability and fire protection. Today, with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease on the rise, the health profession – both clinical and public health – is becoming more involved in plans, policies, programs and projects that impact the built environment. Health professionals recognize that the planning profession is at the frontlines of determining whether or not healthy communities are built.
Date of publication
DOI
Resource type
  • Article
Rights statement
  • In Copyright
Journal title
  • Carolina Planning Journal
Journal volume
  • 38
Page start
  • 47
Page end
  • 50
Language
  • English
Digital collection
  • Carolina Planning Journal

Relations

Parents:
In Collection:

Items

Thumbnail Title Date Uploaded Visibility Actions
file details 47casestudiesdanley.pdf 2019-04-23 Public Download