Concerned that a new development could have unintended consequences for residents? A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) can provide a crucial resource to address community member’s concerns about the potential impact(s) of a proposed plan or development. Through the HIA process, it is possible to:
- Predict health outcomes,
- Make recommendations for policy changes,
- Consider trade-offs and health impacts, and
- Engage your community.
There are six steps:
- Develop a Screening Process: Determine if an HIA will add value by identifying if there are health impacts, if the process allows for input, and whether the findings would provide added value.
- Scope the HIA: Develop a plan for the HIA, including goals, time-frame, geography, population, engagement plan, and roles for participants.
- Conduct the Assessment: Identify current and predicted health impacts by identifying a baseline profile of the community, selecting appropriate indicators, and characterization of anticipated effects of alternative decisions.
- Recommendations: Identify actions that protect health including mitigation, enhancement, and adoption scenarios.
- Reporting: Communicate findings through a formal report as well as fact sheets, testimony, website/social media, media, op-eds.
- Evaluation: Monitor impacts of assessment through engagement, awareness of topics, implementation.
To learn more about Health Impact Assessments, find resources, and funding announcements, please visit: Health Impact Project and American Planning Association.
