Decision-makers across the country are using the fast-growing field of health impact assessment (HIA) to create smarter and healthier policies in a broad range of sectors, from transportation and housing to energy and education. HIAs use a flexible, data-driven approach that identifies the health consequences of policies and decisions outside of health. For example, when building a major roadway, planning a city’s growth, or developing agricultural, economic, or energy policies, decision-makers can use HIA to enhance health benefits and minimize adverse effects. Through March 2015, about 345 HIAs have been completed or are underway in the United States, demonstrating the ability of HIAs to inform a wide variety of decisions for diverse audiences.
On June 16-18, the 2015 National Health Impact Assessment Meeting will bring together leaders from over a half dozen sectors—including planning, labor, housing and community development, energy and natural resources, and education—to learn how to use HIA as a tool for healthier policies, programs, plans, and projects. The conference includes unbeatable cross-sector networking opportunities, skill building sessions, topical workshops and more.
Meeting Goals:
- Introduce public health professionals and others to the appropriate applications, methods, opportunities and challenges involved in conducting an HIA.
- Show decision-makers and program leaders the practical aspects of implementing HIAs in a range of policy settings.
- Provide a forum for HIA practitioners to showcase their work through roundtables, oral and poster presentations, as well as learn from each other and experts in related disciplines.
- Network with others on current resources for conducting HIA.
Meeting Target Audience:
- Decision-makers
- Public health, planning and health policy professionals
- HIA practitioners
- Community-based organizations
- Advocacy groups
- Researchers
- Academicians and students
- Elected officials and their staff
- Others interested in HIA
