Newsworks and WHYY: Could better transit and parks make for healthier workers?

Health impact assessments (HIAs) are behind an emerging idea that public transportation — or even a state park — can be part of a prescription for good health. (by Taunya English)

Herald Online (CT): Rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Identifies Steps for Weatherization Plus Health in Connecticut

A newly released rapid HIA offers an evidence-based set of recommendations to guide state officials as they decide how best to invest federal, state, and utility ratepayer funds to boost energy efficiency and health.

Date Announced for Southeast Regional HIA Summit

The meeting will be held July 31 through 2 in Davidson, North Carolina. Attendees will discuss the field of health impact assessment (HIA) in the southeast United State.

Registration for the second National Health Impact Assessment (HIA) Meeting is now open.

This conference will take place September 24-25 in Washington, DC.

Winona Daily News: State: EIS on third mine

The Department of Health is also asking for a Health Impact Assessment for all three mine sites, a review that focuses solely on any potential health concerns for area residents. (By Mary Juhl)

Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune: Report cites transit’s health impact

Council members were presented with a health impact assessment report that focused on how public transportation is affecting health in the area. (By Andrew Denney)

Parks and Recreation: 5 Key Trends in Parks and Public Health

HIA is featured in a trend in the National Recreation and Park Association's magazine. Article by Maureen Hannan.

33rd Annual Conference of the International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) 2013: opportunity to submit HIA presentation abstract until Monday December 31, 2012

Whether you are an established practitioner, have just completed your first health impact assessment (HIA) or a public health student researching HIA, IAIA 2013 welcomes HIA papers from everyone and on all topics.

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Approves HIA Statement of Policy: Creating Healthier Communities Through Health Impact Assessment

NACCHO recommends federal, state, and local governments promote the standardization of the HIA process for local health departments and support conducting HIAs on national policies, as well as state and local policies with a national impact.

Delaware Health and Social Services Press Release: Coalition To Conduct First Health Impact Assessment In Delaware

Collaborative effort will help decision makers and the public better understand the complete impacts of choices and actions.

The Arctic Sounder (opinion): Leaders must bring concerns for health of Arctic to National discussion

After attending the Barrow HIA meetings for the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska where the impacts to health from oil and gas development report were discussed, I am faced with these stories from leaders in the Arctic. (By Rosemary Ahtuangaruak)

Opportunities from ASTHO announced

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) announced opportunities for travel scholarships and proposals for HIA peer mentors.

WBNG (Binghamton, NY): Leading Public Health Experts Declare Concerns with Cuomo/DEC Health Study

Health experts released a letter to New York Governor Cuomo in which they explained their concerns and the need for Governor Cuomo to commission a full, comprehensive health impact assessment.

The Lund Report: Activists Push for More Comprehensive Investigation on Health Impacts of Coal Trains

Activists from Oregon environmental groups, health organizations, Indian tribes and neighborhood associations have asked the Oregon Health Authority to perform a comprehensive regional health impact assessment. (By Christen McCurdy)

WBNG (Binghamton, NY): 440+ Elected Officials to Governor Cuomo: Many Parts of Fracking Review Still Inadequate

More than 440 local elected officials released a letter detailing serious concerns they have about fracking, including that the review of fracking is still missing a comprehensive health impact assessment.

New York Times Green blog: Mixed Reactions on N.Y. Fracking Decision

...Yet other environmentalists, noting that state officials had ignored calls for a separate health impact assessment for more than a year, continued to demand an independent study... (by Mireya Navarro)

The Oregonian: Clark County works to address obesity among residents

Three years ago, Kuljit Singh's Arco station on East Mill Plain Boulevard in Vancouver sold the same selection of candy, chips, soda and other processed, energy-rich snacks offered at convenience stores all over the country. (By Christen McCurdy)

Salon: Modern life is killing us

We’re all well aware that our surroundings — maniacal bosses, dreary weather, cable news — mess with our heads. And yet, we haven’t historically made mental well-being a lodestar when it comes to urban design. (By Will Doig)

Deadline extended: ASTHO Request for Proposals to Conduct HIAs

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials will fund and support up to four state or territorial health agencies to conduct one Health Impact Assessment (HIA). The deadline to apply has been extended to 5 pm PT on Friday, August 31, 2012.

WBGN Binghamton: Fighting Town Boards on Fracking

Residents from local towns are pushing for a state funded health impact assessment before any natural gas drilling starts near their homes. (By Erika Mahoney)

Deadline Approaching for the Convergence Innovation Fund Call for Proposals

The Convergence Partnership is seeking proposals by August 9 for initiatives to enhance the built environment and/or expand healthy food access in low-income communities and communities of color in order to improve health and promote equity.

The Oregonian: Oregon Physicians: Gov. John Kitzhaber Should Order Health Assessment of Proposed Coal Exports

Groups concerned about the health effects of exporting coal to Asia through the Northwest want a comprehensive health impact assessment before any state decisions are made on coal terminal permits. (Scott Learn)

ASTHO Request for Proposals to Support Health Impact Assessments (HIAs)

The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Community Design Initiative will support up to four state or territorial health agencies to conduct one HIA.

Post Star News: Comprehensive Health Assessment Would Study the Impacts of High Volume Hydraulic Fracturing

Assembly Speaker announced passage of legislation that would require a comprehensive health impact assessment of the effects of high volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State.

WBTV: Learn About Healthy Street Safety and Street Design

Learn about street safety and healthy street design, including the use of health impact assessment, at the Davidson Farmer's Market this summer. (by Jessica Sells)

The Gazette: Montgomery Health Officer to Weigh in on Gas Stations, Coal Tar

The Montgomery County Council wants an assessment of the public health issues surrounding mega gas stations and coal tar before its committees discuss proposed legislation to restrict each within the county. (by Kate S. Alexander)

The Corning Leader: Officials say DEC draft regulations inadequate for high-volume, horizontal fracking

Four Corning City Council members were among 313 elected officials across upstate New York who signed a letter to Gov. Andrew Cuomo in early June, calling for more independent studies, including a comprehensive health impact assessment. (By Leader staff)

KSKA Anchorage: State Wants Comments On Coal Health Assessment

Assembly members voted down a resolution to expand the state health assessment relative to the Wishbone Hill coal development by a 4 – 3 vote last week. (by Ellen Lockyer)

Michigan Live: Muskegon County conducting Health Impact Assessment for new jail

Muskegon County decision-makers will have detailed community health impact information available as they consider options for a new jail (by Eric Gaertner)

Cincinnati.com: Viaduct Demolition Requires Extra Care

The added dimension of the lead-based paint has spurred a health impact assessment now under way by the city Health Department (by Mark Wert)

CBS News: NY Assembly calls for fracking health impact study

Environmental and health groups are praising the New York State Assembly for including an independent health impact study of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in its budget proposal on Monday. (CBS News)

The Atlantic Cities: How to Measure a Project's Health

In the musical chairs of urban planning, public health often finds itself left standing when the music stops. (by Eric Jaffe)

The Roadmaps to Health Community Grants call for proposals is now available

RWJF and Community Catalyst issued a call for proposals for the second round of Roadmaps to Health Community Grants. Under the first round of funding, Roadmaps to Health funded two organizations to conduct HIAs.

United States Environmental Protection Agency Press Release Highlights Use of HIA

A press release from the EPA highlights the use of health impact assessment.

Op-Ed in the New Jersey Star-Ledger Calls for HIAs to Inform Policy

In an op-ed entitled, "Public health decisions should be based on science," Drew Harris calls for health impact assessments to inform policy. Drew Harris is chairman of the New Jersey Public Health Institute.

Poll: Washington State Voters Favor Legislation Requiring the State to Consider Health Impacts When Planning Transportation Projects, 55% to 22%

Childhood Obesity Prevention Council released a statewide poll showing by a 55% to 25% margin, a majority of Washington state voters favor legislation requiring the state to consider impacts on people’s health when planning new transportation projects.

Twin Cities Daily Planet: Healthy Corridor for All?

The HIA built relationships between technical advisors and the Corridor’s many ethnic groups while encouraging community leadership in science-based policy proposals for equitable land-use decisions. (by Emma Lucken)

Institute of Medicine Report on Chronic Illness Calls for Use of HIA

The National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine issues a report, “Living Well with Chronic Illness: A Call for Public Health Action,” which calls for the use of health impact assessment (HIA).

Lexington Herald-Leader: Environmental group urges lawmakers to consider health impact of coal

The Kentucky Environmental Foundation, based in Berea, released a 44-page "health-impact assessment" on coal and sent copies to Gov. Steve Beshear and the General Assembly. (by John Cheves)

Huffington Post: Building for Health, an interview with Richard Jackson, MD, MPH

How does where we live impact our health? It's a big and complex question, but Richard Jackson, MD, MPH is leading the way towards answers -- and interventions. (Interview by Steve Heilig)

Forbes: Could Rising Healthcare and Utility Bills Get Kentucky Off Coal?

The Health Impact Assessment on Coal and Clean Energy Options in Kentucky collates all the available peer-reviewed reports on the health impacts of both coal production and various types of renewable energy production (by Amy Westervelt)

The Tennessean: NashVitality Week Includes Health Impact Assessment Workshops

NashVitality Week challenges all of Nashville to make the healthy choice the easy choice. The inaugural week includes a trio of HIA workshops. (by Jessica Bliss)

Oregon Public Health Division Releases Wind Energy Health Impact Assessment for Public Comment

The draft Wind Energy Health Impact Assessment is a tool to help community members, elected officials and Oregon Department of Energy understand and respond to health-related questions about wind energy developments in Oregon.

WDIO (MN): Study on Major Duluth Road gives Pedestrians Hope for Change

A health Impact assessment was done after concerns over pedestrian safety on Sixth Avenue E. It lists dozens of recommendations for improving the road. (By: Alan Hoglund)

Portland Tribune: County may look at health impacts of bus transfers

Does waiting for a bus affect your health? That’s a question Multnomah County officials and a citizen group hope to answer through a state health study.

The Daily Reporter (WI): Racine biosolids project up for bid, follows Greenville uproar

The purpose of the Health Impact Assessment is to discuss the health impacts of a biosolids storage facility being proposed and to identify ways to decrease any adverse health impacts of the proposed biosolids storage facility. (by Jeff Moore)

Clark County Public Health receives award for Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of the Clark County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

Clark County Public Health received Active Living Research’s 2012 Translating Research to Policy Award, which recognizes exceptional use of research in making policies affecting youth physical activity levels, for its HIA. (from bikeportland.org)

Albany Times Union (opinion): N.Y. has to really study gas drilling impact

We are frankly stunned by the absence of any serious health impact assessment. (by Robert Howarth and Dr. Larysa Dyrszka)

Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune: Group to analyze public policy effects on health

New funding will give city and county officials a chance to better understand how policy decisions might affect residents’ health in areas including public transportation and access to healthy foods.(by Jodie Jackson Jr.)

Nashville HIA shows Health Benefits of Public Transportation

A health department collaborates with the Metro Transit Authority on an HIA that shows the health benefits of public transportation, including increased physical activity (by Nancy DeVille, The Tennessean)

TIME: Change Your Neighborhood, Improve Your Health

Does where you live influence your health? Yes, and maybe even more dramatically than you might expect. (by Alice Park)

Wall Street Journal: NY doctors want health study of gas drilling

More than 250 doctors and other health care professionals have signed a letter to Gov. Cuomo seeking a health impact assessment of the state's proposal to permit new deep drilling for natural gas across the Marcellus Shale region of upstate New York

CDC Grant to Fund Health Impact Assessment in Davidson, NC

Davidson: Design for Life must complete at least three health impact assessments per year for the next three years with this funding. (by Katie Orlando, The Weekly Herald)

Health Impact Assessments: A NewPublicHealth Q&A with Pamela Russo

Interview with Pamela Russo, M.D., M.P.H. a senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, about the foundation’s investments to increase the use of health impact assessments and the contents of the National Research Council report.

The State of Alaska Announces New Health Impact Assessment Program and Toolkit

State epidemiologists discuss how Alaska is using HIAs to improve the health of Alaskans on public radio

American Public Health Association Highlights HIA in New Safe Routes to School Local Policy Guide

The Safe Routes to School Local Policy Guide represents a effort to bring public health considerations into the development of transportation policies and practices, including through the use of health impact assessment (HIA).

Editor's Note: A weapon against skin cancer, childhood obesity

A story from USA Today shows how decisions outside the health field can impact health in unexpected ways. In this case, shade at playgrounds can affect children's health.

New Report by the Institute of Medicine Recommends Health Be Taken Into Account in Wide Range of Policies

The Institute of Medicine at the National Academies releases a new report that "encourages government and private sector stakeholders to consider health in a wide range of policies and to evaluate the health effects and costs of major legislation."

The National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council Announces National Prevention Strategy

"Prevention should be woven into all aspects of our lives, including where and how we live, learn, work and play." The plan recommends taking health into account for decisions in other sectors, such as by using health impact assessments (HIA).

Wyoming Community Organizes to Address Ozone Impacts

Residents who say they suffered health problems from ground-level ozone pollution this winter are demanding more action be taken to combat the problem.

TRB Forms Subcommittee on Health and Transportation

The Transportation Research Board, in order to help harness the interest and increase in health-related research, has created a new Subcommittee on Health and Transportation.

CDC Funding Opportunity for Community Transformation Grants

Funding is available to support evidence and practice-based community and clinical prevention and wellness strategies that will lead to specific, measurable health outcomes to reduce chronic disease rates.

Vote ends work on Battlement Mesa HIA

Garfield County Board of Commissioners will use the second draft of the Health Impact Assessment for decisions on natural gas development in Battlement Mesa

Local Health Department using HIA to review impacts of proposed dairy

The draft recommendations include monitoring wells, notifying neighbors of manure application plans, monitoring emissions and providing health checks for workers.

Schools Asked To Support I-710 Freeway Health Impact Assessment

Local school boards are being asked to support an effort to get a health impact assessment done on a major freeway project expected to impact communities from Long Beach to East Los Angeles.

“Antero Gets Extension to Review Battlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment”

Wisconsin Public Health Association Announces Section Focusing on Health Impact Assessment

The purpose of the HIA Section is to develop and foster a formal HIA network through outreach, education/training and capacity building in Wisconsin.

"Public Comment Period for Updated Battlement Mesa Health Impact Assessment Open"

The comment period will be open through March 28.

Actor Mark Ruffalo and Film-Maker Josh Fox Recommend HIA to Keep Drinking Water Safe

During a press conference on Capitol Hill, film makers discuss the health implications of water contamination by hydraulic fracturing.

“Health Impact Assessment Process Begins for Alabama Ave. Bike Lane in Ward 8”

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association posts about a new HIA that will be conducted in DC.

HIA on the Agenda for February Conferences

Sessions and events highlight health impact assessment at the Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference and the Active Living Research Annual Conference.

"RWJF Awards Grant to Develop First Mental HIA Tool"

The tool will be used to examine the impact of "non-health" decisions in areas such as transportation, employment, and education on the collective mental health and wellbeing of communities, and to guide and inform public decision-making processes.

Former Director of Collaborating Center on HIA Elected to UK Parliament

Debbie Abrahams is the former director of the International Health Impact Assessment Consortium (IMPACT), based in the Division of Public Health, a World Health Organization Collaborating Center, at the University of Liverpool.

APHA to Host Webinar on Community Health and Transportation Planning

On Tuesday, January 18, Andrew Dannenberg, Leslie Meehan and Jean Armbruster will present as part of a four-part series entitled "What Healthy Communities Need from their Transportation Networks."

Oregon Public Health Institute Releases HIA on Portland Area Transit

The comment period on the related Draft Environmental Impact Statement is open until January 31, 2011.

"EPA Scoping, Pilot Projects May Inform Policy Direction For HIA Reviews"

Institute of Medicine Report Recommends Strategies to Support Use of HIA

IOM\'s report, "For the Public\'s Health: The Role of Measurement in Action and Accountability," is the first of three RWJF-commissioned reports on public health.

"Garfield County to Step In if Antero Drills Near Battlement"

Garfield County officials agreed this week to step in on behalf of constituents if plans move ahead to drill for natural gas just outside the boundary of a densely populated but unincorporated community in western Garfield County.

Northwest Health Foundation Funds New HIAs in Oregon and Washington

The HIAs will bring new perspective to decision making across a range of topics, including regional transportation, city planning, urban agriculture and school wellness policies.

Alaska Seminar on Mining and Human Health

The Nature Conservancy, the University of Alaska Anchorage Department of Health Sciences, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are sponsoring an online seminar, with topics including risk assessment and health impact assessment.

New Guidance on Health Impact Assessment Released

The International Council on Mining and Metals senior program director for health and safety discusses the importance of health impact assessments.

In Colorado, Tri-County Health Department Funds New HIA through CPPW Initiative

A new HIA that will address access to healthy foods and physical activity will be conducted in Thornton, Colorado.

"Urban, Hip and Healthy: Can Wellness be a Priority in Plans for Future Growth?"

Sacramento County's nutrition program manager and an analyst for the county's air pollution agency, is leading a group that's pushing county planners to consider health and wellness as part of every decision about the area's urban design and development.

"Your ZIP Code and Your Life Expectancy"

Dr. James Marks, senior vice president of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, writes a Denver Post guest commentary about how your health's influenced by where you live, learn, work and play.

University of New South Wales Issues Health Impact Assessment eNews

The twenty-fourth issue of eNews includes information on upcoming conferences and latest HIA work from around the world.

Updated North American Practice Standards Released

A convening of practitioners from the U.S. and Canada recently released a document focusing on the key elements that constitute an HIA.

"Eastern Oregon Residents Near Wind Farms Express Health Concerns Over Noise, Lights, Stress"

Recent HIA community listening sessions focused on the health impacts of wind turbines in Oregon.

Portland State University Hosts Transportation HIA Seminar

A Clark County Public Health representative discusses a rapid HIA that considers the health impacts of an area Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.

Oregon Public Health Division Conducting an HIA on Wind Energy Facilities

The HIA team, led by the Office of Environmental Public Health, encourages public participation through surveys and community meetings.

"Battlement Mesa HIA Comment Window Extended"

County and public health officials have agreed to provide a longer comment period on the recently released HIA of the Battlement Mesa community, with the deadline now ending November 15.

Johns Hopkins Releases HIA on Baltimore City's Comprehensive Zoning Code Rewrite

With funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Center for Child and Community Health Research at Johns Hopkins explored the health implications of zoning policies for Baltimore.

Community in Montana Completes Three Health Impact Assessments

Read and comment on the Grant Results report, which outlines lessons learned from the HIAs.

October Conference on Water and Health to Focus on Connecting Science and Policy

To be held in Chapel Hill, the conference includes a weekend networking session on HIA practice.

Battlement Mesa: Draft HIA Report Available for Comment

HIA on natural gas drilling in Colorado invites stakeholders to submit comments through November 15.

"Truly Smart Electricity Meters Should Aid the Elderly"

Health Impact Project grantee writes a letter to the editor in the Washington Post about making smart meters truly smart.

UCLA HIA-CLIC launches a new Web site

RWJF and GIH Webinar: A New Way to Talk About the Social Determinants of Health

Find a way to create compelling, effective and persuasive messages about the social determinants of health that resonates across the political spectrum.

"What Role can Health Impact Assessment Play in the National Health Reform Initiative?"

Executive Director of the Prevention Institute gives testimony to the National Research Council Committee on Health Impact Assessment.

White House Office of Urban Affairs Host Sustainable Communities Chat with EPA, DOT, and HUD

Leadership from EPA, DOT, and HUD met with the Office of Urban Affairs to discuss the priorities of the Sustainable Communities Initiative and the recent NOFA for planning and transportation grants.

"EPA, CDC Crafting Pilot Program To Elevate Health Considerations In NEPA"

HUD and DOT Issue a Joint Notice of Funding Availability

$40 million available through HUD's Office of Sustainable Communities Community Challenge Planning Grant and $30 million available through DOT's National Infrastructure Investment Grants.

"Battlement Mesa Health Assessment Draft Expected September 15"

The HIA will examine the impacts of natural gas drilling in Colorado on factors such as crime, traffic accidents, education and drug and alcohol abuse.

"University at Buffalo Planner Samina Raja Earns National Recognition for Healthy Communities Research"

Samina Raja, an associate professor of urban and regional planning, is part of the National Academies of Sciences panel charged with developing HIA guidance.

RWJF-Funded Active Living Research Program Releases Rapid-Response Call for Proposals

Grants of up to $150,000 each will studies on physical activity-related policy and environmental change efforts.

"Creating a Community That is Healthy by Design by Using a Health Impact Assessment"

The Yellowstone City-County Health Department in Billings, Montana conducted three HIAs to help guide community development.

"Chevron Issues 2009 Corporate Responsibility Report"

Chevron reports that it is applying "environmental, social, and health impact assessment" to 690 projects worldwide.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Releases Brief on Transportation Policy

Recommendations include use of HIA as a tool to connect transportation and health.

Community Health Partnership Receives Kaiser Permanente Grant for HIA

Funding for the HIA is part of $7 million in grants to benefit communities.

Guidance on Integrated Environment and Health Assessment Released by United Nations

The United Nations Environment Program and the Pan-American Health Organization recently published a guidance document titled, "GEO Health: Methodology for Integrated Environment and Health Assessment. A focus on Latin America and the Caribbean."

Alaska Proposes HIA Legislation

On February 23, 2010, Alaska State Representative Cissna introduced a bill related to health impact assessments.

San Francisco Department of Public Health Opens Enrollment for June 2010 HIA Training Course

The four-day training will cover strategies for implementing the steps of HIA.

"Officials Present Humboldt County's Health Impact Assessment at National Conference in D.C."

A District Supervisor and Public Health Officer demonstrate how HIA can be used to consider health and make better land use planning decisions.

"New Guidance on Health Impact Assessment Released"

The International Council on Mining and Metals published a new guidance document on HIA.

"Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces Actions to Fight Obesity, Promote Healthy Living"

Governor Schwarzenegger calls for improving health and advancing other statewide goals, such as economic well-being and addressing climate change, by considering "health in all policies."

"Erie-Cattaraugus Rail Trail Awarded Two Grants"

As part of a "Healthy Trails, Healthy People" program, an HIA will be conducted in Western New York.

"Health Concerns to Play Larger Role in Portland, Other Cities' Future Planning"

Public health activists in East Portland are working to create "20-minute neighborhoods" \xe2\x80\x93 walkable communities that promote healthier lifestyles for residents.

"Battlement Mesa Health Studies Moving Ahead"

Battlement Mesa, CO is ramping up to conduct an HIA evaluating the effects of potential oil and gas drilling.

"Health Impact Assessment Capacity Building Project for North West of England"

The European Public Health Alliance shares information about HIA capacity building efforts in England.

WHO Seeks Environmental Impact Assessment Consultant for Health Sector

The World Health Organization is recruiting a consultant to develop environmental impact assessment in the health sector.

"Massachusetts Department of Transportation Priority: Healthy Transportation"

As part of a Healthy Transportation Compact, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is looking at the role of a Health Impact Assessment in promoting healthy transportation options.

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Seeks to Hire a Medical Epidemiologist for HIA Program

The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is recruiting a medical epidemiologist to create and run a new Alaska Health Impact Assessment Program.

National Association for County and City Health Officials Requests Applications for HIA Mentorship Project

The National Association for County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) is requesting applications from local health departments interested in participating in the HIA Mentorship Project. Completed applications are due January 18, 2010.

“'Step by Step:' Curbing childhood obesity rates by examining the environment in which kids live is the focus of this story from central Oregon."

Curbing childhood obesity rates by examining the environment in which kids live is the focus of this story from central Oregon. A state task force on obesity recently recommended that communities conduct HIAs to understand environmental impacts on health.

Alaska Public Health Association Promotes HIA

The Alaska Public Health Association passed a resolution last month recommending HIAs be used when considering transportation and land use policies. Details are in a blog post from the Alaska Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance for the details.

"Thai Cabinet approves EIA, HIA ministerial regulation"

On December 29, Thailand’s Cabinet approved regulations that require environmental and health impact assessment reports for all projects and decisions that have the potential to affect communities.

"Top Doc Lauds GarCo Officials for Offer to Fund Health Study"

In this article by the Colorado Independent, Health Impact Project Director Dr. Aaron Wernham is responds to Garfield County commissioners’ willingness to fund a HIA prior to approving a plan to drill 200 natural gas wells in Battlement Mesa.

"Garfield's Interest in Health Study Praised"

Health Impact Project Director encourages Garfield County officials to do a health impact assessment in an area where up to 200 natural gas wells may be drilled. Residents in the community have petitioned the County commissioners to conduct the study.

"Fighting for Health"

The Oakland Tribune and the Contra Costa Times take an in depth look at how community leaders in a poverty- and disease-stricken East Oakland neighborhood are teaming up with the local health department to improve their community’s quality of life.

"Group Looks to Improve Health of New London Residents"

In New London, CT, a public health advocacy group presented its recommendation to the city council to require HIAs be conducted for all new zoning and transportation proposals.

"Developers of Proposed Springfield Biomass Plant Tell Public Health Council: 'Nothing Less Than the Best'"

Susanne K. Condon, director of the Massachusetts Bureau of Environmental Health, recommended a health impact assessment in response to communities concerns about a proposed waste-to-energy power plant in Springfield.

"State Oil and Gas Chief: Battlement Mesa Drilling Health Study Not Pressing"

Residents in Colorado's Garfield County have requested a health impact assessment before government officials agree to 200 gas wells and other oil and gas development in their community.

"Battlement Mesa Residents Ask for Health Study in Advance of Drilling Agreement"

In Colorado, a group of citizens are pushing for HIA to determine the health implications of a proposed drilling plan near the retirement community where they live.

"Built to Heal"

Sustainable Industries takes a look at how HIA is helping community groups, city officials and developers in the San Francisco Bay Area make healthy land-use decisions.

"Napa Pipe draft EIR out, health impact assessment expected"

Health impact assessment is to be included as part of the planning process for the proposed Napa Pipe development. Dr. Karen Smith, the county public health officer who will be submitting the HIA, is interviewed.

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts Launch National Initiative to Advance Policies that Promote Health

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts today announced the launch of the Health Impact Project, a national initiative designed to promote the use of health impact assessments as a decision-making tool for policymakers.

"Montgomery County Wants to Know: Will That Road Make You Sick?"

A September 28, 2009 article covered Montgomery County, MD, council members' efforts to use HIAs as a means of exploring the effects of a proposed new road on community health.