Project News
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Duluth News Tribune: Gary-New Duluth to get health impact assessment
Gary-New Duluth will be the second Duluth site to get a health impact assessment, the city announced on Friday.
May 11
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MinnPost: School integration's health impacts are significant and lifelong, study finds
School integration in Minnesota is closely tied to individuals’ lifelong health on several levels, according to a study released Monday by a coalition of Twin Cities congregations. (By Beth Hawkins)
Apr 17
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Daily Herald (IL): Kane County may move toward locally grown produce to improve health
Kane County fell from eighth to 12th place in the latest county health rankings, but officials are already planning for a surge back up the charts. (By James Fuller)
Apr 16
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FierceEnergy: More energy developments getting health checkups
The Health Impact Project has announced new grant recipients of funding to conduct health impact assessments (HIA) on energy projects. (By Barbara Vergetis Lundin)
Apr 05
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GOVERNING: Health Impact Assessments Take on Broader Role in Cities and States
Cities and states have exponentially increased their use of a new policymaking tool—health impact assessments (HIAs)—in the last five years, and the trend shows no signs of stopping. (By Dylan Scott)
Apr 02
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WKMS: Kentucky Environmental Foundation To Study Health Impacts Of Shawnee Power Plant
The Kentucky Environmental Foundation will conduct a health impact assessment on the retrofitting or retirement of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Shawnee Fossil Plant near Paducah. (by John Walker)
Apr 02
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Press Release: New Projects Bringing Health Considerations Into Education, Energy Policy, And Other Decisions
The Health Impact Project today announced eight new grant recipients that will bring health considerations into upcoming decisions on topics including education, sanitation infrastructure, and energy.
Apr 02
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GSA Business: Study shows health impacts of Greenville’s West Side plan
The city of Greenville’s plan to develop a park and other amenities in its West Side neighborhood could promote healthier lifestyles for residents of an area with high obesity rates and a high rate of emergency room utilization, a new study shows.
Mar 26
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Health Impact Grantee Kansas Health Institute Offers Testimony on Bills that Would Incentivize Casino Development
Testimony about the potential positive and negative health effects of such casino development was delivered March 22 in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee and March 25 in the Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee.
Mar 25
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New York Times: Construction That Focuses on Health of Residents
Doctors, social agencies and community groups that have long been frustrated by the inability to alleviate environmental conditions that contribute to ailments like heart disease and obesity... (by Joe Gose)
Mar 06
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Funding Available in Minnesota to Identify Health Opportunities, Risks of Upcoming Decisions
Grants to support health impact assessments to inform policies or projects in education, energy, transportation, and other sectors
Mar 05
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Grantee VCU Releases Final HIA Offering Recommendations to Balance Health Benefits and Risks of Proposed Alternative Energy Facility in Western Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University researchers release the first HIA in Virginia, which finds that a proposed alternative energy facility in the Shenandoah Valley might improve health risks related to water quality but contribute to air pollution.
Mar 04
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Registration Available for Minnesota HIA Training
Registration is now available for Minnesota HIA training in March.
Feb 05
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The Health Impact Project Releases Initial Findings of a Health Impact Assessment of the U.S. Farm Bill
The initial findings focus on proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Jan 23
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Training Available In Minnesota To Build Healthier Communities Through Health Impact Assessment
Training precedes release of upcoming, competitive funding opportunity
Jan 23
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Health Impact Project Director Contributes a Piece about Health Impact Assessments to the Institute of Medicine's Learning Health System Commentary Series
The series highlights innovations that may have the potential to foster transformative progress toward the continuously improving and learning health system envisioned by the IOM.
Jan 10
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Save the Date: the Second National HIA Meeting will take place on September 24-25, 2013
The conference will convene policymakers, public health professionals, HIA practitioners and others with an interest in learning more about the field. It also will offer a special, one-day tailored summit specifically to policymakers.
Dec 19
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Funding from Saint Luke’s Foundation of Cleveland Will Make Health a Routine Part of Decision Making in Cuyahoga County, Ohio
The Health Impact Project today announced that Saint Luke’s Foundation will support a health impact assessment (HIA) program grant in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
Dec 17
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The Wichita Eagle: Medical school, health institute to study Wichita bus system
The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and Health Impact Project grantee Kansas Health Institute are conducting an HIA to look at impact on economic activity, air quality, noise, community resources and preventable hospitalization.
Dec 13
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Grantee Press Release: Health Impact Assessment to Examine Proposed Changes to Wichita Transit System
The Kansas Health Institute and the University of Kansas School of Medicine – Wichita are conducting an HIA to examine how proposed changes to Wichita’s transit system might affect the well-being of area residents.
Dec 10
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Health Impact Project Grantee the Minneapolis Health Department Releases draft HIA
The HIA is looking at how the Above the Falls (ATF) Master Plan for redevelopment along the Upper Mississippi Riverfront in North and Northeast Minneapolis may affect the health of residents.
Dec 10
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Grantee's HIA Covered in Sierra Sun: Health Findings on Proposed Cabin Creek Biomass Facility Are Positive
The proposed two-megawatt Cabin Creek Biomass Energy Facility will “likely” benefit community health in Lake Tahoe, according to findings from a Health Impact Assessment released Monday.
Dec 06
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Sacramento Bee covers Health Impact Project Grantee's final HIA: Good health checkup for biomass plant proposal near Lake Tahoe
A health study on the effects of a planned biomass energy facility near Lake Tahoe has given the project positive marks. (by Ed Fletcher)
Dec 05
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Grantee press release: Proposed Biomass Energy Facility Likely to Improve Air Quality, Reduce Risk of Wildfire, Health Impact Assessment Finds
HIA also investigated potential changes to noise, water quality, local economy and access to affordable energy
Dec 03
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The Chapel HIll News: Health study sought for Rogers Road neighborhood
Researchers from UNC’s Gillings School of Global Public Health are seeking grant funding for the first health assessment study on the Rogers-Eubanks Road neighborhood. (By Sarah Mansur)
Nov 20
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Columbia (MO) Daily Tribune: Policymakers consider more attention to health impact
Cities across the U.S., including Columbia, have been looking at the potential health impact of decisions in areas such as transportation or city planning. Health impact assessments can be used to make recommendations to policymakers. (by Andrew Denney)
Oct 25
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Wyandotte Daily News: Casino in southeast Kansas would affect health, study says
A new report on a health impact assessment by the Kansas Health Institute highlights the potential positive and negative health effects of developing a casino in southeast Kansas.
Oct 23
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HIA Identifies Possible Health Effects of Casino Development in Southeast Kansas
Health Impact Project grantee the Kansas Health Institute releases their health impact assessment, which highlights the potential positive and negative health effects of developing a casino in southeast Kansas.
Oct 23
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Funding from Kaiser Permanente Colorado Will Support Sustainable HIA Program in Denver Metro Region
The Health Impact Projectoday announced that Kaiser Permanente Colorado will support one health impact assessment (HIA) program grant, of up to $250,000, in the Denver metropolitan region.
Oct 09
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CFP Deadlines Extended
Deadlines for the open call for proposals (CFP) have been extended.
Sep 05
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Health Impact Project Grantees and Director at the International HIA Meeting
The International HIA Meeting recently took place in North America for the first time. Hosted in Quebec City, Canada, the meeting highlighted the work of several Health Impact Project grantees and project director Aaron Wernham.
Aug 31
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The Sierra Sun: Health impacts of Tahoe/Truckee biomass facility projected to be minimal
The results of the preliminary Health Impact Assessment for the proposed two-megawatt biomass facility for the region are in. (by Margaret Moran)
Aug 22
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KRNV Reno: Health study addresses concerns about biomass facility
A piece about the Health Impact Project grantee, who is working on an HIA to inform a proposed biomass facility in Truckee
Aug 21
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Grantee press release: Enhanced Rental Housing Inspections Effectively Improve Health and Health Equity for Portland’s Renters
The City of Portland’s model for rental housing inspections in outer Southeast Portland is more likely to improve health and health equity, and should be expanded to other Portland neighborhoods, an HIA done by Oregon Public Health Institute found.
Aug 10
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Shelterforce: Taking Health Into Account (by Aaron Wernham)
Health Impact Project director has a piece about health impact assessment in Shelterforce, the journal of affordable housing and community building.
Jul 26
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New Funding From The California Endowment To Support Health Impact Assessments, Help Build Healthier Communities
The Endowment’s support funds the Health Impact Project’s current open call for proposals in California
Jul 25
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Funding Available to Bring Health into Decisions in Non-Health Sectors
Call for proposals announced for health impact assessment projects, programs
Jul 09
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The Twin Cities Daily Planet: Weigh in: How Mississippi River land plan for North, Northeast Minneapolis affects health
Minneapolis City Planners introduced the Health Impact Assessment which looks at how projects will affect health before decisions are made. (By Margo Ashmore, Northeaster)
Jul 05
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LA Times: Nutrition, finances win with healthful school snacks, report says
An assessment of what the new rules on competitive foods might do for kids’ health and the schools’ bottom line was released Tuesday by two projects from the Pew Charitable Trusts and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. (by Mary MacVean)
Jun 26
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School Budgets, Student Health to Benefit from Higher Nutrition Standards, HIA Finds
First health impact assessment to inform a federal rule; HIA examines impact of updated USDA standards for snack and a la carte foods and beverages.
Jun 26
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Health Impact Project Grantee releases HIA to inform redevelopment plans for Aerotropolis Atlanta
The Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development at Georgia Tech releases HIA, in collaboration with the development corporation, to inform redevelopment plans for the former Ford Plant alongside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
May 09
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InvestigateWest: Investigators to take new look at health effects of Duwamish cleanup
Before the EPA submits its proposed cleanup plan for the Duwamish River Superfund site later this year, community health researchers are conducting a “health impact assessment." (by Raymond Flores)
Apr 26
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GOVERNING magazine: Health Impact Assessments: Bringing Health to All Policies
As states and localities move toward preventing health problems, rather than just reacting to them, they have a new tool at their disposal: health impact assessments. (by Dylan Scott)
Apr 26
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Chicago Tribune: For many, ComEd's smart grid needs an explanation
The analysis [was] aimed at determining the health impact smart meters would have on vulnerable residents. (by Julie Wernau)
Apr 24
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Aaron Wernham writes in the Health Care Blog: Conference Highlights Rapid Growth of HIAs in the US
The level of interest in the inaugural National HIA Meeting held April 3 and 4 in Washington, D.C., highlights that this approach has become a centerpiece of community, state, and national efforts to improve Americans’ wellness.
Apr 22
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Report Finds Many Existing Laws Provide Unexpected Opportunities to Assess Health When Making Decisions in Other Sectors
Findings may support additional use of health impact assessments (HIAs) in the U.S. The report, prepared by Arizona State University’s (ASU) Public Health Law and Policy Program, was commissioned by the Health Impact Project.
Apr 04
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Funding in South Carolina and Wisconsin will Ensure Health is Considered in Comprehensive Neighborhood Planning and Decisions Related to Transitional Jobs Programs
Funding for South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health and University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute to serve as models of public health institutes conducting HIAs.
Apr 02
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Interview of Matt Hamabata of Health Impact Project grantee The Kohala Center with Hawaii Public Radio
Matt Hamabata of The Kohala Center discusses their HIA of the Hawaii Agricultural Plan with Hawaii Public Radio
Mar 15
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Grantee HIA ties expansion of a local food system to community health
Expanding production and access to locally grown food in Hawai‘i County could decrease hunger, increase community food security, and strengthen the island’s economy according to a health impact assessment (HIA) released by The Kohala Center.
Mar 15
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NewPublicHealth: Casinos and Health Impact Assessments
RWJF's blog includes an interview with Health Impact Project grantee the Kansas Health Institute.
Mar 07
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Baltimore Sun: Health Impacts of Intermodal Train Facility to be Studied
A local news piece on a Health Impact Project grantee's HIA (by Kevin Rector)
Mar 07
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[Rochester] YNN: Waterfront Study Aims to Make Community Healthier
A local news piece on Health Impact Project grantee, the University of Rochester.
Mar 06
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Grants Awarded to Help Build Health into Decisions on Energy, Housing, Agriculture, and Other Areas
Health Impact Project Announces 16 New Health Impact Assessments
Mar 05
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Twin Cities Light Rail Project Presents Both Opportunities and Risks for Health, According to Health Impact Assessment
The rezoning around a planned light rail line would create both opportunities and risks for the health of the people in the communities it would pass through, according to a health impact assessment released today by Health Impact Project grantee.
Jan 05
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HIA Research Article Selected as one of the Most Influential of 2011
A research article about health impact assessments has been selected as one of the Most Influential Research Articles of 2011 on rwjf.org.
Dec 16
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Ten Public Health Institutes Chosen for In-Depth HIA Training
The Health Impact Project and National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) have chosen the 10 public health institutes to participate in a two-day HIA training, and two new HIA training centers.
Nov 17
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HIA Mentorship Project Selects Local Health Departments, Mentor Organizations
The project has selected four local health departments and mentor organizations to participate in a joint effort to complete an HIA. This effort will help make HIA a more routine part of local health departments' work.
Nov 10
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Health Impact Project Receives Funding From The Kresge Foundation to Make Health a Factor in Housing-Related Decisions
The Health Impact Project announced today that The Kresge Foundation will support two health impact assessments (HIAs) to inform decisions in the housing sector.
Nov 07
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Aaron Wernham to lead HIA Training, Sessions at Upcoming American Public Health Association Meeting
Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham will lead a training and two sessions at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA).
Oct 21
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Aaron Wernham calls for a new approach to improving health in an op-ed published in The Hill
To address skyrocketing medical costs and improve the well-being of our citizens, Dr. Wernham writes, we need to take health into account when making decisions that shape the world outside the doctor’s office.
Oct 19
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Health Impact Project Receives Funding From The California Endowment To Help Build Healthier Communities
The Health Impact Project today announced that The California Endowment will support up to two health impact assessment (HIA) demonstrations in California under the current call for proposals.
Sep 26
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ScienceInsider: Making the Case for Health Impact Assessments
A report released yesterday by the National Academies' National Research Council provides a ringing endorsement of HIA. (by Daniel Strain; article quotes Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham)
Sep 09
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Health Impact Project Director Comments on National Research Council Report
Publication Provides Guidance on Using Health Impact Assessments (HIA) to Improve Health in U.S. Communities
Sep 07
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Aaron Wernham to participate in the public release of a National Research Council report that assesses the potential value of conducting HIA
Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham will participate in the public briefing of a National Research Council report, Improving Health in the United States: The Role of Health Impact Assessment.
Sep 01
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New Program Will Make HIA More Routine Part of Local Health Departments' Work
Health Impact Project, National Association of County and City Health Officials Invite Applications for HIA Mentorship Program
Aug 15
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Health Impact Project Director Contributes to Public Health Law Network Blog
Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham, M.D., contributed a post about how health impact assessment (HIA) can help improve public health to the Public Health Law Network blog.
Jul 11
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New Collaboration Supports Growth in the Field of Health Impact Assessment
Health Impact Project and National Network of Public Health Institutes Announce Call for Proposals Focused on Development of an HIA Training Program
Jul 07
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2010 Environmental Health Summit Recommendations Highlight Health Impact Assessment
The 2010 North Carolina Environmental Health Summit discussed ways to increase the attention to environmental impacts on health in the ongoing debates over healthcare reform. Health Impact Assessment was highlighted as a potential tool.
Jun 07
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Project Hosts Web Conference on Screening
On May 19, the Health Impact Project hosted a Web Conference on the screening step of the health impact assessment process, including defining an appropriate decision-making target for HIA.
May 19
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Oregon Farm to School Bill Would Benefit Health Through Job Creation, Health Impact Assessment Finds
Health Impact Project grantee Upstream Public Health releases final HIA on Farm to School bill in Oregon.
May 12
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Health Impact Project Announces Additional Funding for Minnesota-based Applicants under Current Call for Proposals
The Health Impact Project today announced that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation will support up to two health impact assessment demonstrations in Minnesota under the current call for proposals.
May 11
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May edition of Leading Health Policy Journal Includes Paper on HIA
Project director Aaron Wernham, M.D., M.S. had a paper included in the May edition of the journal Health Affairs.
May 09
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Aaron Wernham Talks to NewPublicHealth About Health Impact Assessment
“The Future of Public Health Depends on Working Much More Collaboratively”
May 04
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Project Hosts Web Conference for Applicants
On Wednesday, May 4,the Health Impact Project hosted a Web Conference to provide details about the CFP application process and selection criteria.
May 04
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New Funding Opportunity with the Health Impact Project
The Health Impact Project is accepting brief proposals through June 1, 2011 for grants to conduct health impact assessments (HIAs).
Mar 15
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ISAIAH Grantee Receives Banner Media Coverage for Initial Results of HIA
ISAIAH, a Health Impact Project Grantee, held a 300-person meeting to share initial results from their HIA analysis. A full report is anticipated in June.
Mar 05
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Health Impact Project Grantee, Upstream Public Health, Garners Media Attention for Community Forum
As part of their robust stakeholder engagement strategy, Upstream Public Health held two community forums to secure feedback on HIA findings and recommendations. The Umatilla, OR, event received a great deal of media coverage from local press.
Feb 09
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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.
Feb 01
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Health Impact Project Holds its First Annual Grantee Meeting in Washington D.C.
The Health Impact Project brought grantees together from around the country to network, share successes and challenges and discuss strategies to advance their HIA efforts.
Jan 24
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The Health Care Blog: An Op-Ed by Health Impact Project Director Aaron Wernham
The Health Care Blog (www.thehealthcareblog.com), one of the most respected, independent voices in the health care industry, published an op-ed on HIA and how it can be used to accomplish "Healthy People 2020" goals.
Jan 05
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California Cap and Trade Health Impact Assessment Released
The California Department of Public Health releases a health impact assessment (HIA) of a proposed "cap-and-trade" regulation under California's 2006 Global Warming Solutions Act.
Dec 16
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Policy Brief on HIA has Decision Makers Taking Notice
The Health Impact Project Releases Policy Brief at the National Health Policy Forum in Washington, DC.
Dec 03
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National Health Policy Forum Features HIA
On Friday, December 3, Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham spoke at the National Health Policy Forum in Washington, DC.
Dec 03
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Health Impact Project to Partner with Arizona State University to Identify Legal Avenues for Supporting Use of HIA
Leading public health law experts team up with the Health Impact Project to conduct nationwide reviews of select laws that may support the use of HIA. A final report is expected by fall 2011.
Nov 16
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Health Impact Assessment at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
From November 6-10 in Denver, Colorado, conference attendees attended a number of sessions on HIA, covering topics such as the effectiveness of HIA in decision making, capacity building and lessons learned from recent work in the United States.
Nov 11
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Landmark Studies on Transit, Energy and Nutrition Policies are Focus of New Grants
Health Impact Project announces four new health impact assessments that will help policy makers assess the community health effects of their decisions.
Oct 20
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AcademyHealth Annual Research Meeting Publishes Brief on HIA Based on Panel Led by Aaron Wernham
Following a panel led by Health Impact Project Director Aaron Wernham at AcademyHealth\'s annual research meeting, a new brief entitled "Research Informing Policy: The Potential of Health Impact Assessments" has been released.
Oct 19
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Atlanta BeltLine HIA To Improve Health
A recent press release from the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., the BeltLine Partnership, and Kaiser Permanente Georgia announce funds to support area trails.
Jun 19
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"Group to Study Health Effects of Development Around Light Rail"
Health Impact Project grants funds to ISAIAH to look at the health impacts of St. Paul's light rail development
Jun 16
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Six New Grants Awarded for Health Impact Assessments
Projects in California, Georgia, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Texas are at the forefront of a burgeoning movement in the United States to ensure health is considered in sectors that do not traditionally factor it into their decision making.
Jun 08
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Health Impact Project Launches New Web Feature to Track U.S. HIAs
Health Impact Project Invites Users to Submit Info on Health Impact Assessments Across U.S.
Apr 22
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Grant Awarded to Conduct HIA on California Climate Change Legislation
California Department of Public Health will conduct the first study of its kind on a cap-and-trade program.
Mar 01
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HIA Practitioners to Convene for "HIA in the Americas Workshop"
In March 2010, HIA practitioners will gather in Oakland, California to discuss the growth of the field and strategies for future work.
Feb 19
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First Round Call for Proposals to Close February 26, 2010
Based on an extraordinary response, the Health Impact Project is closing its call for proposals and initial round of funding on February 26, 2010.
Feb 12
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Human Impact Partners to Provide Grantee Training
Human Impact Partners has been selected to provide training, mentoring and technical assistance to the Project's health impact assessment grantees.
Feb 11
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The World Health Organization and International Association for Impact Assessment to Host HIA Conference
The World Health Organization and International Association for Impact Assessment will host a one-day conference in Geneva this April on recent advances in the HIA field.
Jan 26
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Health Impact Project Director to Speak at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
On December 7, Dr. Aaron Wernham will discuss health impact assessments as a tool to create healthier communities and address the root causes of public health problems as part of a lecture series at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Dec 04
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National Academy of Sciences to Undertake an HIA Guidance Study
Health Impact Project director Aaron Wernham will take part in a new National Academy of Sciences project, "A Framework and Guidance for Health Impact Assessment."
Dec 03
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Health Impact Assessment at the County Level
At a recent Montgomery County Council meeting, Dr. Wernham discussed HIA with Professor Keshia Pollack from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and County Health Director Uma Ahluwalia.
Nov 23
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Putting Health Impact Assessment on the Map
Project director Aaron Wernham is making rounds on the HIA speaking circuit. He recently spoke at the American Public Health Association\'s annual meeting in Philadelphia.
Nov 13
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Meet the Project Director and Learn More about the Health Impact Project
Dr. Aaron Wernham answers five questions about health impact assessment and the Project
Oct 20
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Health Impact Project Now Accepting Proposals for HIA Demonstration Projects
The project will fund government agencies at the local, state and tribal levels, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis and will range from between $25,000 and $150,000 each.
Oct 20
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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.
Oct 20