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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Sandra Jackson¹, Michael Osur, MBA, Olivia Ballesteros¹, and Wendy Betancourt, MPH³. (1) Injury Prevention Branch, Riverside County Department of Public Health, 3900 Sherman Way, Suite D, Riverside, CA 92503, 951-358-7171, swales@co.riverside.ca.us, (2) Epidemiology and Program Evaluation Branch, Riverside County Department of Public Health, 4065 County Circle Drive, Riverside, CA 92503

Riverside County, California not only has the worst urban sprawl and fine-particle air pollution in the United States but is also one of the fastest growing counties in the nation with over one million new residents expected by 2020. The county also has high rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and physical inactivity. To address these concerns, Riverside County Department of Public Health (RCDOPH) incorporated “creating more livable communities” as one of the department's 2003-2006 strategic plan goals. This presentation will describe major RCDOPH accomplishments and future plans in the journey to achieve this vision. A multi-disciplinary public health team was formed and works closely with non-traditional partners including County Planning, Transportation, Parks, Economic Development Agency, Fire, Associations of Governments, and real estate developers. RCDOPH and partners have created design guidelines given to developers at the initial phase of the planning process. RCDOPH also led the effort to develop a model pedestrian master plan for incorporation into the City of Riverside's General Plan and developed a walking guide that identified 46 walking routes and trails throughout the city. They have also sponsored multiple trainings and conducted walkable community workshops countywide. Future goals of RCDOPH include incorporating health impact assessments in new and redevelopment projects. All Riverside County residents have the right to enjoy the highest quality of life. As the region continues to grow, RCDOPH will continue to be an active partner in the planning process to help build health into everyday life.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant in this session will be able to

• Identify the steps taken by Riverside County Department of Public Health (RCDOPH) to achieve the goal of creating more livable communities.
• List non-traditional public health partners involved in the county planning process.
• Describe future goals of the RCDOPH and partners to improve the built environment.

Keywords: Community Planning, Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation