Tools to Use in Identifying Health Issues for the General Plan

The culturally diverse City of Delano has a population of over 50,000 with over 60 percent minority. With low socio-economic status there are concerns for health disparities. Does the City of Delano have an environment that supports access to healthy food and physical activity?

The Kern County Department of Public Health and the City of Delano have been working together to bring forth health issues in the City's planning process. The first tool utilized was the "Communities of Excellence" an internet-based GIS mapping application that allows data to be collected, but not limited too, nutrition and school health programs, grocery stores, and demographics.

The second tool utilized was a community wide "City Walk". This event was planned for 100 participants but more than 1,500 residents participated. Residents completed a simple walkability survey that was also translated into Spanish. The success of the walk was due to the active role of resident participation who want to become more involved in their City's future efforts.

The third tool initiated was photovoice; an interactive tool that captured the youth's voice through pictures. Over 140 students identified strengths and areas of improvement in their neighborhoods. The narrative descriptions of their pictures created a previously unheard perspective for Delano. The students presented their findings to the City Council which further initiated the discussion of developing a Healthy Communities Element to the City's General Plan.