Health impacts of an Oregon state policy to increase transportation options

The presentation will describe a community-based participatory research project to examine the health impacts of policies to reduce driving, and an advocacy campaign to better integrate health considerations into state transportation policy.

An overview will be provided on the major health impacts of policies to reduce driving, and promote alternative transportation options in Oregon cities. Local policies discussed will include land use planning strategies, investments in public transit, and tax/tolling strategies. An overview will be provided on the health impacts of these policies due to changes in air pollution, collision rates, and physical activity. Particular attention will be focused on how policies impact low-income communities, those with limited mobility, and limited access to motor vehicles.

Next, the advocacy strategy and policy outcomes will be described for a statewide campaign to increase health considerations in transportation policy. The strategy to disseminate the findings to policy-makers will be described, as well as the key messages that were persuasive for transportation and land-use planners to better consider health.

Finally, the presentation will summarize the strategy to mobilize community leaders and activists to become more engaged in policy advocacy to promote healthier and more equitable transportation policies. Key concerns and priorities of community members will be summarized, as well as the key methods and messages there were effective in engaging community leaders about transportation health equity.