Oral

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has been used in a variety of locations and policy contexts to provide decision-makers with objective data and information to understand the impact of decisions on health and health disparities. In order for a HIA to be successful in informing decisions, participants and supporters at all levels of public health must collaborate to engage constituents, carry out the research process, and make common sense recommendations that ensure impacts are appropriately addressed before decisions are made. This session will focus on the ways different types of organizations have used the HIA process to improve health determinants and create sustainable changes in the places where people live their lives. In this session, we will hear from a funder, a local health department, a nonprofit representing state health departments, a community organization and a HIA non-profit about the successes, challenges and lessons learned from their experiences using HIAs to influence policies to increase health benefits and reduce unexpected health consequences and costs. Going beyond the HIA process, we will also hear how these organizations and institutions have contributed to the wider use of HIA to create healthier policies and places.

Session Objectives: Identify benefits and challenges of implementing Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tools and practice Describe common pitfalls that challenge the implementation of a HIA practice Identify strategies for initiating and sustaining a HIA practice to influence policy

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)