Oral

Local public health policies and practices can have a profound impact on environmental factors that affect the public’s health. Though public health policy on the national stage frequently attracts more attention, local-scale public health programs can directly affect the health of the natural and built environments within a community. This session will explore the interplay among environmental health concerns, local public health governance, and the built environment at the community level. Speakers will describe the role of local programs in fostering healthy environments and discuss strategies for promoting environmental health through local infrastructure and governance. Topics will include improved health outcomes in San Antonio thanks to fitness initiatives in the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program. Participants will learn about the role of local boards of health in providing environmental services and promoting a healthy environment. The session will also explore attitudes toward climate change among local public health officials and strategies for preparing for climate change in the local public health sector. Finally, participants will hear an estimate of the considerable economic benefits of increased bicycling and walking commutes right here in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through these examples of local public health in action, participants will gain a better understanding of the physical, economic and health benefits of policies and planning.

Session Objectives: 1. Discuss how improvements to local-scale built environments can promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles. 2. Describe the role of local public health departments in addressing climate change and other environmental health concerns. 3. Evaluate the economic benefits of increased physical activity at the community level.

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