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A rapid health impact assessment of a summer park program on violence, physical activity, and cross-sector collaboration
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) conducted a rapid Health Impact Assessment (HIA) of Parks After Dark (PAD). PAD is led by the Department of Parks and Recreation in collaboration with DPH and the Sheriff’s Department (LASD) and provides a variety of free recreational and educational programs, health and social service resources during summer weekend evenings, at parks in disadvantaged communities with high rates of violence and obesity prevalence. This paper will highlight findings from this unique HIA report which will be finalized in summer 2014.
Methods
The HIA evaluated the health impacts of sustaining and expanding PAD on crime, physical activity, and cross-sector collaboration. LASD violent crime statistics in PAD park communities were compared with control parks. Participant surveys provided data regarding perception of safety and physical activity levels in the community and during PAD. The impact of physical activity participation during PAD on burden of disease was assessed. Key informant surveys and park program data were used to qualitatively assess PAD’s impact on cross-sector collaboration.
Results/Outcomes
There were 14 fewer crimes per park/community per summer in original PAD parks compared to control parks; newer PAD parks did not see a change. There was a 5% annual decrease in the burden of diabetes, dementia, and heart disease, assuming weekly physical activity. Stakeholders indicated that PAD increased collaboration across sectors and improved community access to services.
Conclusions
This HIA has interesting implications for the intersection between violence and chronic disease and parks as public health partners.
Learning Areas:
EpidemiologyPlanning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Explain methods for assessing impact of park programming on crime, safety, and physical activity.
Describe a promising practice to reduce violence and improve health outcomes through partnerships between public health and parks and recreation departments.
Keyword(s): Health Assessment, Violence & Injury Prevention
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the Director of the Injury & Violence Prevention Program at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, and supervised the staff responsible for development of the Health Impact Assessment report for Parks After Dark.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.