Health Impact Assessment 101 and Land Revitalization: Proposed Approach for Rockford, IL

Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a six-step process to identify and analyze potential health impacts related to a project, program, or policy decision. HIA assesses potential impacts and develops impact management strategies to consider prior to project implementation. HIA has shown potential to be applied to brownfields and land revitalization projects. This work presents a proposed approach to apply HIA to a land revitalization project in Rockford, Illinois. Health impacts are particularly focused on mental health of the community, while considering health determinants such as parks and greenspace, crime and safety, housing, and employment.

Impact/Purpose

This presentation includes an overview of the 6-step Health Impact Assessment (HIA) methodology developed by the World Health Organization. It describes potential uses of HIA for Brownfields and Land Revitalization projects. It then presents a possible approach to apply this to a land revitalization project in Rockford, Illinois. This information is applicable to Brownfields and Land Revitalization practitioners in EPA federal offices, and local stakeholders such as EPA Regions, state offices, and community residents.

Citation

Barzyk, T., A. Carroll, J. Rhodus, AND S. Shattuck. Health Impact Assessment 101 and Land Revitalization: Proposed Approach for Rockford, IL. Meeting, Research Triangle Park, NC, November 02, 2020.