Associate Professor Nisha Botchwey and Professor Catherine Ross, also director of the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development, will discuss their recent book, Health Impact Assessment in the United States.  

The book analyzes the goals, tools, and methods of HIA, and the competencies that are central to establishing best practices. Arthur Wendel, MD, MPH of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tami Thomas-Burton, MPH, of the Environmental Protection Agency will also participate. 

About the book

Focuses on HIA as a tool for policy in the US Brings together the theory, evidence, training resources for incorporating health into routine public practices  Provides guidelines for methods and best practices in HIA .

A new public policy initiative is proposed, or a large-scale construction project. What is its potential impact on the health of the population? Are there adverse effects to address, health benefits to be promoted, some combination of both? A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a cross-disciplinary means of answering these and other complex questions, so programs, projects, or policies can be adjusted accordingly.

Health Impact Assessment in the United States analyzes the goals, tools, and methods of HIA, and the competencies that are central to establishing best practices. It sets out the core principles that differentiate HIA from environmental and similar assessments, fleshing them out with case examples from the U.S. and abroad. Details of each step of the HIA process take follow-through into account, giving readers insights into not only collecting and evaluating data, but also communicating findings effectively to decision-makers and stakeholders. The book's expert coverage includes:

• The importance of HIA to policy development.
• Introduction to public health, community planning, and health assessment.
• Overview of the core concepts of HIA, with illustrative examples.
• Step-by-step guide to conducting an HIA, from screening to evaluation.
• Emerging technologies shaping HIA tools and procedures.
• Appendices featuring sample assessment sections and other resources.

 The HIA has an increasingly vital place in the future of health-related policy, making Health Impact Assessment in the United States a valued manual and critical ideabook for students and practitioners in public health, public policy, urban planning, and community planning.