The Healthy Places Research Group (HPRG) is pleased to announce that a very special guest is scheduled to present at the first HPRG meeting of the new academic year on September 6th (details below). Dr. Jenny Mindell from the United Kingdom will be our speaker. She will talk about the Health Impact Assessment on the traffic congestion pricing program in London. Initially opposed by many community leaders, the results of the HIA went on to weigh heavily in the decision making process for the program and played a role in the virtual institutionalization of the HIA in London.

Meeting Details:
Date: Wednesday, September 6
Time: 7:30-9:00 a.m.
Speaker: Dr. Jennifer S. Mindell, University College London
Topic: Health Impact Assessment of the London Congestion Pricing Program
Place: CQGRD, 2nd Floor, Suite 213, Economic Development Building, 760 Spring Street, NW
[DIRECTIONS: http://www.cqgrd.gatech.edu/about/contact.php]

HPRG is a collaborative effort involving Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, Georgia Tech's College of Architecture, and the Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development dedicated to better understanding the relationship between health and the built environment. The HPRG also involves professionals from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers, students, and others interested in the idea of "healthy places."

So what exactly are healthy places? "Healthy Places" is a term that refers to buildings, neighborhoods, and even entire metropolitan areas. It explores and evaluates how we can develop, design, and build places that promote good health, support community values, and restore vitality to communities.

The HPRG meets once a month from September to May to discuss issues and exchange information pertaining to health policy and impacts and the built environment. Participation is open to anyone interested in exploring the characteristics and advancement of healthy places.

2006/7 HPRG Schedule:
(NOTE: HPRG usually meets on first Tuesday of the month.)
Wed, September 6, 2006 (NOTE: first Wednesday)
Tue, October 3, 2006
Tue, November 7, 2006
Tue, December 5, 2006
Tue, January 9, 2007 (NOTE: second Tuesday)
Tue, February 6, 2007
Tue, March 6, 2007
Tue, April 3, 2007
Tue, May 1, 2007

For additional information about HPRG, please visit our website at http://www.cqgrd.gatech.edu/hprg or contact Dave Pierce at dave.pierce@gatech.edu or 404.385.5133.