Influencing design, promoting health.

This article provides details of the goals and accomplishments of the Land Use and Health Resource Team composed of public health officials, planners, researchers, extension agents, advocacy organizations, and the development community. The team seeks to understand local land use and health relationships, increase community engagement, and facilitate positive change in policies and the built environment. The team's action plan is (1) research local land use and health relationships; (2) undertake public education and community mobilization; (3) identify interventions, seek funding, and pilot tools to integrate health and planning; and (4) monitor outcomes. In 2005, the team produced a report presenting a picture of local conditions related to health and the built environment. Findings were unveiled at a stakeholder conference, and local best practices and future actions were discussed. A geographic information system-based health impacts tool for use by planners in site plan review was developed. Funding was obtained to facilitate neighborhood organizations to complete self-assessments and develop interventions related to community environments, physical activity, and healthy eating. The team achieved initial goals of creating partnerships and spurring awareness. Future activities include wider field testing of the health impacts tool, participation in a health-oriented master planning process, and monitoring change in health risk behaviors related to changes in the built environment.

The Promoting Active Communities Program: improvement of Michigan's self-assessment tool.

BACKGROUND: This project updated and improved the Promoting Active Communities Program (PAC), a Web-based assessment that enables communities to scrutinize their programs, policies, and environments related to physical activity, generating ideas and community commitment for improvements. METHODS: A literature review, focus groups, and expert review guided PAC improvements. RESULTS: Over 150 articles and audit measures in the fields of transportation, public health, and urban planning were reviewed. Indicators were identified, categorized, and evaluated for use in the PAC. Focus-group participants communicated motivations, processes, and obstacles for completing the PAC and developing an action plan. Participants requested technical information to guide them in achieving active-living environments. CONCLUSIONS: Information gathered was used to improve the PAC Web site. A technical assistance document, Design Guidelines for Active Michigan Communities, was created to aid communities in creating active-living environments. The new PAC and Design Guidelines are available for public use at www.mihealthtools.org/communities.