Decision makers can anticipate potential consequences of their decisions by analyzing proposed policies and projects for financial and environmental impacts before adopting them.  However, the impact on the quality of life and health of populations is often overlooked.  Health Impact Assessments identify ways to ease and minimize any negative effects and maximize positive ones. 

The National Research Council defines health impact assessment as a systematic, structured process that brings together scientific data, public health expertise, and stakeholder input to assess the potential health consequences of a proposed policy, plan, program, or project on the health of a population and the distribution of those effects within the population and craft recommendations for modifications that promote health, equity, and security.

To learn more about health impact assessments and access tools and resources, case stories, examples of completed projects, HIAs underway in different localities, communities and other states, visit the Human Impact Partners website.

OPE provides consultation and support for the rapid HIA model which meets minimum elements of HIA practices and is generally completed within 3 months.

Health Impact Assessment: Impact of a 4-day School Week on Student Academic Performance, Food Insecurity, and Youth Crime (May 2017)