Health Impact Assessment in Environmental Health: Methods, Tools and Policy Change

Abstract:

Health impact assessment (HIA) is usually defined as a combination of procedures, methods and tools by which a policy, a program or a project can be judged or evaluated on the basis of its potential effects on the health of a population. This session will cover various aspects of HIA, including theoretical basis, HIA tools and use of HIA to influence policy.

At the end of this session, participants will: 1) understand the HIA approach as demonstrated in theory and a case study; 2) acquire knowledge and skills in applying HIA by working through real-world examples; 3) be able to assess the relevance of HIA in their own diverse contexts and practices; and 4) understand how information from HIA can be used to influence policy. The session will include formal talks, a case example using waste-to-energy, and group work using case examples from participants’ own situations.

Presentations:

• HIA in Environmental Health: Approaches within and outside of HIA
  Aaron Wernham, The Health Impact Project
• Public Health Roles in Assessment of Health Impacts of Projects in Environmental Impact Assessment Process
  Catherine Elliott, NCCEH
• A Public Health Unit’s involvement in the review of Environmental Impact Assessments and ongoing monitoring: Uranium Mining Developments in Northern Saskatchewan
  James Irvine; Athabasca Health Authority, Mamawetan Churchill River Health Region, Keewatin Yatthé Health Region (SK)
• Overview of HIA*
  Marla Orenstein, Habitat Health Impact Consulting 
• HIA within the EA process*
  Marla Orenstein, Habitat Health Impact Consulting 
• Health Impact Assessment & Healthy Public Policy
  Rajiv Bhatia, San Francisco Department of Public Health

Handouts:

* Exercise 1
* Exercise 2

Resources