blog #11

 How can public transportation planning affect illness and injury in a community?  Public transportation definitely can affect illness and injury by not planning for safe walkways in safe neighborhoods with good lighting away from heavy traffic.

• What is the mix of modes of public transportation in your community? Is public transportation subsidized for students, poor people, the elderly in you community? In my community there are only a few taxis, small van type transportation vehicles, no train, no big buses.

2. Are there urban planning initiatives in your area that consider environmental concerns? NO

• How can you, as a nursing professional, advocate for this in your area? As a nurse, I can contact the city council and talk to them about walking pathways with good lighting. Providing padded walking tracks for family walking activities.
• Are there cities near you that could benefit from "green" urban planning? Yes
• How might you modify this for rural areas? I would begin with forming a committee of parents, perhaps through the PTA and get them involved in safety issues for our children.

3.  How might the Health Impact Assessment process be translated to a population-based nursing action or policy?A population-based nursing policy might include interventions to assess childhood obesity in the community with evaluation of school lunch programs.