Assessing the Health Impacts of Policies and Projects in Vermont
Health Impact Assessments are data-driven examinations of proposed projects and policies that shape our communities. The Health Impact Assessment process outlines potential public health impacts and considerations, which may include potential physical, biological, cultural and socioeconomic effects of a proposed action and its practical alternatives. The assessment provides policy makers and stakeholders with a valuable tool to inform their planning decisions.
Based on the data collected in the assessment process, recommendations can be offered for practical strategies to enhance positive health outcomes – and minimize negative ones – in a broad array of policies and projects that fall outside of the traditional public health arena, including transportation, land use, housing, and economic development.
Health Impact Assessments
Bennington High Redevelopment: Health Impact Assessment
The Benn High Redevelopment Project Health Impact Assessment was conducted to better understand the potential health effects of an initiative to utilize a large, vacant downtown building as housing and community space.
Health Impact Assessment: Marijuana Regulation in Vermont – 2020 Literature Review Update
State Employee Commuter Benefit Program 2018
The Health Department and key stakeholders conducted a health impact assessment to assess the potential health impacts of an employee commuter benefit program for all state employees.
School Transportation Policy in the Essex Westford Educational Community Unified Union School District, 2017
The Health Department's Burlington District Office completed a health impact assessment of school transportation policy in the newly consolidated Essex Westford Educational Community Unified Union School District. Prior to consolidation the separate school districts had three different policies. School consolidation compelled the district to create a single transportation plan that was equitable across the district.
Wind Turbine Noise & Human Health: A Review of the Scientific Literature, 2017
The Health Department conducted a literature review of the potential health effects from exposure to sound and vibration from wind-powered electrical generating facilities. Included in the appendix is the 2010 report, "Potential Impact on the Public's Health from Sound Associated with Wind Turbine Facilities."
Milton US 7 Corridor Study 2015
The goal of this health impact assessment prepared by the Health Department's Burlington Local Office is to: 1) determine the health impacts of the Milton US Route 7 corridor redesign strategies, and 2) to recommend ways the corridor can be designed to help support health and mitigate adverse health effects.
North Avenue Burlington Corridor Redesign 2015
This health impact assessment prepared by the Health Department's Burlington Local Office examines the following questions: What are the potential health impacts of proposed changes to North Avenue? Which proposals have the most potential to improve the health of vulnerable population?
Paid Sick Leave in VT 2015
The Health Department's and key stakeholders prepared this health impact assessment to assess the possible effect of a statewide paid sick leave policy on the health of Vermonters.
Plan BTV South End 2015
The goal of this health impact assessment prepared by the Health Department's Burlington Local Office is to: 1) determine the potential health impacts of development decisions in the South End of Burlington, 2) recommend ways development decisions can support health and ways to best mitigate adverse health impacts, and 3) give community members a voice in the process.