Developing built environment programs in local health departments: lessons learned from a nationwide mentoring...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Urban Planning
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Local health departments (LHDs) are crucial for creating policies that promote physical activity and reduce chronic diseases.
• Guidance for LHDs on effectively engaging in built environment initiatives is limited.
• Obesity and related chronic diseases pose significant public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To support LHDs in achieving their built environment goals.
• To provide practical examples from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DOHMH) work.
• To establish a network for learning about healthy built environments.

Main Methods:

• A peer mentoring program was facilitated for 14 LHDs nationwide.
• The program ran from 2011 to 2012.
• The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) served as the facilitator.

Main Results:

• The program facilitated knowledge sharing among LHDs.
• Examples of DOHMH's built environment initiatives were shared.
• A learning network for healthy built environments was established.

Conclusions:

• Sharing lessons learned can guide LHDs in developing successful healthy built environment agendas.
• Peer mentoring is an effective strategy for LHDs to advance built environment goals.
• Strengthening LHD capacity in built environment policy is vital for public health.