Embedding health equity strategically within built environments.

Area of Science:

• Urban planning and public health
• Health equity in built environments
• Cross-sectoral collaboration

Background:

• Population health approaches are used in urban design, but health equity is often overlooked.
• A need for frameworks to integrate and measure health equity in local built environments was identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement frameworks for prioritizing and measuring health equity within healthy built environments.
• To foster cross-sectoral collaboration for inclusive urban development.

Main Methods:

• Coordinated a cross-departmental healthy built environment (HBE) initiative.
• Conducted evidence reviews and partner consultations to identify health equity issues and best practices.
• Prioritized and undertook projects to model a health equity approach.

Main Results:

• Developed a Health Equity in Healthy Built Environment Framework.
• Launched a partner campaign during a municipal election to highlight built environment and health equity.
• Produced a Health Equity Impact Assessment report on the City of Saskatoon's growth plan.
• Created a monitoring and evaluation framework for health equity outcomes.

Conclusions:

• An explicit focus on health equity within a population health approach to HBE can drive partner engagement.
• Cross-sectoral action is crucial for building inclusive physical and social environments.
• The initiative demonstrated a model for integrating health equity into urban planning and development.