Partnerships in healthy cities and communities: a social commitment for advanced practice nurses

People, recognizing that health is influenced by factors affecting the broader environment, are building healthier communities locally. The principles of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion gave direction for the development of the Healthy Cities movement globally. Community-oriented advanced practice nurses (APNs) have skills and expertise to support community leaders in their efforts to build healthier communities. Examples of partnerships involving Healthy Cities and Communities and APNs include: community leadership development, community assessment, nurse managed services, research, and policy advocacy. Based on APN experiences in community health promotion, future challenges are suggested.