Georgia Institute of TechnologyCenter for Quality Growth and Regional Development

Center for Quality Growth & Regional Development

Savannah coastline CQGRD-related development project

HEALTH IMPACT ASSESSMENT (HIA)

A formal Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is defined as a combination of procedures, methods, and tools by whihc a project is evaluated as to its potential effects on the health of a population, and the distribution of thos effects within the population. The steps of an HIA include:

screening- determine whether or not there exists the potential for significant health impacts as the result of a policy, program, or project;

scoping- establishes the study area boundaries, identifies possible consequences, and determines a management approach for the HIA;

appraisal- considers the nature and magnitude of health impacts and the affected populations;

dissemination- circulates the results of the HIA to decision makers, individuals implementing the plan/policy, and community stakeholders; and

monitoring and evaluation- reviews the effectiveness of the HIA process and evaluates the actual health outcomes as a result of the project or policy.

A Health Impact Assessment, or HIA, is a process that uses a variety of methods and approaches to identify and measure potential health impacts, both positive and negative, that may result from a particular policy or project. Furthermore, an HIA seeks to link these impacts to a given segment of the population (for example, children, older adults, people living in poverty, or residents of a particular neighborhood). The final product of an HIA is a set of evidence-based recommendations intended to inform decision-makers and the general public about the health-related issues associated with the project. The recommendations provide practical solutions that seek to magnify positive health impacts and remove or minimize negative impacts, for the current project and to set future policies.