Before decisions are made, it’s essential to understand how they will affect the health of your community. A Health Impact Assessment (HIA) is a structured process that evaluates the potential health effects of proposed policies, programs, or projects—ensuring that health considerations are integrated early and equitably into decision-making.
At Public Health Dynamics, we use HIAs to help clients anticipate impacts, promote equity, and shape healthier environments through evidence-based recommendations.
Our HIA Process
We guide you through each phase of the HIA, tailoring our approach to your goals and timeline:
Screening:
Determine whether an HIA is appropriate and likely to add value to the decision-making process.
Scoping:
Define which health effects, populations, and social determinants will be considered.
Assessment:
Analyze baseline health conditions and use data to predict potential health outcomes of the proposed initiative.
Recommendations:
Develop practical strategies to enhance health benefits and reduce potential harms.
Reporting:
Share findings in a clear, actionable format for policymakers, stakeholders, and community members.
Monitoring & Evaluation:
Track the implementation of recommendations and assess their impact over time.
Types of Health Impact Assessments
We offer several HIA formats depending on the project’s scope and urgency: Rapid HIA:
Completed in a few weeks to provide timely input on fast-moving projects. Intermediate HIA:
A balanced approach offering depth and speed for moderate timelines. Comprehensive HIA:
In-depth, multi-month analysis ideal for large-scale or high-impact initiatives.
Why Use an HIA?
HIAs help decision-makers and communities:
Integrate health and equity into policy and planning
Prevent unintended negative health consequences
Identify and address the needs of vulnerable populations
Strengthen community engagement and transparency
Support data-driven, inclusive decision-making
Shaping Healthier Policy Through Insight
From transportation plans and housing developments to climate policies and zoning changes, HIAs are powerful tools for building healthier, more equitable communities. Public Health Dynamics is here to help you use them effectively.
Learn more about how Public Health Dynamics can support your organization by exploring our full range of Public Health Services.
