Urban Sprawl: What's Health Got to Do With It?

Program Notes

Health Risks Resulting from Urban Sprawl

Transportation

  • Car crash injuries and fatalities
  • Pedestrian injuries and fatalities
  • Air Pollution

Land Use

  • Reduced physical activity
  • Water contamination

Social Effects of Sprawl

  • Decline in mental health
  • Loss of social capital

Social capital refers to the connectedness and trust that binds a community together.

Local Public Health Strategies

  • Get involved with zoning decisions
  • Promote mixed land-use;
  • Help plan location of new schools
  • Push for development of bike paths and sidewalks
  • Support car pool initiatives
  • Support mass transit initiatives