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