| Session Title: Evaluation Across Policy Networks: Chronic Disease, Obesity, and Community Design |
| Expert Lecture Session 642 to be held in Adams Room on Friday, November 9, 3:35 PM to 4:20 PM |
| Sponsored by the Advocacy and Policy Change TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Ron Maynard, University of Washington, ronmaynard@comcast.net |
| Presenter(s): |
| Ron Maynard, University of Washington, ronmaynard@comcast.net |
| Abstract: This session will describe the evaluation of a policy initiative that spans complex partnerships with different legal, regulatory, and community structures; describe how qualitative research methods can be used for policy evaluation across social and organizational networks; and discuss applications of these evaluation approaches in different policy contexts. The Active Community Environments Initiative focuses on the development of community infrastructure that promotes walking, bicycling, and mobility for abled and disabled individuals. Community design elements that include access, neighborhood context, and connectivity play a significant role in promoting physical activity, which is seen as closely related to the prevention of chronic disease and obesity. The focus on upstream factors for health, requires the engagement of diverse new partners, including state and regional planning and transportation agencies, community coalitions and task forces, parks and recreation districts, and public health agencies. How does evaluation inform the activities, priorities, and strategies of these partnerships? |