April Ennis Keippel1, Melissa A Henderson2, Amanda L Golbeck3, TommiLee Gallup2, Diane K Duin4, Stephen Hayes5, Stephanie Alexander6, Elizabeth L Ciemins7. 1. St. Vincent Healthcare, Billings, Montana. 2. RiverStone Health, Billings, Montana. 3. Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas. 4. Montana State University-Billings, College of Allied Health Professions, Billings, Montana. 5. Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia. Electronic address: Stephen.hayes@hhs.gov. 6. Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia. Electronic address: Stephanie.alexander@hhs.gov. 7. AMGA, Research and Analytics, Alexandria, Virginia.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Public health leaders in Yellowstone County, Montana, formed an alliance to address community-wide issues. One such issue is Complete Streets, with its vision of safe streets for all. This case study focuses on development and adoption of a Complete Streets policy. It examines how a community coalition, Healthy By Design, infused a gender focus into the policymaking process. METHODS: An incremental and nonlinear policymaking process was aided by a focus on gender and health equity. The focus on a large constituency helped to frame advocacy in terms of a broad population's needs, not just special interests. RESULTS: The city council unanimously adopted a Complete Streets resolution, informed by a gender lens. Healthy By Design further used gender information to successfully mobilize the community in response to threats of repeal of the policy, and then influenced the adoption of a revised policy. CONCLUSIONS: Policies developed with a focus on equity, including gender equity, may have broader impact on the community. Such policies may pave the way for future policies that seek to transform gender norms toward building a healthier community for all residents. Published by Elsevier Inc.
BACKGROUND: Public health leaders in Yellowstone County, Montana, formed an alliance to address community-wide issues. One such issue is Complete Streets, with its vision of safe streets for all. This case study focuses on development and adoption of a Complete Streets policy. It examines how a community coalition, Healthy By Design, infused a gender focus into the policymaking process. METHODS: An incremental and nonlinear policymaking process was aided by a focus on gender and health equity. The focus on a large constituency helped to frame advocacy in terms of a broad population's needs, not just special interests. RESULTS: The city council unanimously adopted a Complete Streets resolution, informed by a gender lens. Healthy By Design further used gender information to successfully mobilize the community in response to threats of repeal of the policy, and then influenced the adoption of a revised policy. CONCLUSIONS: Policies developed with a focus on equity, including gender equity, may have broader impact on the community. Such policies may pave the way for future policies that seek to transform gender norms toward building a healthier community for all residents. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Authors: Nuria Crespí-Lloréns; Ildefonso Hernández-Aguado; Elisa Chilet-Rosell Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-05 Impact factor: 3.390