Promoting Walking and Walkable Communities Cross-Sector Recommendations from the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance Amy A. Eyler, PhD, CHES Walking Recommendations Author Committee Public Health Sector Standing Committee, Chair
NPAPA Vision and History The National Physical Activity Plan is based on a vision: One day, all Americans will be physically active, and they will live, work and play in environments that encourage and support regular physical activity. NPAPA Mission/Role Continued promotion of physical activity guided by a comprehensive, evidence-based, strategic plan Regular evaluation and revision of the NPAP NPAPA History Developed with funding from CDC in 2007 Initial National Physical Activity Plan released in 2010 501c3 formalized in 2013 Revised National Physical Activity Plan released in 2016
National Physical Activity Plan Introduction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsdcd2z5uq4&t=21s
Background A Public Health Focus on Walking and Walkable Communities Step It Up! The Surgeon General s Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities Released in 2015 5 key goals and related strategies Socio-ecological approach/ societal sectors NPAPA support of Call to Action U.S. Report Card on Walking and Walkable Communities Released Fall 2017 Identification of 9 factors States graded on achievement of targets to develop nationwide grades Extremely low grades, failing or near failing for 7 of 9 factors
Identifying a Need Low grades in the 2017 Walking Report Card indicated need for clear actions related to walking and walkability Recommendations aim to identify and prioritize the most critical activities that will result in greatest impact
Phase 1 Developing the Recommendations In-Person Working Session Participants from: Business and Industry Public Health Transportation, Land Use and Community Design Equity and Inclusion Expert Calls Committee Members Outside Experts Framework Development Strategy Development Tactic Identification
Organizational Framework Framework Equity and Inclusion Lens Outcome Components Policies Places Programming Process Components Cross-Sector Collaboration Data and Monitoring Resources and Funding
Equity and Inclusion What are the most important ways walking and walkability influence equity? What are opportunities to address equity while increasing walking and walkability? How can goals and metrics be developed to make equity related to walking and walkability, relevant and achievable?
Equity and Inclusion: Important factors to consider Community and quality of life (accessibility, affordability, and engagement) Individual health and well-being (of residents, users, and surrounding community members) Economy (jobs, skills, wages, benefits, education)
Phase 2 Developing the Recommendations Including all 9 Sectors Identification of appropriate tactics from NPAP Review by sector committees Organized by component
Walking Recommendations Report Strategies Tactics
Outcome: Policies Cross-sector teams should engage in policy development and advocacy to increase accessible walking within varied and diverse communities. Business and Industry Education (including higher education) Planning/Zoning Recreation Organizations Public Health
Outcome: Places Cross-sector teams should design accessible and safe places that enable walking for transportation and recreation in varied and diverse communities Streets Recreational facilities Schools Public facilities Businesses Faith-based
Outcome: Programming Cross-sector teams should implement programs and initiatives to encourage, reward, and require more walking and rolling for routine transportation and recreation. Professional training Resource Think creatively Role model
Process: Collaboration Organizations, across disciplines and jurisdictions, should collaborate, together with residents, to create communities designed for accessible walking. Partner with communities Engagement starting at planning Leverage
Process: Data and Monitoring Public agencies and relevant private organizations should invest in and institutionalize the collection of data to inform policy and to measure the impacts of walking and rolling on physical activity, population health, and health equity. Surveillance Psychosocial constructs Evaluation
Process: Resources and Funding Federal, state, and local policy makers should increase sustainable funding to support accessible walking in all communities. Research Prioritize spending Training
Resources Complete Recommendations www.physicalactivityplan.org Be Active Your Way Blog Post https://health.gov/news/category/blog-bayw/ Social Media Facebook: @NationalPhysicalActivityPlan Twitter: @NationalPAPlan
Thank You aeyler@wustl.edu