The built environment refers to the human-made surroundings of a community, such as parks, sidewalks, buildings, neighborhoods, and transportation systems. Current research indicates that a health-focused built environment, which may include features like walking and biking paths, as well as access to public transportation and full-service grocery stores, can improve physical and mental well-being. Conversely, poor community design (e.g., car-dependent places with limited recreational spaces) may encourage sedentary habits and exacerbate common public health problems like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and depression.

This seminar highlights several examples of organizations and communities working to promote health and prevent disease through changes in the built environment.

The Affordable Care Act was the impetus for creating the National Prevention Council and its development of the National Prevention Strategy to realize the benefits of prevention for a healthier America. The Strategy was developed in partnership with the Office of the Surgeon General, with additional input from the Prevention Advisory Group, stakeholders, and the public. The Strategy provides evidence-based recommendations for improving health and wellness and addressing leading causes of disability and death. Partners across the country have utilized these recommendations to promote health in their own communities. Recommended policy, program, and systems approaches are identified for the four Strategic Directions and seven Priorities listed below.

Strategic Directions

• Healthy and Safe Community Environments
• Clinical and Community Preventive Services
• Empowered People
• Elimination of Health Disparities

Priorities

• Tobacco Free Living
• Preventing Drug Abuse and Excessive Alcohol Use
• Healthy Eating
• Active Living
• Injury and Violence Free Living
• Reproductive and Sexual Health
• Mental and Emotional Well-Being