Child Health Impact Assessment
The Child Health Impact Assessment (CHIA) working group was convened in 2004 in order to highlight the relationship between public policy and child health. The multidisciplinary, intra-institutional group, which includes representatives from seven Boston-area hospitals and universities, modeled CHIA on environmental impact assessments. CHIA offers an objective, evidence- and experience- based method through which to evaluate the implications of policy, regulations, and legislation for children's health and well-being.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Affordable Housing and Child Health-- A Child Health Impact Assessment of the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (June 2005) [Full Text] [Executive Summary]
Review a CHIA slide presentation by MLPC National Medical Director and CHIA working group chair Lauren Smith, MD, MPH.
ENERGY COSTS
Unhealthy Consequences: Energy Costs and Child Health-- A Child Health Impact Assessment of Energy Costs and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (November 2006) [Full Text] [Executive Summary]
The CHIA has put a spotlight on high energy costs! Press includes:
Eileen McNamara. Time to turn up the heat. Boston Sunday Globe. November 19, 2006.
Raja Mishra. Auditor urges the state to boost fuel aid for poor. The Boston Globe. December 5, 2006.
David Casey. Report: High utility costs affect children's health. Pawtucket Times. December 2, 2006.