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Healthy Communities, Healthy Lives: How Urban Planning Shapes Sexual Health

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Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Exploring the impact of community redevelopment on public and sexual health in underserved areas."


In the realm of public health, the concept of “Health in All Policies” (HiAP) has emerged as a transformative framework. HiAP recognizes that health is not solely the domain of healthcare but is intricately linked to various sectors such as transportation, housing, and urban planning. By integrating health considerations into these non-health sectors, communities can foster environments that promote well-being and prevent disease.

One critical area where HiAP can have a profound impact is sexual health. Often stigmatized and overlooked, sexual health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being. Factors such as access to healthcare, social determinants of health, and community resources play a significant role in shaping sexual health outcomes. When communities undergo structural changes through redevelopment, these factors can be either positively or negatively affected.

Recognizing the importance of addressing sexual health within the context of community development, researchers and public health practitioners have begun to explore the potential of HiAP to create healthier and more equitable environments. This article delves into a case study that exemplifies how HiAP can be effectively utilized to enhance public health and promote sexual health in communities undergoing structural change and redevelopment.

The Fort McPherson Story: A Blueprint for Community Transformation

A diverse community collaboratively building a healthy neighborhood.

Fort McPherson, a 488-acre military base in Georgia, closed in 2011, presented a unique opportunity to reshape the surrounding community. Understanding that changes to the physical environment could impact health outcomes, particularly in an area with high rates of STIs, a series of projects were launched to integrate health considerations into the redevelopment process. These projects employed participatory and community engagement approaches, including Health Impact Assessments (HIAs), Photovoice, and community ethnographic assessments.

The initial step involved incorporating health as a key policy consideration in the redevelopment plan. An HIA was conducted to assess the potential health impacts of different land zoning scenarios. The findings from the HIA helped guide decision-making, ensuring that the redevelopment plan prioritized the health and well-being of residents. Subsequent projects focused on identifying existing data, local policies, and opportunities to promote sexual health within the framework of a “healthy community.”

  • Health Impact Assessment (HIA): Evaluated the potential health effects of redevelopment plans.
  • Photovoice: Empowered residents to document their experiences and perspectives through photography.
  • Community Ethnographic Assessment: Gathered in-depth insights into community needs and perceptions.
Community members and service providers were engaged to gather insights on sexual health services and the potential impact of redevelopment. The comprehensive assessment yielded recommendations to address physical changes that would encourage healthier choices and foster social connections. Interactive area maps highlighted the co-occurrence of social determinants of health and STIs, offering a visual representation of the challenges and opportunities within the community.

HiAP: A Path Forward

The Fort McPherson case study demonstrates the power of Health in All Policies as a framework for integrating health considerations into redevelopment decisions. By engaging community members, identifying key assets, and addressing social determinants of health, communities can create environments that promote both public and sexual health. As cities continue to evolve, adopting a HiAP approach can pave the way for healthier, more equitable communities for all.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What does Health in All Policies (HiAP) mean?

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a framework that integrates health considerations into various sectors beyond just healthcare, such as transportation, housing, and urban planning. It recognizes that health is influenced by multiple factors and aims to create environments that promote well-being and prevent disease by incorporating health into non-health sectors. This approach ensures that decisions across different policy areas contribute positively to public health outcomes.

2

Why are Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) important during community redevelopment?

Health Impact Assessments (HIAs) are crucial for evaluating the potential health effects of redevelopment plans. In the context of community redevelopment, an HIA helps decision-makers understand how different land zoning scenarios or infrastructure changes could impact the health and well-being of residents. By identifying potential risks and benefits early in the planning process, HIAs enable the development of strategies that maximize positive health outcomes and minimize negative impacts.

3

How can community engagement methods like Photovoice and Community Ethnographic Assessments help in redevelopment projects?

Community engagement methods like Photovoice and Community Ethnographic Assessments offer unique insights into community needs and perceptions. Photovoice empowers residents to document their experiences through photography, providing a visual representation of their lives and concerns. Community Ethnographic Assessments involve in-depth studies of the community to gather detailed information about their culture, social structures, and health-related behaviors. Both of these strategies ensure that redevelopment efforts are community-driven and responsive to local priorities.

4

How do social determinants of health impact sexual health, and what can be done to address them during redevelopment?

Social determinants of health, such as access to healthcare, quality housing, and safe environments, significantly influence sexual health outcomes. When communities undergo redevelopment, these factors can be either positively or negatively affected. By addressing social determinants of health through initiatives like improved access to sexual health services and the creation of safe and supportive environments, communities can promote better sexual health outcomes and reduce disparities.

5

Can you explain the importance of the Fort McPherson project?

The Fort McPherson project serves as a practical example of how Health in All Policies (HiAP) can be applied in community redevelopment. By integrating health considerations into the redevelopment plan and engaging community members, the project was able to prioritize the health and well-being of residents. This approach demonstrates the importance of considering health as a key policy consideration and using community engagement to gather insights on sexual health services and the potential impact of redevelopment.

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