Why are Health Impact Assessments Important?
Why is HIA Important?
It can identify the unintended consequences of a plan, project, policy, or other decision before it is put into place and make recommendations to prevent or lessen negative effects. Ultimately, it can help a community reach its health goals.
It can also raise awareness of the positive health impacts of a proposed a plan, project, policy, or other decision among decision-makers and the public, which ensures social and financial support of the plan when the time for implementation comes.