Built Environment

“There is growing recognition that the built environment - the man-made physical structures and infrastructure of communities - has an impact on our health. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma are leading health concerns which are influenced by environmental conditions. Decisions around zoning, transportation, land use and community design influence the distances people travel to work, the convenience of purchasing healthy foods, and the safety and attractiveness of neighborhoods for walking. It is clear from these health implications that decisions about neighborhood design be made with the health of the community as a primary consideration…”
- Prevention Institute 

“…The first step is to better understand the elements of the built environment that promote health. The next step is for public health professionals and experts in other fields, such as architects, planners, policymakers, social scientists, traffic engineers, developers, economists, social marketers, and others to come together to help design the solutions for improving the health of our community so that our children and grandchildren can live in communities designed to promote the physical and mental health of all people.”
- Richard J. Jackson, MD, MPH

It is the intent of this website to initiate that process of coming together in Marin County and to begin the dialog with each other so that Marin Can Be Healthy!