Winona Comp Plan Update HIA
Winona County is undertaking an update to their Comprehensive Plan (Comp Plan) starting spring 2013. The Comp Plan will provide long-term policy direction for land use, transportation, recreation, economic development and community facilities.
Winona County is facing challenging land use pressures; decisions to significantly change land use could have large impacts on the health of the population. Some of the potential health issues include environmental health concerns (e.g., water and air quality); mental health issues (including issues related to a changing rural landscape); physical activity; obesity; access to healthy foods and services; and injuries. Some populations will be affected more than others, including the elderly, socially isolated, poor, rural and minority groups. Utilizing the HIA to address health in the Comp Plan Update could have lasting positive effects on the health of the County’s residents. The Winona Comp Plan HIA is supported by a grant from the Health Impact Project, a collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts.
