Oregon Health Authority HIA Program Position (Closes soon!)

From the position announcement:

OHA's HIA Program envisions an Oregon where human health and the distribution of health impacts are actively considered in relevant projects, policies, and plans across sectors. The Program is focused on catalyzing change in three key areas: promoting health impact assessment (HIA) among decision-makers and community partners; institutionalizing HIA practice into existing mechanisms; and expanding support for practitioners. We are seeking an epidemiologist/public health scientist to join our team to provide technical leadership on HIA projects and advance the consideration of health in Oregon.

The position closes on May 20. Click below to view the announcement: 

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oregon/default.cfm?action=viewjob&JobID=647683

Mental Health Impact Assessment Report

From Lynn Todman at the Adler Institute on Social Exclusion:

Our report “U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Policy Guidance: A Mental Health Impact Assessment” has been completed and is available to you at adler.edu/MHIA

This report is the culmination of our 18-month study examining how changes in federal law regarding the use of arrest records in employment decisions would affect Chicago’s underserved Englewood neighborhood. The report also details the Mental Health Impact Assessment (MHIA) process that we employed at the Institute on Social Exclusion at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, constituting an important advance and contribution to the practice of Health Impact Assessment (HIA).

As you know, it is common for U.S. policy makers to consider factors like the natural environment, human physical health, and economic impact in their decision-making processes. Environmental Impact Assessments, Health Impact Assessments, and Economic Impact Assessment are increasingly common.  However, assessments that evaluate psychological or mental health impacts are rare, despite the fact that mental health is an essential element of healthy communities.

The MHIA process is intended help policy makers assess how changes in public policy may help or harm the mental health of communities, especially the most vulnerable. It is also a useful tool in helping to narrow health inequities, and will become increasingly important in light of dwindling mental health resources and support. Conducting an MHIA can help ensure that policies that are implemented will help reduce health inequities, and improve the health and wellbeing of communities and the nation.

Thank you for your interest in our work.  If we can answer questions or provide more information for you, please contact us at ISE@adler.edu