Improving Neighborhoods and the Built Environment

The natural and built environment of a community affects the health and well-being of rural residents. The quality of the water, air, and soil has serious implications for rural health and economic development. Features of the built environment, including housing, infrastructure, and streets, can influence the ability of rural residents to manage their health and access opportunities for healthy food and physical activity.

This toolkit describes 6 models that are designed to address social determinants of health (SDOH) related to neighborhoods and the built environment:

• Approaches to Increase Access to Foods that Support Healthy Eating Patterns
• Housing Quality Approaches
• Health in All Policies Approaches
• Transportation Models
• Smart Growth Models
• Environmental Quality Models