A public health expert calls on transportation planners to ensure all residents have access to reliable transportation.
In a piece for The Flint Courier News, Dr. Aisha Harris asserts that transportation is a social determinant of health — “Meaning it directly and indirectly impacts how we access health care, obtain wellness and manage our chronic medical problems.”
Harris separates personal transportation options and transportation infrastructure, which is not in most people’s individual control. “In health, transportation is essential to how people access health care and maintain health, whether it is getting to the doctor, picking up medication from the pharmacy, going to the grocery store to maintain nutritional needs, or walking around their neighborhood to get more exercise.”
According to Harris, million of Americans can’t access medical care due to transportation issues such as long distances, lack of access to a vehicle, cost, or inadequate infrastructure. Thus, transportation and public health are intimately intertwined issues. “There are a lot of options to how a city, urban or rural, can look when it comes to transportation. But the infrastructure we create in our communities must adapt and include the needs of the entire community in order to not create more barriers and challenges, but help address them.”
FULL STORY: Getting there is half the battle: How transportation impacts your health
Proposed Alabama Bill Would Fund Public Transit
The senator who introduced the legislation cited concerns about the state’s low levels of workforce participation, noting that a lack of transportation is one of the main reasons Alabama residents can’t participate in the workforce.
Linking Transportation Access and Public Health
Millions of Americans miss medical care and other important day-to-day appointments due to a lack of access to reliable transportation.
Research: Walkability Linked to Improved Public Health
A study reveals that the density of city blocks is a significant factor in communities’ walkability and, subsequently, improved public health outcomes for residents.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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