City Forum | Panel on The Active City: Planning for Public Health | Harold W. Kohl, Carol Haywood, Ann Kitchen

The past decade has seen a dramatic rise in the levels of obesity, heart disease and cancer in children and adults because of decreased physical activity. These problems are exacerbated by limited access to parks and safe sidewalks and a lack of public safety in many communities. Cities now look to planners to assist in addressing this public health challenge. In this city forum, planners and public health professionals from The University of Texas, the City of Austin and the Austin community will discuss how planning interventions can improve public health in cities.

PANELISTS

Harold W. Kohl

Harold Kohl is professor of Epidemiology and Kinesiology at The University of Texas Health Science Center – Houston; the School of Public Health, Austin Regional Campus; and the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education at The University of Texas Austin. He is also the founder and Director of The University of Texas Physical Activity Epidemiology Program.

Carol Haywood

Carol Haywood is the manager of Neighborhood Planning in the Planning and Development Review Department, City of Austin.

Ann Kitchen

Ann Kitchen is an attorney and former healthcare consultant, state agency official and social worker with expertise in Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and other state and local programs for uninsured and underinsured individuals.