What does a completed HIA produce?
When policymakers, project planners, community organizations and advocacy groups participate in and have data provided by a Health Impact Assessment, policy decisions and new projects are properly informed and have the opportunity to provide the best outcome for communities, especially those facing health inequities. Generally, a completed HIA results in a report that documents the HIA process as well as findings. However, the decision-making process will likely inform the communication of HIA findings, and the need for more publicly-accessible materials. For example, the identification of key messages (e.g., positive and negative impacts on health), audiences (e.g., stakeholders, decision-makers) and use of media (e.g., letters, reports, press releases) will likely follow the release of the HIA report, and form the basis of communication strategies.
