GuideBox for Healthy Places
An easy-to-use set of resources to increase awareness of how health impacts communities.
The GuideBox to Healthy Places is an easy-to-use set of resources to increase awareness of how health impacts, and is impacted by, the communities where we live. The materials in the GuideBox help to facilitate creative thinking and engage with different health topics that support the health and well-being of all who work, live, and play in communities. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to using the GuideBox. Its materials can be tailored for use in various settings — such as community meetings, classrooms, or presentations.
The GuideBox is available both online and as a printed copy. The online and printed versions of the GuideBox are identical.
Online Version
The online version is designed to be used electronically or to be downloaded and printed out by the user. Note: The quality of materials printed from this site will vary depending on the printer being used.
Printed Copy
The pre-printed version of the GuideBox may be borrowed from several Colorado Healthy Places Collaborative partner organizations, including: AIA Colorado, The Alliance Center, APA Colorado Chapter, ASCE Colorado Section, ASLA Colorado, CALPHO, Center for Health Work & Environment (CU Denver), Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, The Colorado Health Foundation, Colorado Parks & Recreation Association, Health + Design Initiative (CU Denver), Regional Institute for Health & Environmental Leadership, The Trust for Public Land Colorado, ULI Colorado, and USGBC Colorado.
GuideBox Contents
Introduction & Facilitator's Guide
The Introduction provides a brief explanation of the GuideBox purpose and how to get the most from its materials. The Facilitator's Guide is a practical aid for organizers planning a community meeting or workshop session with the GuideBox, covering logistics, group facilitation strategies, and tips for adapting materials to different audiences.
Topic Booklets
Four brief, focused resources assist with discussions on specific health-related issues in the built environment:
- Integrating Health and Accessibility
- Integrating Health and Buildings
- Integrating Health and Environment
- Integrating Health and Equity
WalkGuide to Healthy Places
A pamphlet for taking stock of health issues during a walk through a community. The WalkGuide structures direct observation of the built environment, helping participants connect lived experience with health data and community priorities.
Card Deck
A set of 52 images and facts to help with conversations and discussions. Cards are arranged into four suits — Access, Buildings, Environment, and Equity — each with 13 cards. Each card has an image on one side and information on the other side.
Interactive Version (On-Line)
This version is designed for use on a computer or projected onto a screen.
Health Assessment Lens
A tool for conducting a more in-depth evaluation of health factors in a community. The Health Assessment Lens is designed to inform designers, planners, and decision-makers of health conditions prior to beginning a project, plan process, or program.
Colorado Healthy Places Collaborative
An overview of and contact information on the organizations and associations working together to make Colorado communities healthier. The Collaborative is a network of nearly two dozen statewide and regional organizations committed to integrating health into planning and design practice.
Survey
A questionnaire for reflecting on outcomes from a GuideBox meeting or session. The Survey supports continuous improvement of facilitation approaches and provides feedback to HDI for ongoing tool development.
Download the Health Assessment Lens PDF
Access the complete evaluation tool as a standalone PDF document.