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Urban Green Space and the Pursuit of Health Equity in Parts of the United States

Author

Listed:
  • Viniece Jennings

    (Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, 320 Green Street, Athens, GA 30602, USA)

  • April Karen Baptiste

    (Environmental Studies Program, Colgate University, 13 Oak Drive, Hamilton, NY 13346, USA)

  • Na’Taki Osborne Jelks

    (Department of Public Health, Agnes Scott College, 141 E. College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030, USA)

  • Renée Skeete

    (Department of Sociology, Georgia State University, 33 Gilmer Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA)

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that inequitable access to green space can relate to health disparities or inequalities. This commentary aims to shift the dialogue to initiatives that have integrated green spaces in projects that may promote health equity in the United States. Specifically, we connect this topic to factors such as community revitalization, affordable housing, neighborhood walkability, food security, job creation, and youth engagement. We provide a synopsis of locations and initiatives in different phases of development along with characteristics to support effectiveness and strategies to overcome challenges. The projects cover locations such as Atlanta (GA), Los Angeles (CA), the District of Columbia (Washington D.C.), South Bronx (NY), and Utica (NY). Such insight can develop our understanding of green space projects that support health equity and inform the dialogue on this topic in ways that advance research and advocacy.

Suggested Citation

  • Viniece Jennings & April Karen Baptiste & Na’Taki Osborne Jelks & Renée Skeete, 2017. "Urban Green Space and the Pursuit of Health Equity in Parts of the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-17, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:11:p:1432-:d:119915
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    1. Nooshin Razani & Dayna Long & Danielle Hessler & George W. Rutherford & Laura M. Gottlieb, 2020. "Screening for Park Access during a Primary Care Social Determinants Screen," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-9, April.
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    3. Leah H. Schinasi & Helen V. S. Cole & Jana A. Hirsch & Ghassan B. Hamra & Pedro Gullon & Felicia Bayer & Steven J. Melly & Kathryn M. Neckerman & Jane E. Clougherty & Gina S. Lovasi, 2021. "Associations between Greenspace and Gentrification-Related Sociodemographic and Housing Cost Changes in Major Metropolitan Areas across the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-24, March.
    4. Daniel A. Brent & Joseph H. Cook & Allison Lassiter, 2022. "The Effects of Eligibility and Voluntary Participation on the Distribution of Benefits in Environmental Programs: An Application to Green Stormwater Infrastructure," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 98(4), pages 579-598.
    5. Marcia P. Jimenez & Nicole V. DeVille & Elise G. Elliott & Jessica E. Schiff & Grete E. Wilt & Jaime E. Hart & Peter James, 2021. "Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, April.
    6. Raihan Jamil & Jason P. Julian & Jennifer L. R. Jensen & Kimberly M. Meitzen, 2024. "Urban Green Infrastructure Connectivity: The Role of Private Semi-Natural Areas," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-25, August.
    7. Daniel Wiese & Antoinette M. Stroup & Aniruddha Maiti & Gerald Harris & Shannon M. Lynch & Slobodan Vucetic & Victor H. Gutierrez-Velez & Kevin A. Henry, 2021. "Measuring Neighborhood Landscapes: Associations between a Neighborhood’s Landscape Characteristics and Colon Cancer Survival," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, April.
    8. Yilun Cao & Yuhan Guo & Yuhao Fang & Xinwei He, 2023. "Refuge Green Space Equity: A Case Study of Third Ring Road on Chengdu," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-22, July.
    9. Mahbubur Meenar & Megan Heckert & Deepti Adlakha, 2022. "“Green Enough Ain’t Good Enough:” Public Perceptions and Emotions Related to Green Infrastructure in Environmental Justice Communities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-17, January.
    10. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks & Viniece Jennings & Alessandro Rigolon, 2021. "Green Gentrification and Health: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-23, January.
    11. Viniece Jennings & Alessandro Rigolon & Jasmine Thompson & Athena Murray & Ariel Henderson & Richard Schulterbrandt Gragg, 2024. "The Dynamic Relationship between Social Cohesion and Urban Green Space in Diverse Communities: Opportunities and Challenges to Public Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-17, June.
    12. Alessandro Rigolon & Matthew H. E. M. Browning & Olivia McAnirlin & Hyunseo (Violet) Yoon, 2021. "Green Space and Health Equity: A Systematic Review on the Potential of Green Space to Reduce Health Disparities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-27, March.

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