Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability

PHES Mission

The Program on Health, Equity and Sustainability supports San Franciscans working together to advance urban health and social and environmental justice through ongoing integration of local government and community efforts and through valuing the needs, experiences, and knowledge of diverse San Francisco residents. We accomplish this by:

• Initiating and facilitating dialogue and collaboration among public agencies and community organizations

• Expanding public understanding of the relationships between the natural, built, and social environments and human health

• Support local participation in public policy-making

• Conducting and supporting local and regional research

• Developing and evaluating new methods for interdisciplinary and inclusive involvement in public-policy

• Documenting and communicating our strategies

In our vision of San Francisco, communities are engaged in democracy and committed to equality and diversity. We believe this will create and maintain sustainable and healthy places for all San Franciscans to live, work, learn, and play.

Guiding Principles and Core Values

Healthful Environments Healthy people reflect healthful environments. Following the 1986 WHO Charter on Health Promotion, we define the basic conditions and resources needed for health to be peace, shelter, education, food, income, stable ecosystems, sustainable resources, social justice, and equity

Equity A fair distribution of economic, political, social and natural resources and opportunities improves individual livelihood and the overall health of society

Sustainability Conserving and improving economic, social and environmental systems so that present and future community members can lead healthy, productive and enjoyable lives

Inter-connectedness The natural and built environments, human activities, and human relationships are connected

Public Access and Accountability The process for making public choices must be open and involve the people most affected. Good public policy decisions ensures that all participants have access to relevant information, including an understanding of underlying conflicts and competing interests

Meaningful Participation Ensuring meaningful public participation in policy-making requires sincere actions to support people’s involvement, the valuing of local knowledge and experiences, and incorporating the perspectives and needs of communities into decision-making.

Any questions, comments, or suggestions pertaining to this site may be directed to the DPH Webmaster
© Copyright 1998 - , Department of Public Health, City and County of San Francisco
Modified