ICUH 2024: A Healthier Horizon: Activating Urban Health Strategies for a Climate

Urban health (UH) is defined as the multidimensional and multilevel state of human health within, and in relationship to, urban environments (Urban Public Health: A Research Toolkit for Practice and Impact, 2020). UH and urbanization (i.e., growth of population in an urban area) can encompass multiple determinants (e.g., climate change, the built environment, health care systems, and individual choices) and health outcomes (e.g., physical, mental, financial, etc.) shaped by population demographic and geographic location. This exploratory workshop, facilitated by members of Kean University’s urban health institute (UHI) working group, seeks to 1) understand how global leaders from various sectors (i.e., non-profit, academic, governmental) conceptualize UH within their changing climate, and 2) identify common trends (i.e., disease prevalence, quality of life, and disaster vulnerability), best practices, and policies that create opportunities for UH promotion and environmental sustainability. This session also provides a pre-workshop digital survey, available to all ICUH conference participants to 1) assess their environments (i.e., neighborhood, state, county) for indicators of good and poor health, and 2) define UH from their perspective and discipline. Survey items include, but are not limited to, natural disaster vulnerability, quality of life, restorative health measures, and structural safety. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Survey results will guide group discussions, during the workshop, which will be centered on climate change and defining UH from a global perspective. The end goal of Kean’s UHI is to publish workshop and survey findings in academic journals and white papers reports. Results will also be shared to the ICUH for member distribution.


Kean University, located in New Jersey, USA, is planning to establish an institute for urban health research, education, and community engagement. The mission of Kean’s urban health institute will be to 1) train the next generation of urban health practitioners and health management leaders; 2) create and maintain an environment of rigorous scholarship, thought leadership, and innovation in public health policy and research with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies; and 3) build communities of practice exemplifying our commitment to equity, inclusivity, dialogue, and belonging.