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NACo 2012 Legislative Conference Demonstrating the Positive Return on Investment in County Health Initiatives Tuesday, March 6, 2012
NACo 2012 Legislative Conference
Demonstrating the Positive Return on Investment in County Health Initiatives
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Speakers Lenny Eliason NACo President Commissioner Athens County, OH
Sue Polis Outreach Manager Trust for America’s Health
Michael Kirschman Director, Nature Preserves and Natural Resources Division Mecklenburg County, NC
NACo Legislative Conference: Demonstrating the Positive Return on
Investment in County Health Initiatives
Sue Pechilio PolisTrust for America’s Health
National Association of Counties (NACo)March 6, 2012
Overview About Trust for America’s Health
Messaging Prevention
Demonstrating Return on Investment for Prevention
Sharing Success Stories & Results
Growing Momentum: The National Prevention Strategy, Prevention & Public Health Fund/Community Transformation Grants and Future Efforts
Wrap-up/Conclusion
About TFAH: Who We Are Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is a non-profit, non-partisan
organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority.
Good news: Support for Investing in Prevention is Broad Should Invest More
(Strongly)Should Invest More
(Total)Should NOT invest
more
Total 44 71 22Democrats 60 85 13
Independents 39 68 25Republicans 32 59 32
Northeast 42 72 25Central 45 69 25South 45 73 21West 45 71 21Men 44 71 24
Women 45 72 21
Messaging Prevention Personal responsibility is entrenched in public opinion on this issue –
people will accept a limited role for government: It’s up to each individual to keep themselves and their families healthy, but investing in the right types of LOCAL initiatives helps people do what they are responsible for: making healthy choices easier choices.
Prevention is popular: Across the political spectrum and coast-to-coast. Voters come to the debate believing prevention saves money. And regardless, voters say prevention would be worth investing in even if it didn’t save money.
Future, kids, an aspirational tone and achievable goals: Top messages center on kids – there is a perception that it’s hard for kids to take personal responsibility and we can help parents protect their kids, particularly in schools: Today’s kids could be the first generation to live shorter, less healthy lives…but we can turn it around.
Demonstrating ROI: Prevention for a Healthier America
INVESTMENT: $10 per person per year
HEATH CARE COST NET SAVINGS:
$16 Billion annually within 5 years
RETURN ON INVESTMENT(ROI):
$5.60 for every $1
With a Strategic Investment in Proven Community-Based Prevention Programs to Increase Physical Activity and Good Nutrition and
Prevent Smoking and Other Tobacco Use
Demonstrating ROI:Bending the Obesity Cost Curve
Key Findings: The United States could
realize significant health care cost savings if obesity rates were reduced by five percent.
The analysis found that the country could save $29.8 billion in five years, $158.1 billion in 10 years and $611.7 billion in 20 years.
Demonstrating ROI TFAH: Healthier Americans for a Healthier Economy, October
2011 Features six case studies focused on the relationship between health
and economic development. The report examines how health affects the ability of states, cities and towns to attract and retain employers, and how workplace and community wellness programs help improve productivity and reduce health spending.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Return on Investments in Public Health and Prevention: A Summary of Groundbreaking Research Studies, October 2011 Highlights recent studies including TFAH, Urban Institute and Health Affairs.
Demonstrating ROI Urban Institute: The Role of Prevention in Bending the
Cost Curve, October 2011 Examines promising initiatives in chronic disease prevention and the
cost of ignoring chronic disease prevention.
TFAH, in conjunction with the New York Academy of Medicine, released The Compendium of Proven Community-Based Prevention Programs, September 2009. Features a range of evidence-based disease prevention programs that
have shown results for improving health and reducing costs in communities.
All efforts need a MESSAGE! What is a message?
Creates the impression or thought you want the audience to walk away with
Step #1: Know Your AudienceStep #2: Make it RelevantStep #3: Lay out the RationaleStep #4: Capture the Audience
What makes a message effective? Credibility Understand barriers to accepting the message Link to something beneficial
Talking to the Business Community: Impetus for Engagement - Data
Compelling Data More than one quarter of health care costs are related to obesity,
overweight, and physical inactivity due to associated health problems including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
Workers with one or more chronic conditions average 2-4 times as many lost work days as employees with no chronic conditions.
The indirect costs to employers of poor worker health can be 2-3 times the direct medical costs, including lower productivity, higher disability and injury rates, and more workers’ compensation claims.
Developing Value Proposition for Non-Traditional Partners: Business
The workplace is a critical venue for improving health. But workplace efforts will be more successful if employees and their families are living in communities that are supportive of health.
Leverage the research that shows the ROI for investment in community-based prevention.
Address concerns within the business community: Rising health care costs and reduced productivity due to chronic disease.
What the business community is saying about prevention.
“It’s much cheaper to keep people healthy than it is to take care of them when they’re sick. The way for us to control costs is to keep people healthy. We’re doing a full court press.”
- Peter Wald, director of wellness for San Antonio-based financial services company USAA
Excerpt from Healthier Americans for a Healthier Economy: The private sector also recognizes that the state’s (Indiana) health holds back economic development: “When you look at the drawbacks to Indiana, health is at the top of the list,” said Chuck Gillespie, director of the Wellness Council of Indiana, a private group affiliated with the state chamber of commerce, which helps companies set up or improve wellness programs. “I’m concerned that companies may think twice about relocating here.”
Developing the Value Proposition: Faith-Based & Educational Communities
Developing audience-specific materials Faith:
Religious leaders have historically played a critical role in addressing the nation’s social challenges, especially in protecting children, seniors and other vulnerable populations. Allowing people to lead fuller lives through the prevention of chronic disease is a natural extension of these efforts.
Education: The academic success and educational status of children is
inextricably linked with their health.
The Power of Stories“The story - from Rumplestiltskin to War and Peace - is one of the basic tools invented by the human mind, for the purpose of gaining understanding. There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.”
• Ursula Kroeber Le Guin
Sharing Success Stories & Results
The meals of more than 100,000 Los Angeles County employees will be healthier due to the adoption of a resolution requiring all food service providers to L.A. County government departments to promote nutrition through stronger dietary requirements in their food procurement contracts.
In Denver, Colorado nearly 200,000 students now attend schools that adhere to the Institute of Medicine’s nutrition standards for school meals.
In Louisville, Kentucky the Healthy Hometown Restaurant Initiative has created partnerships with 18 area restaurants to assist them with the calculation and printing of calorie information for their menu items, providing over 435,000 people with the opportunity to make healthier decisions when dining out.
Momentum…National Prevention Strategy
Four pillars Healthy and Safe
Community Environments
Clinical and Community Preventive Services
Empowered People Elimination of Health
Disparities
Momentum…National Prevention Council
Bureau of Indian Affairs Department of Labor
Corporation for National and Community Service Department of Transportation
Department of Agriculture Department of Veterans Affairs
Department of Defense Environmental Protection Agency
Department of Education Federal Trade Commission
Department of Health and Human Services Office of Management and Budget
Department of Homeland Security Office of National Drug Control Policy
Department of Housing and Urban Development White House Domestic Policy Council
Department of Justice
Momentum…Community Transformation Grants
Community Transformation Grants (CTG’s) A major new investment in community prevention. Authorized by the Affordable Care Act. Financed by the Prevention and Public Health Fund.
Purpose:Support evidence- and practice-based community and clinical prevention and wellness strategies to address the leading causes of chronic disease, including: Tobacco use Obesity Poor nutrition
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the case for Prevention New ROI report expected: IOM: Valuing Community-Based, Non-Clinical
Prevention Policies and Wellness Strategies Focus: To develop a framework for assessing the
value of community-based, non-clinical prevention policy and wellness strategies, especially those targeting the prevention of long-term chronic diseases.
ConclusionQuestions?
Sue Polis, External Affairs & [email protected]
www.healthyamericans.org
Thank you.
Photo by Jarrett Wyant
Information presented comes from:
City of Charlotte, North Carolina, Municipal Forest Resource Analysis. Center for Urban Forest Research. Nov. 2005.
City Green Software by American Forests. American Forests. 2004.
Community Open Space Partnership. www.ouropenspaces.com
Community Benefits and Repositioning: The Keys to Park and Recreation’s Future Viability.
John Crompton. 2007
The Economic Benefits of Parks and Open Space. Trust for Public Land. Steve Lerner & William Poole. 1999.
Houston’s Regional Forest Report. Texas Forest Service, Texas A&M University. 2005.
Last Child in the Woods. Richard Louv. Chapel Hill Books. March 2006.
The Proximate Principle: The Impact of Parks, Open Space and Water Features on Residential
Property Values... John Crompton. NRPA. 2004
Mount Island Lake Symposium. March 2006.
Protecting Water Quality in Our Lakes. Mecklenburg County LUESA. Aug. 2005.
Urban Ecosystem Analysis Mecklenburg County, NC: Calculating the Value of Nature. American Forests. 2005.
The Economic Benefits of the Park & Recreation System of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.
The Trust for Public Land. November 2010.
And of course staff research, numerous articles, surveys, and studies…
PRICELESS
(of course)
“If the paramount needs of a majority of
residents are not met, the field does not
deserve their support.
Such widespread community support will be
based primarily on the off-site benefits that
accrue to nonusers rather than on the on-site
benefits that accrue to users.”
John Crompton
Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves
MISSION:
“To protect the region’s biodiversity and natural heritage by
promoting open space preservation, conserving natural communities, and fostering awareness and stewardship through environmental education and outdoor recreation.”
VISION:
“Natural communities will exist within
Mecklenburg County in perpetuity and these interconnected high-quality natural areas will benefit and be valued by all citizens.”
Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves
Operate 3 nature centers, 35 miles of trails, 56-site campground, 25 bathrooms, numerous parking lots, picnic areas, shelters, etc.
21 preserves and 6,867 acres
Protect and manage 1.7-2.2 million trees
Protect critical habitat and T&E species
Visitation of 3 preserves 600,000+/year
Programs for 50,000 participants yearly
$2.9M budget, 44 FT staff / 12 temp
Outdoor Recreation
EducationEducation
Research
Wildlife
Overview
Share current / ongoing research by MCPR
Share methods and sources of information
Open forum / share ideas
The power of framing the issue
Potential uses for this information
“There are lies, damned lies and statistics.”
Mark Twain
“I can prove anything by statistics except the truth.”
George Canning
“There are two kinds of statistics, the kind you look up and the kind you make up.”
Rex Stout
Environmental Air Quality BenefitsWater Quality BenefitsWildlife / Habitat
Categories
Economic Tax BenefitTourismDirect Revenue
Social HealthEducationCommunity Cohesion
Air Quality Benefits
Environmental – Air Quality Benefits
“It is not possible to check your local grocery store
for the current price of clean air.”
Mecklenburg County 12th worst county in the US for ozone.
By summer 2010, county had to meet federal ozone standards & be in attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Magic number was 80 ppb, now 75 ppb under revised EPA standards.
2009 ozone was 86 ppb (3 year average). 1 year extension requested. Hope to meet 1997 standards by 2011
90% of ozone forming pollution and fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) comes from vehicles.
Multi-faceted issue, requiring numerous strategies (lower emissions, less miles driven per vehicle, higher standards, etc.)
Air & Water Quality continues to be ranked 1 or 2 yearly by the BOCC
Air Pollution Removal (lbs.)Carbon Storage and
Sequestration
Nature Preserve Acreage OzoneSulfur
Dioxide
Nitrogen
Dioxide
Particulate
Matter
Carbon
MonoxideTotal
Carbon
Storage
(tons)
Carbon
Sequest
ration
(tons/
year)
Auten 247.92 9,942.21 1,603.10 3,297.60 7,961.18 681.75 23,485.84 10,628.90 82.75
Brackett Bluff 52.14 1,952.46 314.82 647.59 1,563.42 133.88 4,612.17 2,087.31 16.25
Cowan's Ford WR 660.08 17,821.14 2,873.52 5,910.86 14,270.20 1,222.02 42,097.74 19,052.02 148.33
Evergreen 77.37 3,018.25 486.67 1,001.08 2,416.85 206.97 7,129.82 3,226.71 25.12
Gar Creek 341.20 12,719.40 2,050.90 4,218.73 10,185.00 872.19 30,046.22 13,597.91 105.86
Latta Plantation 1,337.52 49,590.99 7,996.16 16,448.19 39,709.75 3,400.53 117,145.62 53,016.16 412.74
McDowell 1,097.59 35,479.57 5,720.80 11,767.76 28,410.10 2,432.88 83,811.11 37,930.08 295.30
Reedy Creek 723.57 28,530.77 4,600.37 9,463.00 22,845.88 1,956.40 67,396.42 30,501.34 237.46
RibbonWalk 187.55 7,115.66 1,147.34 2,360.10 5,697.83 487.93 16,808.86 7,607.12 59.22
Rural Hill 487.69 14,553.56 2,346.65 4,827.08 11,653.70 997.96 34,378.95 15,558.75 121.13
Shuffletown Prairie 17.95 622.37 100.35 206.43 498.36 42.68 1,470.19 665.36 5.18
Stephen's Road 334.29 12,675.78 2,043.87 4,204.26 10,150.07 869.20 29,943.18 13,551.27 105.50
Total 5,564.87 194,022.16 31,284.55 64,352.68 155,362.34 13,304.39 458,326.12 207,422.93 1,614.84
Environmental – Forest Effects on Air Pollution
Trees within Mecklenburg County Nature Preserves remove 458,326 lbs of air
pollution per year
6,867 acres containing 1.7-2.2 million trees
194,022 lbs of ozone removal/year
155,363 lbs of particulate matter removal/year
458,326 total lbs of air pollution removal/year
Air pollution reduction benefit valued at $1.30/tree/year*
$2,210,000.00
Total Air Quality Value of Nature Preserves
*Calculated from USDA Forest Service & Texas Forest Service study, Oct. 2005 Estimate of $1.30/tree. http://www.houstonregionalforest.org/
Highest estimate found was $62,000/acre, which would equal $344M for MCPR nature preserves
Environmental – Air Quality Benefits
Environmental – Air Quality Benefits
2010 Economic Benefits Analysis by TPL for entire P&R system
Used land cover/tree canopy via aerial photography on parklands
Found 14,280 acres (77.9%) covered in trees
Considered pollutant flow through area (“pollutant flux” – considers concentrations of pollutants and velocity of deposition)
Calculated total pollutant flux by tree canopy to estimate total pollutant removal by park trees
Finally, estimated monetary value using median U.S. externality values for each pollutant (refers to amount it would cost to prevent a unit of that pollution from entering the atmosphere. Ex: 1 ton of CO2 = $870)
$3,889,091.00
Role of Mecklenburg County Parks in Cutting Air Pollution Costs
Water Quality Benefits
Environmental – Water Quality Benefits
Between 1984-2003, Mecklenburg County lost 35% of its tree cover.
2004 study estimated 49 acres are consumed for every 100 new residents. At that time region losing 40+ acres per day to development.
2007 UNC Charlotte study shows from 1996 to 2006, county lost 14.8 undeveloped acres per day. Total build out by 2025-2030.
Stormwater runoff is not treated (ends up in drinking water supply)
10 yrs ago, most urban streams in poor/fair condition and most suburban/rural streams good. Currently none are good.
Most creeks do not meet the County’s “swimmable, fishable” standard.
Mountain Island Lake (MIL) water quality has slipped to good/excellent.
Nature preserves protect over 22 miles of shoreline 17+ at Mountain Island Lake – drinking H20 for 1M+ people
Air & Water Quality continues to be ranked 1 or 2 yearly by the BOCC
Environmental – Water Quality Benefits
Environmental – Water Quality Benefits
Quantity Predicted Conversions UNC Charlotte 2008 Study / Catawba Lands Conservancy
1976
87%
13%
Footprint: 0.11 acres per person
1985
Conversion Rate: 6 acres per dayFootprint: 0.14 acres per person
82%
18%
Footprint: 0.22 acres per person
59%
41%
Conversion Rate: 19 acres per day
1996
2006
Footprint: 0.23 acres per person
42%
58%
Conversion Rate: 15 acres per day
2010
Footprint: 0.23 acres per person
36%
64%
Conversion Rate: 15 acres per day
2015
Footprint: 0.23 acres per person
29%
71%
Conversion Rate: 11 acres per day
2020
Footprint: 0.22 acres per person
24%
76%
Conversion Rate: 11 acres per day
2025
Footprint: 0.22 acres per person
18%
82%
Conversion Rate: 10 acres per day
2030
Footprint: 0.22 acres per person
3%
97%
Conversion Rate: 9 acres per day
Environmental – Water Quality Benefits
6,867 acres protecting 22 miles of shoreline
Total stormwater retention capacity of nature preserves = 29M cubic ft*
To treat, would require $58M in conservative $2/cubic foot construction costs just to build a treatment facility for this stormwater.*
Considerably more expensive for cities to build water treatment plants or create forests than it is to protect existing natural areas. NY City has spent $541M over past 13 years to protect 110,000 acres over 130 miles away vs. building $10B in treatment plants.
Current Charlotte stormwater treatment costs = $0.0344/cubic foot
$997,600.00
Total Stormwater Benefit of Nature Preserves
*March 2003 Urban Ecosystem Analysis Mecklenburg County, NC American Forests, americanforests.org
Wildlife Benefits
Environmental – Wildlife / Habitat Benefits
6,867 acres, 21 nature preserves, 13 distinct community types
Preserves provide habitat and protect 302 species of birds, 95 species of butterfly, 46 mammals, 40 reptiles, 24 amphibians, 50+ fish, and unknown invertebrates…
Protect Federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower, Smooth
Coneflower, and Georgia Aster (candidate species)
Protect over 53 Natural Heritage Sites
What is the value of our Natural Heritage?
Of seeing a butterfly or an owl?
In 1997, the total value of the world's ecosystem services was estimated at US$33.3 trillion, nearly twice the global Gross National Product (GNP). Nature 387, p. 253
Environmental – Wildlife / Habitat Benefits
Email received April 24, 2006:
“Just a quick note about a wonderful experience my
14-year old daughter and I have enjoyed recently....
Just before dark on several occasions we have gone
to… what we call the Harry Potter Tree, we have
seen an immature barred owl and on one evening
Mom (or Dad) in the same tree. I can’t tell you how
great it feels to witness this in the midst of Charlotte
with my daughter. I always want her to respect and
enjoy nature. Thanks for helping keep the park safe
for the animals and thusly allowing this
Father/Daughter moment.”
Randy Smith, Charlotte resident
Environmental – Wildlife / Habitat Benefits
$907,000.00
Total Natural Resources Section Budget
6,867 acres, 21 nature preserves, 13 distinct community types
Preserves provide habitat and protect 290 species of birds, 90 species of butterfly, 42 mammals, 40 reptiles, 50+ fish, 22 species of native woody plants, and unknown invertebrates…
Protect Federally endangered Schweinitz’s sunflower, Smooth
Coneflower, and Georgia Aster (candidate species)
Protect over 53 Natural Heritage Sites
What is the value of our Natural Heritage?
Of seeing a butterfly or an owl?
Image: Salvatore Vuono FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Economic Benefits
Economic – Tax Benefit / Proximity Effect
John Crompton, Texas A&M, “The Impact of Parks on Property Values”
30 empirical studies clearly show parks have an overwhelming positive effect on property values
Markets consistently show people are willing to pay more for homes close to parks “Location, location, location” = proximity effect
Higher sale price (and yearly taxes) represent a willingness on the owner to pay an annual fee for proximity to a park. Represents a direct, immediate, and on-going economic return to the municipality on its investment in a park
Olmsted used this argument & proved it with NY Central Park (circa 1850)
Passive properties (i.e. nature preserves) show greatest effect (20%)
Direct tax benefit to community – no increase in services
“No Higher Taxes” a familiar pledge of elected officials
Economic – Tax Benefit / Proximity Effect
2,026 adjacent property owners with land value of $422,636,868
3,146 property owners 500-1,000 ft away. Land value $597,977,409
Total property taxes paid in 2006 = $8,357,810
Adjacent owner tax proximity effect = $692,195
Nearby owner tax proximity effect = $489,683
$1,181,878.00
Total Benefit Directly Attributable to Proximity of Homes
to a Nature Preserve*
*Represents conservative proximity effect estimate of 20% for adjacent land and 10% for properties out to 1,000 feet. In reality, properties w/in 2,000 feet (6-8 blocks) experience proximity effect. The tax benefit of adjacent property owners alone covers 38% of budget.
Economic – Tax Benefit / Proximity Effect
2010 Economic Benefits Analysis by TPL for entire P&R system
Calculated Hedonic (Property) Value for private properties w/in 500 ft.
42,923 private properties w/in 500 feet of parklands
Combined assessed value of $9B in 2009
Conducted a regression analysis of sold properties from 2005-2009
Results showed a 3.33% effect, or $8,032 average additional sale value
Conservative estimates due to: does not include small parks, leaves out properties 500-2,000 feet away, and does not include potentially very significant property values for commercial land/buildings.
$3,013,564.00 Total Tax Benefit to the County in 2009
$10,030,210.00 Total Economic Benefit to Sellers
Economic – Tourism Benefit
Recreation Creates Economic Growth - More than 3 out of 4 Americans annually participate in active outdoor recreation. They spend money, generate jobs, and support local communities doing so. Simple, healthy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, camping, or wildlife viewing generate enormous economic power.
Nationally Contributes $730 billion annually to the U.S. economySupports nearly 6.5 million U.S. jobsGenerates $49 billion in annual national tax revenueProduces $289 billion in retail sales and servicesProvides sustainable growth in rural communities
State of NC Contributes more than $7.5 billion to the NC economySupports 95,000 jobs across NCGenerates $430 million in annual state tax revenueProduces $6.1 billion in retail sales and services
Outdoor Industry Foundation. The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy. Fall 2006. Available for free, download at www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org
Economic – Tourism Benefit
Nature-Based Tourism & Heritage Tourism
161M Americans aged 16+ participated in an outdoor activity in 2005.*
Majority of Americans 16+ participated in between 1-3 activities (62%).*
Swimming (20%), hiking/backpacking (18%), fishing (14%) and camping (14%) are the leading vacation activities.*
Bird Watching = 15.6M participants, 188M outings.*
Bird Watching surpassed golf in popularity long ago. In fact, in a 1990 survey, twice as many vacationers preferred to watch birds than play golf. (Fortune magazine, 1990 survey)
Outdoor Industry Foundation. Outdoor Recreation Participation Study. 8th Ed., for Year 2005. Published June 2006. www.outdoorindustryfoundation.org
Economic – Tourism Benefit
$14.4 Million = Charlotte tourists/year 1
2.3 = Average number of activities per visitor 1
$2.9 Billion = total visitor spending/year in Charlotte 1
Average spending of Charlotte tourists = $98.60/person/day 1
609,808 counted nature preserve visitors in FY10 2
81,592 of those where tourists 2
$8,044,971.00
Yearly Known Tourism Benefit of Nature Preserves
1. Charlotte tourism office2. Nature Preserve visitation data
Economic – Direct Revenue Benefit
Programs for 50,000 participants yearly = $115,600+
Campground & shelter reservations 14,000+ yearly = $115,200+
Concessions = $25,000+
$255,800.00
Direct Revenue Generation
Social Benefits
Social – Health Benefits / Stress
Stress is linked to physical and mental health. More than ever, stress recognized as major drain on corporate productivity & competitiveness.*
Job burnout experienced by 25-40% of US workers is blamed on stress.*
Depression, one type of stress reaction, is predicted to be the leading
occupational disease of the 21st century (responsible for more days lost than any other single factor.)*
$300B, or $7,500/employee, spent annually in US on stress-related comp claims, reduced productivity, absenteeism, health insurance costs, direct medical expenses (50% for workers reporting stress), and turnover.*
Over 100 studies find that spending time
in nature reduces stress.
*www.stressdirections.com/personal/about_stress/stress_statistics
Estimated Annual Stress Cost: Based on median direct & indirect costs per category and percent due to stress. Corporate Stress Costs Calculator estimates annual costs and potential savings. May be higher or lower based on your company. Savings depend on level of stress assessment and intervention.
Cost CategoryAnnual Median
Costs
Annual Median Costs Due to
StressPotential Savings
Group Health $209,970 $46,193 $2,310 - $13,858
Turnover $166,185 $66,474 $3,324 - $19,942
Absenteeism $36,450 $18,225 $911 - $5,468
Presenteeism $145,800 $72,900 $3,645 - $21,870
Workers Comp $13,950 $4,604 $230 - $1,381
Disability $23,085 $11,543 $577 - $3,463
Total $595,440 $219,938 $10,997 - $65,982
Copyright © 2006 Stress Directions, Inc.
Social – Health Benefits / Stress
Social – Health Benefits / Depression
A new study by Dutch researchers showed people who live near a lot of green space are less likely to be anxious, depressed or suffer from a number of physical ailments. Results of the study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, looked at the health records of over 345,000 individuals.
Park users who are more physically active and make frequent contact with friends during their leisure are less likely to report feeling depressed.
Close proximity to green spaces is associated with
less depression, anxiety, and other health problems.
Social – Health Benefits / Obesity
1st generation in world history not expected to live longer than parents.
63% of adult Americans overweight (25% of those obese). Childhood obesity up 300% over past 2 decades. (2 of 10 obese)
Some experts link indoor play (not to mention fast food) to the epidemic of childhood obesity. Two-thirds of children can’t pass a physical, 40% of
boys and 70% of girls ages 6-17 can’t manage more than 1 pull-up.
Obesity responsible for 300,000 deaths every year. (US Surgeon General)
3.8M Americans carry 300+ lbs. (average female now 163). 400,000 Americans (mostly men) fall into the “super-massive” 400+ lb category.
Children have a much better chance of avoiding
obesity if they live where they can safely walk, bike
and have access to parks & sports fields. (3 year study)
www.americansportsdata.com/obesityresearch http://win.niddk.nih.gov/statistics/index.htm
Social – Health Benefits / Emotional Disorders
Studies find children with nature near home report lower levels of behavioral conduct disorders, anxiety, and depression.
1 in 8 children affected by anxiety disorder (Nat. Institute of Mental Health)
Children have greater ability to concentrate in more natural settings.
Studies show children engage in more creative forms of play in green areas, as opposed to manufactured play areas.
Children who play outside have lower stress levels and more active imaginations, become fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems and have greater respect for themselves and for others.
Studies suggest more time playing outdoors = more friends.
Compelling evidence nature useful as therapy for
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Louv, Richard. Last Child in the Woods. 2005
“Fit in Nature” Program Results:
“We had a fit-in –nature assessment
last night and one participant, who
has been consist with the program
lost 7lbs in 4 weeks with just
hiking alone (no major changes to
diet). Based on the assessment her
overall endurance increased, BMI
decreased, and she said her
stress level has gone down and
she feels more connected to
nature. The benefit of parks and
nature preserves at work!”
Bridget Strong, Park Manager
Social – Health Benefits / Health Care Costs
Social – Health Benefits / Health Care Costs
Access to adequate parklands is critical for health & well being. Research shows availability and access to open space and recreation areas strongly influences how active people are. Living close to P&R facilities consistently relates to higher physical activity levels for both adults and youth.
A 2008 study reported that living near parks and woodlands boosts health, regardless of economic status. It is the first time anyone systematically showed the health gap between rich and poor can be decreased with the help of green spaces
Since the 1970s, myopia, or nearsightedness, has increased 66% in adults. Studies show children who spend more time outdoors have less myopia.
Adults under 65 who are moderately active in parks
experience approx. $300 in health savings per year.
This rises to $700/year for individuals over 65.
Chenoweth & Associates, Inc./Health Management Associates
Social – Health Benefits / Health Care Costs
2010 Economic Benefits Analysis by TPL for entire P&R system
Calculated Value of Health Benefits from activity in the parks
Random household phone survey collected data on park usage
266,503 residents under age 65 & 15,123 over age 65 engage actively enough in the parks to cut their health care costs
Health care costs included multiplier for regional differences in medical care costs (Charlotte area is less than national average)
$81,489,217.00
Total Annual Value of Health Benefits from Physical Activity in
Mecklenburg County Parks
Social – Education Benefits
Research conducted at 150 schools in 16 states over a 10-year period found that EE produces students gains in social studies, science, language arts, and math; improves standardized test scores and grade point averages; and develops problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision making skills.
EE students typically outperform their peers in traditional classes.
Students also demonstrate better attendance & behavior.
Extensive research confirms the benefits of
Environmental Education programs.
University of IL researchers found residents who live near green spaces and parks are more familiar with their neighbors, socialized more with them, and expressed greater feelings of community and safety than did residents lacking nearby green spaces. Green spaces are settings for
frequent, informal interaction that nurtures the formation of neighborhood social ties. Research shows these ties are the glue
that transforms a collection of unrelated
neighbors into a neighborhood. They are
the heart of a neighborhood’s strength.
Social – Community Cohesion
Social – Community Cohesion
Nature apparently helps suppress the “I-me-mine” attitude and accentuates
caring qualities. So say three scientists from the Univ. of Rochester whose studies suggest exposure to nature influences people to be more thoughtful of others and less concerned about self. "Previous studies have shown the health benefits of nature range from more rapid healing to stress reduction to improved mental performance and vitality," said one researcher. "Now we've found
nature brings out more social feelings, more value for community and
close relationships. People are more caring when they're around nature."
Parks and open spaces create community,
strengthen relationships & build caring qualities.
Environmental Air Quality BenefitsWater Quality BenefitsWildlife / Habitat
Categories
Economic Tax / Proximity EffectTourismDirect Revenue
Social HealthEducationCommunity Cohesion
$2,210,000
$997,600
$907,000
$1,181,878
$8,044,971
$255,800
? ? ?
? ? ?
? ? ?
$13,597,249As a conservative starting point
Yearly Community Investment
$2.9M
Return = $13.5M
2% 9%7%
16%
7%
59%
$13,597,249 Direct Revenue
Proximity Effect
Stormwater
Air Quality
Wildlife
Tourism
Known Monetary Values
Trust for Public Lands Economic Study
Study of the Value of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation System
Revenue Producing Factors for County Government
Tax Receipts from Increased Property Value $3,913,595
Tax Receipts from Increased Tourism $4,372,789
Sub Total $8,286,384
Cost Saving Factors to County Government
Stormwater Management Value $18,893,499
Air Pollution Mitigation Value $3,889,092
Community Cohension Value $2,516,483
Sub Total $25,298,074
Cost Saving Factors to Citizens
Direct Use Value $841,461,062
Health Value $81,257,054
Sub Total $922,718,116
Wealth Increasing Factors to Citizens
Property Value from Park Proximity $10,050,310
Net Profit from Tourism $18,768,404
Sub Total $28,818,714
$985,121,288
Other ExamplesAZ State Parks Study: Economic impact on state = $266M
NC State Parks Study: For each dollar invested by the state, from $1.80 to $25.10 was generated locally
NY State Parks Study: Direct spending by visitors = $1.9B in sales Supports 20,000 jobs Benefit-to-cost ration of more than 5:1
CA State Parks Study: $1.6B in spending by non-resident visitors
SC Natural Resources: Beaches alone provide $3.5B to state economy Fishing, hunting & wildlife viewing $2.2B
City of Philadelphia: $23M proximity effect & tourism $16M in cost savings (environmental, etc.) $1B direct use value/savings
$69M health benefits Value = 100x spent on parks
Similar findings for Washington DC, San Diego, Boston, & Sacramento
Take Home #1:
Parks and open space provide
a tremendous return on
investment.
Even the few benefits that are easily calculated using standard economic practices far outweigh tax payer costs.
Additionally, arguably the greatest benefits – the social & health benefits – may not be calculable, but are very real.
Parks & open space build community, along with schools, churches and other gathering places. Studies show the institutions that make up this web of human relationships can make a neighborhood stronger, safer and more successful. Aside from the great social value in people caring about their communities, there is monetary value that is benefiting neighborhoods and the entire county.
This human web, for which the term “social capital” was popularized
by Jane Jacobs, is strengthened in some communities by parks. From playgrounds to sports fields to park benches to chessboards to swimming pools to ice skating rinks to flower gardens, parks offer opportunities for people of all ages to communicate, compete, interact, learn and grow.
Take Home #2:
Social connectedness is a stronger predictor of perceived
quality of life in a community than community income or
educational level.
Communities with higher levels of social capital are likely to have higher educational achievement, better-performing governmental institutions, faster economic growth and less crime and violence.
Higher social capital and social cohesion leads to improvements in health conditions.
Social capital is being studied all over the world.
Every 10 minutes of additional commuting time cuts all forms of social capital by 10 percent: 10% less church going, 10% fewer club meetings, 10% fewer evenings with friends, etc.
Don DeGraaf & Deb Jordan. Social Capital: how parks and recreation help to build a community. 2003
Take Home #3:
There are no great cities in North America or the world that do not have great park, recreation & cultural amenities. Great is defined not in terms of size but in terms of people’s desire to live there. Great park,
recreation, & cultural amenities are synonymous with great cities.
Case in point: The importance of park, recreation and open space amenities was reported in a study of key decision makers from 174 businesses that had relocated, expanded, or been launched in CO in a 5-year period. Small business decision-makers were influenced particularly strongly because they reported that quality of life was their main reason for locating there. Among six elements used to measure quality of life, these small business decision-makers ranked the element of park, recreation, and open space as being most important.This finding is especially salient because analysts constantly reiterate that future growth is likely to come primarily from small businesses. (Crompton)
Take Home #4:
What is it Worth?
The True Value of Open Space
For more information on this presentation, contact:
Michael Kirschman, Division DirectorNature Preserves & Natural ResourcesMecklenburg County Park & Recreation5841 Brookshire Blvd.Charlotte NC 28216(704) [email protected]
• Using the combination of unmet community needs and community priorities, Walking and Biking Trails, Small Neighborhood Parks (2-10 acres) and Nature Center and Trails are the three facilities / amenities that merited the highest priority
Mecklenburg County
Facility / Amenity Needs Assessment
Overall
Ranking
Walking and biking trails 1Small (2-10 acres) neighborhood parks 2Nature center and trails 3Large community parks and district parks 4Indoor fitness and exercise facilities 5Playground equipment and play areas 6Indoor swimming pools/leisure pool 7Indoor running/walking track 8Community gardens 9Outdoor swimming and spraygrounds 10Park shelters and picnic areas 11Small (less than 2 acres) pocket parks 12Mountain bike trails 13Outdoor tennis courts 14Off-leash dog park 15Outdoor amphitheaters 16Youth/teen soccer fields 17Golf courses 18Outdoor basketball courts 19Indoor basketball/volleyball courts 20Indoor shelters 21Youth/teen baseball and softball fields 22Boating and sailing areas/sailing center 23Youth/teen football fields 24Adult softball fields 25 Skateboard Park 26Adult soccer fields 27Soapbox Derby track 28
• Using the combination of unmet needs and community priority, Adult Fitness and Wellness Programs, Special Events and Family Recreation –Outdoor Adventure Programs are the three programs with the highest priority ranking
Economic – Tax Benefit / Proximity Effect
Nature preserves and open space in general, offset taxes while providing desired services and quality of life benefits.
Studies show communities that protect the most land from development enjoy, on average, the lowest property taxes.
Typically, residential development DOES NOT pay for itself. A review of 98 studies showed that for every $1M received in tax revenues from residential developments, communities had to expend $1.16M to service them.
Hypothetical: Preserves sold for residential development = < $392M in sales and 22,400 new homes. In addition to losing $1.1M proximity tax benefit, the homes would produce, on average, $31+M in taxes, but require $36+M in services.
- $5,332,000.00
Net Yearly Loss in Taxes
Residential vs. Open Space Protection
