Resource Library
Programs of the Public Health Institute publish many reports and publications each year. In this section you will find a selection of some of this important work.
PHI Reports and Publications
What Works to Meet the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Women Living with HIV/AIDS
January 2012
PHI's What Works for Women & Girls publishes a comprehensive review of interventions designed to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of women living with HIV in developing countries. This article was originally published in the Journal of the International AIDS Society.
Latino Adolescents in California's Rural Counties: A Snapshot of Health Status
December 2011
This is the first brief in a three part series on California's Latino adolescents living in rural counties. This brief provides data on health outcomes in injury, overweight and obesity, asthma and sexual and reproductive health, as well as findings from key informant interviews with adolescent health professionals in rural counties.
Nearly One in Four California Women Lacked Health Insurance for All or Part of 2009, New PHI Policy Brief Reveals
December 2011
The proportion of nonelderly adult California women with no health insurance coverage grew to nearly one in four between 2007 and 2009, a period that coincided with the national economic recession, a new Public Health Institute policy brief has found.
Children’s Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Nearly One Million Affected in California
October 2011
Despite the steady decline of smoking rates in California, over 200,000 children under age 12 live in homes where smoking is allowed, and another 742,000 live with an adult or adolescent smoker, according to a new health policy brief from the UCLA Center of Health Policy Research that was co-authored by PHI researchers Sue Holtby and Elaine Zahnd.
Regional Asthma Management and Prevention in California
October 2011
A new journal article explores how PHI’s Regional Asthma Management and Prevention program grew from a $42,000 legal settlement involving air pollution 15 years ago into a nationally recognized asthma program.
A Review of Social Determinants of Health for Public Health Departments
June 2011
Public health departments are only beginning to recognize the need to address the social and economic factors that lead to chronic disease. PHI and BARHII have just released a report that compiles and reviews substantial evidence linking the social determinants of health to chronic disease, offers a way to use that information for improving health – and is destined to become a key resource.
Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity Prevention at the Public Health Institute
June 2011
PHI's diverse portfolio of nutrition, physical activity and obesity prevention projects reduces the risk of obesity by enabling communities to eat healthier foods, engage in physical activity and create safer environments that foster healthy choices.
Learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Soda Taxes
May 2011
Lessons Learned from Tracking Problem Drinkers for More Than a Decade
November 2010
The study concludes that heavy drinkers may decrease their alcohol consumption over the years, but not to the consumption level of an average adult. Contact with community agencies and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous are positive influences on reduced consumption, an important finding for gatekeepers, family members and policy makers. Simply telling the heavy drinker to "do something" about one's drinking, having a network of heavy drinkers and participating in formal treatment are not linked to reduced drinking over time.
Public Health Institute Presentations APHA 2010: Social Justice and Public Health, Denver, CO
November 6-10, 2010
This 10-page guide includes more than 30 presentations by PHI investigators, program directors and staff at the American Public Health Association 2010 Annual Meeting in Denver, CO November 6-10.
Articles on Partnerships for Population Health Improvement
October 2010
What makes community health partnerships successful? A new collection of essays published in the journal Preventing Chronic Disease offers insight into what it takes to bring together multiple sectors and leaders to improve population health in measurable and effective ways. In one of the articles, PHI president Mary A. Pittman highlights what the healthy communities' movement has taught us about collaboration.
Read more about this collection of essays
Health Professions Accreditation and Diversity: A Collaborative Approach to Enhance Current Standards
August 2010
In this report researchers at PHI, Tufts University Medical School and Northeastern Ohio Universities examine the roles of health professions educational institutions in building a more diverse workforce. The brief includes a set of observations and recommendations to help guide institutions in building a critical mass of diversity and fostering the benefits accrued from diversity for all students and faculty.
1980 California State Health Plan
The 1980 California State Health Plan provides a useful historical perspective on the evolution of the healthcare delivery system in California. The plan has as its planning framework the multiple determinants of health (Chapters 1 and 2). Even in 1980, state planners favored non-medical interventions to improve health, a perspective now embraced by the U.S. and many governments and private agencies world-wide. The plan's format suggests how current planners, whether in government or private agencies, can structure the daunting task of describing, analyzing, and advocating for population health. For further historical and current information, contact the plan’s Chief Consultant Lucy Johns, MPH at
Resource Compendium: Data sets; Data platforms; Data utility
Fall 2010
This report provides a selected list of public health-related information which combined represents a roadmap for creating healthier people in healthier places.
The data and platforms described inside are the products of local, state and federal governmental agencies; academic institutions; nonprofit organizations; and private-public partnerships. Though the content of each is unique, all contain useful insights, applications, products and services aimed at improving the public's health.
To obtain a high resolution copy of this report, please send a request to Lisa Stauber at
Child Health and Development Studies fall newsletter
Fall 2010
In its first newsletter, the CHDS shares the latest research results and study news including two follow-up studies with CHDS children and two research papers published this summer in scientific journals.
Talking about Breastfeeding: Why the Health Argument Isn't Enough
Jully 2010
In this report, PHI's Berkeley Media Studies Group explores what's missing from the dialogue on encouraging more women to breastfeed and shows how one group -- the California WIC Association -- is shifting the conversation to include the factors outside of health that make it hard for even the most well-informed women to breastfeed.
Making the Case for Breastfeeding: The Health Argument Isn't Enough
May 2010
Simply getting out the message that breastfeeding is healthier for babies isn't always enough to convince mothers to do it. Many social and cultural barriers make it difficult or undesirable for women to breastfeed. This tool kit shows health advocates the key ingredients they need to produce effective breastfeeding messages that promote policies in support of this very basic but vital act.
Aging Well in Communities: A Toolkit for Planning, Engagement & Action
May 2010
Eighty million members of the boomer generation (born between 1946-1964) have reached or are approaching the traditional retirement age of 65. These boomers overwhelmingly want to age in place. Yet few communities are prepared to meet the needs of older residents, or to engage these residents in civic life.
This toolkit is a user-friendly guide to help local governments, human service providers, community groups and other partners plan now to address both the challenges and opportunities that are coming.
Buck Tobacco Sponsorship Project
The Buck Tobacco Sponsorship Project was active for eight years, from 2002 to 2010. During that time, Buck Tobacco worked at the local, state and national levels to address tobacco advertising, promotions, sponsorship, and the distribution of tobacco samples at rodeos and other outdoor events. Strategies for policy change included training and technical assistance; media advocacy; developing public engagement advertising materials; mobilizing and collaborating with a national coalition of tobacco control advocates; and working with event organizers, cowboys, and others within the bull riding and rodeo industries that supported Buck Tobacco's efforts.
As of January 2010, the US Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) no longer sponsors the three major rodeo and bull riding associations. These include the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR), and the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). Although Buck Tobacco is no longer active, the work to restrict tobacco sponsorship and sampling continues at other partner organizations that participated in the successful effort to remove USSTC sponsorship from rodeos.
Below are some of the materials produced by Buck Tobacco. Additional materials are available on the California Department of Public Health, Tobacco Control Program website at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/Tobacco/Pages/default.aspx.
Media Advocacy:
Bucking Tobacco Sponsorship at Rodeos: Strategies for Media Advocacy and Public Engagement
The report Bucking Tobacco Sponsorship at Rodeos: Strategies for Media Advocacy and Public Engagement, prepared by the Berkeley Media Studies Group (BMSG) and Public Media Center, describes strategic ways to use media advocacy and community advertising materials as part of a policy campaign to eliminate tobacco sponsorship of rodeos and bar nights. The publication includes sample letters to the editor, op-ed pieces, press releases, worksheets, and other materials for use in the development of media advocacy strategies.
Print advertisements:
"Addictive. Deadly. Disgusting. And it's being promoted at a rodeo near you."
Purchase posters featuring this ad from the Tobacco Education Clearinghouse of California (TECC) Sales Catalog.
Congratulatory Ad (sample)
Print ad congratulating the Coarsegold Rodeo for bucking tobacco sponsorship
Billboard Ad (sample)
Spit Tobacco Stains Our Rodeo (Stanislaus County)
Written Resources:
Case study: Buck Tobacco Project in Poway, CaliforniaFrom 2002 to 2005, five local Buck Tobacco projects were funded by the Public Health Trust, Public Health Institute. The projects pursued policies to restrict tobacco promotion and use, including "chew/spit" tobacco and cigarettes, at rodeos and related events such as rodeo-themed "bar nights." Statewide meetings and trainings were coordinated by Buck Tobacco's central office. The central office also provided technical assistance and fostered regular contact among all of the projects. Although each of the projects tailored its work to the local area, they all pursued the same overall policy objectives, so that the impact was apparent at both the state and local levels.
This case study describes the successful efforts of one of the five local projects, administered by the American Lung Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties (now the American Lung Association in California). The Buck Tobacco Project there obtained a written agreement from the Poway Rodeo to end US Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) sponsorship at the event.
Memorandum of Understanding between the Buck Tobacco Project in San Diego and the Poway Rodeo
This series of Tip Sheets, funded by the Tobacco Technical Assistance Consortium (TTAC), reflects best practices in Buck Tobacco's work. The Tip Sheets were written in collaboration with local, state and national-level tobacco control advocates knowledgeable about rodeo sponsorship. They are designed to support the work of advocates around the country who want to address tobacco sponsorship at their local rodeos, and they are organized around action ideas based on Buck Tobacco's successes and lessons learned. Included are fact sheets, resource lists, and action ideas for planning and implementing a local project to restrict tobacco sponsorship of rodeos.
Tip Sheets on Tobacco Sponsorship of Rodeos
Health Reform and Local Health Departments: Opportunities for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
June 3, 2010
Funded by the CDC and prepared by PHI, this report presents an in-depth look at the opportunities within health reform for health departments across the country. In it, 40 public health leaders weigh in, offering recommendations, action steps and outcomes related to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that will impact public health and community health. Note: downloadable documents include the report, appendices and matrix of key recommendations.
Download Report (455kb)
Download Attachments (508kb)
Download Matrix of Key Recommendations (201kb)
Saving Lives With Multipurpose Prevention Technologies: Turning Ideas Into Solutions for Sexual and Reproductive Health
May 2010
Funded by USAID and co-authored by Bethany Young Holt, director of PHI's Coalition Advancing Multipurpose Innovations project, this publication charts the public health potential of multipurpose prevention technologies - that is, technologies that prevent unintended pregnancy, including HIV, and/or other reproductive tract infections. While a few such technologies exist, this report advocates for greater collaboration and resources to accelerate research and development of efforts to bring new technologies into widespread use.
Download the Brief (1.8 MB)
Enhancing Social Action for Older Adults Through Technology
Center for Technology and Aging
May 2010
This report is a summary of The SCAN Foundation supported Technology Summit: Enhancing Social Action for Older Adults through Technology, which took place on May 5, 2010 in Oakland, California. The purpose of the Technology Summit was to discuss the strategic role of information and communications technology to enhance social action and advocacy for older adults. Public Health Institute's Center for Technology and Aging prepared both the expert panel and report.
Alcohol and Injuries: Emergency Department Studies in an International Perspective
May 2010
Published by the World Health Organization and edited by Alcohol Research Group scientist, Cheryl Cherpitel, this book provides an in-depth look at the link between alcohol consumption and injury from emergency rooms around the world.
Download the document (2.3 MB)
Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Sexual Reproductive Health: Gaining Momentum and Promise
March, 2010
This article, co-authored by PHI's director of Coalition Advancing Multipurpose Innovations project, summarizes findings and recommendations from a symposium on contraception technologies aimed at preventing a range of sexual and reproductive health concerns. Gathered in Berkeley, CA last March, health advocates called for the proliferation of and more support for combined contraceptive technologies to help alleviate the health burden of unintended pregnancy, HIV and STI's among women around the world.
Rapid Household Surveys Tools
February 2010
Rapid household surveys provide a simple, flexible, quick and relatively inexpensive data collection approach to assess community health and evaluate health interventions at the local and program level. Rapid surveys collect only the minimum necessary information for decision making. Questionnaires are short, simple, and rapid to administer. Thus, training of interviewers can be shortened and data analysis is simpler, allowing results to be available shortly after data collection. The following documents provide practical tools to design, implement and analyze rapid household surveys. They focus on the two most frequently used approaches to household surveys in developing countries: two-stage cluster sampling and lot quality assurance sampling.
- The Rapid Household Survey Handbook: How to Obtain Reliable Data on Health at the Local Level
This handbook provides practical guidance to design and implement small-scale rapid household surveys. Rapid surveys have been successfully used in both developing and more developed countries to collect reliable and timely health information in a cost-efficient manner and with enough precision to support evidence-based decision-making. Rapid surveys can be especially useful to obtain local and program-level health information, and also in resource and/or time constraint situations.Download handbook in English: (15.3 MB)
Download handbook in Spanish: (7.6 MB) - CSurvey 2.0 Program and Manual
CSurvey 2.0 is a Windows program that performs tasks necessary for conducting rapid two-stage cluster sampling surveys. The program helps select a cluster sample from a list of clusters, calculates the sample size for a cluster survey and creates a random number for selecting random start households or persons within households. The program is available for free at the UCLA Department of Epidemiology Web site. The manual is available in English and Spanish.Download program in English and Spanish:
http://www.ph.ucla.edu/epi/rapidsurveys/RScourse/RSsoftware.html.
Download manual in English: (6.2 MB)
Download manual in Spanish: (7.6 MB) - Statistical Analysis of Rapid Surveys Data: Training Manual
This manual provides practical exercises to conduct analysis of data collected through rapid surveys. Two popular statistical programs, Epi Info and Stata, are used to illustrate appropriate data analysis techniques. The manual was developed by UCLA Department of Epidemiology, and is available in English and Spanish.
Download manual in English: (3.5 MB)
Download manual in Spanish: (5.5 MB)
Increasing Local Funding Options for Disease Prevention Programs in California Counties
The 1999 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) between the tobacco industry and the attorney generals of 46 states generated over $200 billion for the states and for California counties. PHI's report reveals that more funds are available now (and in the future 25 years) than was previously thought. The report also includes a guide to help local advocates campaign for the allocation MSA funds for public health.
Download the document (6.2 MB)
PHI Presentations at APHA Public Health Institute (November 2009)
This booklet provides details about when and where PHI program directors and their staff are scheduled to present during the American Public Health Association's 2009 annual conference. It also offers the abstracts to individual presentations.
Download the booklet (848 KB)
Prevention Technologies for Sexual and Reproductive Health Symposium Report
A group of international experts identify opportunities for advancing multi-purpose prevention strategies aimed at addressing multiple sexual and reproductive health indications. The report includes lessons learned and recommendations made on reducing risk of unwanted pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
Download document (356 KB)
Health & Business Roundtable Indonesia (HBRI)
Companies and NGOs have formed a Health and Business Roundtable to build the relationships, trust, and learning needed for partnerships to improve workplace and community health and reach more women in particular with health resources.
Download document (159 KB)
Company and NGO Partnership Empowers a Community at Risk
In one of the poorest districts in North Jakarta, PT Tupperware and HOPE worldwide have come together to help bring women and children a better quality of life. In response to priorities set by the community, Tupperware employees have joined volunteers that are part of the network of 7000 that supports HOPE worldwide projects in Indonesia and community members carry out projects that include a Saturday school program, clinic and mobile clinic, new public toilet facility, beautification project and sewage clean up. The partnership also provides training for women to make handbags and other items from recycled plastic to supplement their incomes.
Download document (587 KB)
Company and NGO Partner to Restore and Improve Sight for Indonesians
Seeing is Believing: Standard Chartered Bank and Helen Keller International Collaboration in Indonesia (July 2009)
To help eliminate preventable blindness in Indonesia, Standard Chartered Bank and Helen Keller International have joined forces to improve the sight and nutrition of adults and children. Since 2004, the partnership has supported nearly 2,000 surgeries to restore sight on the island of Lombok, reached nearly half a million children with supplements in West Java, and supplied eye glasses and surgeries to more than 800 children in Jakarta. The partnership also involves the Indonesian Ministry of Health to ensure consistency and sustainability as well as professional ophthalmology associations.
Download document (176 KB)
Working Together to Improve the Health of Workers, Their Families, and the Community in Indonesia
The Partnership of PT Dewhirst, Yayasan Kusuma Buana, Marks & Spencer, and Medika Pratama
PTD Dewhirst (PTD) and Yayasan Kusuma Buana (YKB) established a community health clinic with seed money from Marks & Spencer. The clinic became self-sustaining in less than 2 years. Key factors include how the company implements government-mandated worker health insurance, service quality, and willingness of the private health insurance company used by PTD, Medika Pratama, to cover health education.
Download document (184 KB)
Chevron and Jhpiego Working in Partnership to Improve Health in Indonesia
Re-establishing and Sustaining Reproductive Health Care in Aceh after the Tsunami
Chevron and Jhpiego helped rebuild and increase the sustainability of public and private reproductive health services in Aceh following the 2004 Tsunami. The partnership supported a community mobilization program to ensure safe childbirth and strategic planning and advocacy that led to a tenfold increase in the district budget for maternal and child health between 2005 and 2007.
Download document (124 KB)
Preventing HIV/AIDS in the Workplace in Indonesia
The Partnership of PT Gajah Tunggal and YKB
PT Gajah Tunggal Tbk (GT) and Yayasan Kusuma Buana (YKB) have partnered to educate and train the company's 10,000+ factory workers in HIV/AIDS prevention using peer education. Transferring training skills from YKB to GT staff has reduced costs and increased sustainability of the training. The partnership also educates nearby communities with support from Muslim clerics and other community leaders.
Download document (224 KB)
Teen Dating Violence: Keeping California Adolescents Safe in Their Relationships
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (February 2009)
This brief examines trends in teen dating violence, a major adolescent health concern. It also debunks myths about teen dating violence and proposes action steps to support healthy teen relationships and reduce teen dating violence.
Download the brief (158 KB)
Barriers to Care: Implications of Requiring Parental Involvement for California Minors Seeking Abortions
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (Fall 2008)
This brief outlines the problems associated with laws requiring pregnant teenagers to notify their parents prior to having an abortion. It also suggests ways of improving young women's sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Download the brief (113 KB)
Adolescent Health Brief: Nutrition and Physical Activity
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (Fall 2008)
This brief provides an overview of the factors that contribute to overweight and obesity among adolescents. It also suggests action steps for improving their nutrition and physical activity.
Download the brief (195 KB)
Adolescent Preventive Services: Rates and Disparities in Preventive Health Topics Covered During Routine Medical Care in a California Sample
Sally H. Adams, Sheila Husting, Elaine Zahnd & Elizabeth M. Ozer
This paper examines the preventive health topics that adolescents discuss with health providers during routine medical appointments. The objective of this study was to examine rates and disparities in topics of discussion. Based on their findings, researchers have concluded that doctors should conduct more screenings and initiate more conversations with teens about health issues.
Download the article (316 KB)
From the Mouth of Leaders: Challenges and Opportunities to Increase Health Professions Workforce Diversity in California
Connecting the Dots Initiative (2008)
This report describes interviews with health care employers, regulators and leaders of health education institutions. The report's authors asked these key informants to identify past accomplishments, key issues, challenges and emerging opportunities related to increasing workforce diversity.
Download the booklet (5.2 MB)
PHI Presentations at APHA
Public Health Institute (October 2008)
This booklet provides details about when and where PHI project directors and program directors are scheduled to present during the American Public Health Association's 2008 annual conference. It also offers the abstracts to individual presentations.
Download the booklet (278 KB)
Emancipated Youth Connections Project Final Report/Toolkit
California Permanency for Youth (2008)
This report describes and evaluates the California Permanency for Youth's Emancipated Youth Connections Project. This project helped 20 young adults who left the child welfare system create lasting relationships with adults. The final report includes a toolkit for those interested in replicating or customizing youth permanency within their organizations.
Download the report (2.9 MB)
Mental Health in Adolescence: A Critical Time for Prevention & Early Intervention
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (Summer 2008)
This brief explains the prevalence of mental illness among adolescents and suggests ways to improve mental health services to youth.
Download the brief (52 KB)
The Benefits of Diversity: An Exploratory Study
Connecting the Dots Initiative (June 2008)
This report summarizes focus group discussions with students of health profession training programs as well as key informant interviews with under-represented faculty to explore the benefits of diversity in education.
Download the report (5.5 MB)
Public Health Impacts of Climate Change in California
Climate Change Public Health Impacts Assessment and Response Collaborative (May 2008)
Funded in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this publication addresses community vulnerabilities as well as strategies for preventing and adapting to the effects of climate change in California.
Download the report (4.3 MB)
Profiles in Leadership: A Review of Exemplary Practices to Increase Health Professions Workforce Diversity in California
Connecting the Dots Initiative (April 2008)
This report documents 33 exemplary practices in areas such as investment in the pipeline, admissions, institutional climate, faculty recruitment and retention, and reducing financial barriers.
Download the report (5.7 MB)
Cancer in California, 2008
California Cancer Registry (April 2008)
Produced by the California Cancer Registry, this report summarizes cancer incidence and mortality rates in California from 1988 through 2005. The publication also offers a featured section called "Special Highlights on Cancers by Race and Ethnicity" which provides additional critical detail on cancers among non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, and Asian/Pacific Islanders.
Download the report (1.2 MB)
Cervical Cancer in California, 2008
California Cancer Registry (April 2008)
Produced by the California Cancer Registry, this report summarizes the state of cervical cancer in California. The publication was intended for use by a wide variety of readers including health care providers, policy makers, researchers, advocates, and women concerned about their health and well-being.
Download the report (682 KB)
Health Inequities in the Bay Area
Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative (April 2008)
Where you live can impact your life expectancy by as much as a decade, according to this new report produced by the Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative at PHI. This publication outlines the many ways that social factors such as place of residence and income affect people's health.
Download the report (1.6 MB)
Healthy People 2010 Objectives: 23-Year Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Report 1984-2006
Survey Research Group (April 2008)
The Survey Research Group at PHI has prepared a new report examining California's progress in reaching the Healthy People 2010 Objectives. This publication examines trends over time.
Download the report (2.7 MB)
Diversity in California's Health Professions: Current Status & Emerging Trends
Connecting the Dots Initiative (March 2008)
This report offers a quantitative assessment of: the current level of diversity in California health professions and professional schools; current demographic trends and projections; and data needed to validate meaningful progress.
Download the report (3.6 MB)
How to Create and Implement Healthy General Plans
Public Health Law & Policy (March 2008)
How can public health advocates and city planners work together to create healthy sustainable communities? PHI's Public Health Law & Policy has co-produced this toolkit to answer this very question. The toolkit details a range of strategies focused on the document that underlies all decisions about how a community's land is used.
Download the toolkit (18.9 MB)
If It's a Pipeline, Why Isn't There More Diversity at the Other End?
Connecting the Dots Initiative (February 2008)
This report offers an analysis of how diversity is framed in the California media as well as an examination of strategies to better engage specific constituencies and the general public.
Download the report (656 KB)
Increasing the Diversity of the Health Professions K-12 Networks of Support
Connecting the Dots Initiative (January 2008)
This report examines K-12 networks of support in four California communities. It focuses on what is needed to build on past successes and how to replicate exemplary practices in other communities.
Download the report (740 KB)
Benefits of a Hospital-Based Peer Intervention Program for Violently Injured Youth
(November 2007)
In this paper, researchers report that Youth ALIVE!'s Caught in the Crossfire project, which was designed to reduce retaliation, re-injury, and arrest among violently injured youth, reduces the risk of criminal involvement. The program is also cost effective, according to the findings, which were published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
Download the paper (90 KB)
California Youth Need School-Based Health Centers!
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (2007)
This brief makes the case that school-based and school-linked health centers can be effective tools to address the physical and/or mental health challenges that many adolescents face.
Download the brief (58 KB)
PHI Abstracts Presented at the 134th APHA Annual Meeting in Boston
(November 2006)
At the APHA annual meeting, PHI principal investigators, project directors, and staff presented close to forty presentations. Topics ranged from increasing emergency contraception access to increasing access to healthy foods, and from researching alcohol drinking patterns to evaluating youth violence intervention programs.
Download PHI's APHA abstracts (2.8 MB)
A Healthy Community Perspective on Aging Well: New Ideas for an Older California
July 2006
This policy brief features promising practices, strategies and resources that communities can use to improve the health and quality of life for older adults and is a call to action for policymakers, chief executives, planners, businesses, nonprofit leaders and residents. Funded by a grant from the California Wellness Foundation, this policy report was written, researched and edited by PHI's Center for Civic Partnerships staff and an experienced journalist. It includes six case studies which feature promising practices in California and in selected cities nationally.
Adolescent Oral Health Fact Sheet
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (2006)
This fact sheet provides an overview of adolescent-specific oral health data. It also offers recommendations, such as promoting statewide fluoridation efforts, for improving adolescents' oral health.
Download the fact sheet (65 KB)
Captive Kids: Selling Obesity at Schools
An Action Guide to Stop the Marketing of Unhealthy Foods and Beverages at School
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) (2006)
The Captive Kids: Selling Obesity at Schools tool kit addresses the issue of marketing unhealthy foods and beverages on California school campuses. While geared toward California health advocates, this tool kit may also be useful to health advocates outside of California.
No Time for Complacency: Teen Births in California
Norman A. Constantine, PhD & Carmen Rita Nevarez, MD, MPH (2006 Spring Update)
In literally every region of California, teen birth rates have declined over a four-year period. And while the statewide decrease of 8 percentage points between the years 2000 and 2004 is encouraging, the report's authors caution that rates remain unacceptably high, tallying taxpayer and societal costs of more than $3.4 billion a year. The report examines birth rates by state Senate districts in the year 2000 and again in 2004, and updates and extends the original 2003 No Time for Complacency report.
The Food and Beverage Marketing on California High School Campuses Survey
Samuels & Associates (March 2006)
With underwriting from The California Endowment, The Food and Beverage Marketing on California High School Campuses Survey found the vast majority of all advertising – posters, vending ads, events, etc. – came from soda, beverage, fast food and junk food companies. Among the findings, nearly 65 percent of vending machine ads and 71 percent of logos displayed on equipment were for soda and other sweetened beverages.
Download report (158 KB)
Linkages Planning Guide
Kate Karpilow, PhD (October 2005)
The California Center for Research on Women and Families, a program of PHI, has published a training guide for counties to implement coordinated services programs to serve families receiving both welfare and child welfare services. The Planning Guide summarizes lessons learned and tested tools from 13 Pioneer Counties that developed Linkages programs and offers an innovative, web-based approach to training, providing links to more than 70 practice tools. A companion Linkages video is also available.
Link to planning guide
Link to video
Creating Communities of Practice to close the knowledge to practice gap
Sharon Rudy, PhD (November 2005)
PHI is a founding member of the Implementing Best Practices Consortium, based at WHO in Geneva and with 22 member organizations worldwide. This presentation was made at a meeting of the WHO Collaborating Centers for Nursing and Midwifery which occurred November, 2005 at John Hopkins University School of Nursing. The purpose of the meeting was to begin the development of virtual Communities of Practices within the Collaborating Centers.
Download presentation (430 KB)
Impact of the California Project LEAN School Board Member Social Marketing Campaign
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) (Summer 2005)
Under the leadership of California Project LEAN, a social marketing campaign was directed at California school board members to motivate them to advance nutrition-related policy issues at school board meetings and to enact and enforce school policies that support healthy eating. This article, which appeared in the Summer 2005 issue of Social Marketing Quarterly, explores the details of campaign development, implementation, and impact.
Download article (483 KB)
EvaluLEAD: A Guide for Shaping and Evaluating Leadership Development Programs
John T. Grove, Barry M. Kibel, and Taylor Haas (January 2005)
The purpose of the EvaluLEAD methodology is to assist in the exploration and documentation
of a leadership development program's complex results. This EvaluLEAD Guide is intended for both evaluation and program staff to use for conceptualizing their leadership development programs.
Download guide (420 KB)
Are You Talking with Your Teen?
California Adolescent Health Collaborative (2005)
This brief highlights the importance of parents talking to their teenagers. It also offers tips for talking with teens.
Download the fact sheet (65 KB)
Community-Based Social Marketing: The California Project LEAN Experience
California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) (2005)
This insightful document showcases successful examples of different social marketing campaigns throughout California implemented by the Project LEAN regions. The document can serve as an invaluable tool for program planners and community-based organizations who wish to use a social marketing approach for implementing behavior change.
Download report (1.4 MB)
Food on the Run: Lessons from a Youth Nutrition and Physical Activity Campaign
Peggy Agron MA, RD; Victoria Berends, BS; Amanda Purcell, MPH; Jennifer Robertson, MS, RD; and Erika Takada, MPH (2005)
This guide is useful for those who work with teens and provides real life examples of how Food on the Run, a
California-based project worked with youth advocates to make healthy eating and physical activity easier to do at
their schools. The document describes the steps for implementing a nutrition and physical activity youth advocacy program.
Download report (2.3 MB)
Incorporating a Public Health Approach in Drug Law: Lessons from Local Expansion of Treatment Capacity and
Access under California's Proposition 36
Dorie Klein, Robin E. Miller, Amanda Noble and Richard Speiglman (December 2004)
The Milbank Quarterly, 82(4): 723-757
A major state drug abuse initiative, California's Proposition 36, mandated that adults convicted of drug possession
be offered treatment in lieu of incarceration. Using data from a study of key informants in eight counties, this article
examines local planning to increase drug treatment capacity and manage clients' access to treatment.
Download article (117 KB)
Download copyright requirements (70 KB)
Advancing the State of the Art in Community Benefit: A User's Guide to
Excellence and Accountability
Public Health Institute (November 2004)
“Advancing the State of the Art in Community Benefit: A User's Guide to Excellence and Accountability” is the product
of a multi-state demonstration project administered by the Public Health Institute that involves three health systems
and three independent hospitals, a total of 73 facilities in California, Texas, Arizona and Nevada. This guide outlines
a set of uniform standards and principles to enhance nonprofit hospital efforts to address the underlying causes of
health problems in low-income, ethnically and culturally diverse communities.
Download user's guide (5 MB)
Findings from the 1999 California Children's Healthy Eating and Exercise Practices Survey: Intervention Implications and Campaign Evaluation
Angie Jo Keihner, MS, and Tanya Garbolino, MBA (September 2004)
This report provides a new analysis of the 1999 California Children's Healthy Eating and Exercise
Practices Survey and offers a snapshot of a typical school day for 9- to 11-year-old children. The report
identifies useful methods for improving the impact of nutrition education and physical activity interventions
among children. These findings can help parents, schools, and community stakeholders respond to the growing
concern about low fruit and vegetable consumption, lack of regular physical activity and the rise in overweight among children.
Download report (1 MB)
Understanding Nutrition: A Primer on Programs and Policies in California
Diane F. Reed, MPH, and Kate Karpilow, PhD (August 2004)
Understanding Nutrition: A Primer on Programs and Policies in California is one in a series of primers offered to
assist practitioners and policy leaders in advancing their basic knowledge of complex social service systems. This Primer
offers a statistical profile of the weight, dietary practices, and physical activity of Californians, a review of the relevant
federal and state governmental structures and laws, a description of the programs supporting nutrition and community food
security, and a review of the key policy issues.
The Primer was produced by the California Center for Research on Women and Families (CCRWF), a program of the
Public Health Institute. Funding for the Primer was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Stamp Program,
through the California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families.
African American 5 a Day Research Briefs
California African American 5 a Day Campaign (2004)
The California African American 5 a Day Campaign conducted festival surveys of African
Americans statewide to identify the shopping habits and out-of-home eating practices
related to fruit and vegetable consumption. Two research briefs were created to summarize
the significant findings.
1999 California Children's Healthy Eating and Exercise Practices Survey
California Department of Health Services (2004)
The 1999 California Children's Healthy Eating and Exercise Practices Survey data tables
include in depth analyses of California children's dietary intake and practices, physical
and sedentary activity, knowledge and awareness of the California Children's 5 a Day—Power
Play! Campaign, and factors that influence these behaviors including out-of-home eating,
social norms, school environment, poverty status, weight status, as well as knowledge,
attitudes, and beliefs.
Policymakers' Symposium Highlights—Issues in Newborn Genetic Screening in California
Public Health Institute (August 2004)
The Policymakers' Symposium Highlights document the uneven access in California and across the
country to newborn screening for inborn errors of metabolism, developmental disability, and physical
disability. The Highlights also state that new technologies can offer early identification of these
rare but important conditions. Such conditions can cause billions of dollars of health care costs as
well as burdening families with children who suffer from these preventable conditions.
The Highlights are based on the March 2004 Policymakers' Symposium on Newborn Genetic Screening held
in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the March of Dimes, and
the Public Health Institute.
When Sen. Deirdre Alpert came to the Symposium, she promised that she would push through legislation
to expand the number of tests performed on California infants. Her efforts resulted in the Governor signing
her bill, SB 142. The full story appeared
in California Healthline.
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Second Start Program Evaluation: A Study of a Shallow Rent Subsidy Program for People Living with HIV/AIDS and Returning to Work
Jean Norris, MS, RD, DrPH & Richard Speiglman, DCrim (July 2004)
The most important thing underpinning successful HIV/AIDS treatment is stable housing. Successful treatment with
newer therapies is providing many with longer life, better health and a desire to return to the workforce. Using
HUD SPNS-funding, the Second Start Program (SSP) in San Francisco provides a partial rent subsidy and vocational
rehabilitation services to people living with HIV/AIDS who are taking active steps to return to workforce. This
study uses multivariate models to analyze factors contributing to (1) longer participation in the subsidy program,
and (2) to positive, negative and housing-related exits. The SSP succeeds in keeping clients housed with tenant-based
partial rent subsidies, in some cases until a higher level of care and housing support can be obtained. The SSP
also succeeds in helping clients return to school or work, particularly those with little work history.
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Health of California's Adults, Adolescents, and Children - Findings from CHIS 2001
Sue Holtby, MPH; Elaine Zahnd, PhD; Wei Yen, PhD; Nicole Lordi; Christy McCain, MPH; Charles DiSogra, DrPH (May 2004)
This report presents findings from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), the largest population
-based state health survey conducted in the United States. The report provides some key estimates of
public health data for the adult, adolescent and child population of California. It is organized to
allow for quick reference to specific topics or demographic groups. The report also gauges how well
Californians are doing compared to the goals of Healthy People 2010. The tables and brief narratives
make this report an excellent resource for anyone interested in public health in California.
Alameda County-wide Shelter and Services Survey
Richard Speiglman & Jean C. Norris (May 2004)
Report of characteristics, patterns of service use, and unmet needs of the homeless population of Alameda County,
as well as those of housed individuals using services for very low income or homeless persons. Estimates of the
number of homeless persons are reported for the cities of Berkeley and Oakland, and two sub-regions comprising
the rest of the County.
County Report
Download report part 1 (720 KB)
Download report part 2 (370 KB)
Download report part 3 (339 KB)
Download report part 4 (378 KB)
Oakland Report
Download report part 1 (450 KB)
Download report part 2 (480 KB)
Download report part 3 (526 KB)
Download report part 4 (378 KB)
Berkeley Report
Download report (450 KB)
California's Obesity Crisis: Focus on Solutions
What Schools Can Do
Public Health Institute (March 2004)
Policy Brief 1: Are Nutrient Standards for Competitive Foods Feasible (4 MB)
Policy Brief 2: Food Advertising and Marketing to Children and Youth (4 MB)
Policy Brief 3: Food Fundraising at School (4 MB)
Policy Brief 4: Is Physical Activity by Itself the Answer (4 MB)
Tobacco Laws Affecting California
Technical Assistance Legal Center, Public Health Institute (February 2004)
This user-friendly booklet provides an overview of tobacco laws that affect California.
It contains summaries of the tobacco-related laws that took effect as of January 1, 2004. It includes
information on California state laws and regulations related to tobacco, as well as on federal laws and regulations
that apply within California.
Download booklet (1.1 MB)
There is No Constitutional Right to Smoke
Technical Assistance Legal Center, Public Health Institute (February 2004)
Proponents of smokers' rights often claim that an individual has a constitutional right to smoke, and that
laws regulating smoking discriminate against smokers illegally. But courts have consistently rejected these arguments.
The Technical Assistance Legal Center (TALC) has developed this new memo outlining why a smoking regulation will be
upheld as constitutional, so long as it is rationally related to a legitimate government objective such as protecting
public health.
Download memo (158 KB)
Fruits and Vegetables and Physical Activity at the Worksite: Business Leaders and Working Women Speak Out on Access and Environment
Desiree R. Backman, DrPH, RD; James S. Carman, MS; Steven G. Aldana, PhD (January 2004)
Download 2004 report (694 KB)
Strong Bones, Healthy Family Promotora Curriculum
Huesos Fuertes Familia Saludable
Elizabeth Moreno, RD, CDE; Luz Maria Rodriguez, BA; Nestor Martinez, MPH, RD; Cyndi Guerra-Walter, BA (December 2003)
California Project LEAN develops this Spanish curriculum for community health workers includes four educational sessions and corresponding handouts on osteoporosis risk factors and prevention, importance of calcium rich foods and physical
activity for bone health, and tips for over coming barriers to improving bone health. It includes a CD-ROM in English.
Mentoring Guides
Center for Health Leadership and Practice (November 2003)
The Center for Health Leadership and Practice at PHI has developed two mentoring guides – one for Mentors and one for Proteges. The guides help make the most of a mentoring relationship, whether formal or informal and cover key skills, phases of mentoring relationships, goal-setting, best practices, and mentoring resources.
Media, Festival, Farmer's/Flea Market, and Grocery Store Interventions Lead to Improved Fruit and Vegetable Consumption for California Latinos
Desiree R. Backman, DrPH, RD; Gian C. Gonzaga, PhD (June 2003)
Download 2003 report (559 KB)
No Time for Complacency: Teen Births in California
Norman Constantine, PhD & Carmen Nevarez, MD, MPH (March 2003)
Despite a 40 percent reduction in the teen birth rate in California over the past decade, this report warns that it is still a significant problem and is likely to get worse. Factors likely to drive up teen birth rates include demographic changes and increased poverty rates. The report makes recommendations for keeping the birth rates down
2003 California High School Fast Food Survey: Findings and Recommendations
Sarah Samuels (February 2003)
This latest PHI survey gathers a second set of information that describes the forces which shape the environment
in which California high school students make food choices. The results of the 2003 survey assess the factors that influence
fast food sales on high school campuses, identify current nutritional standards applied to the sale of competitive foods,
determine the role food service directors play in selecting foods sold and in managing funds generated from the sale of a la
carte foods, and identify the feasibility of implementing nutrition standards for a la carte foods.
Download 2003 report (428 KB)
Download 2000 report
Distracted by Drama: How California Newspapers Portray Intimate Partner Violence: Berkeley Media Studies Group Issue 13
John McManus, PhD & Lori Dorfman, DrPH (2003)
This report analyzes how violence is reported at a regionally and nationally prominent newspaper. Researchers compared
rates of intimate partner violence coverage with the incidence of homicide between current or former partners.
They also analyzed more than 5,200 articles about criminal violence occurring in the U.S. and
published in 2000 before making recommendations about how to improve coverage of this signficant public health problem.
Download report (556 KB)
Health Food Policy Resource Guide
Victoria Berends, BS; Martin Gonzalez, Esq.; Peggy Agron, MA, RD; Tammie Voss, MA, RD (2003)
The policy resource guide is designed for use by school board members and school administrators who want to positively affect the health of students. The guide offers a step-by-step approach for creating a healthy school environment so students can practice healthy eating habits while at school.
Download guide (8 MB)
Testimony on Public Health Governance
Joseph M. Hafey, MPA (November 2002)
Testimony on public health governance presented to the Little Hoover Commission on November 18, 2002.
Download document (316 KB)
Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in California Adults: Ten-Year Highlights from the California Dietary Practices Surveys 1989-1999
Michelle Oppen, MPH, CHES (November 2002)
Highlights the important trends in fruit and vegetable consumption in the past 10 years and summarizes the latest public health recommendations for making healthy choices. The survey was administered by PHI.
Download document (240 KB)
The Status of Community Benefit in California: A Statewide Review of Exemplary Practices and Key Challenges
Kevin Barnett, DrPH, MCP (May 2002)
This study, funded by the California Endowment, documents high-quality community health initiatives supported by nonprofit hospitals to address unmet health-related needs in local communities, with a particular focus on identifying key elements of these initiatives that reflect a commitment to make optimal use of charitable resources.
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San Joaquin County CalWORKs Needs Assessment and Outcomes Study
Jean C. Norris, Richard Speiglman & Lisa K. Dasinger (February 2002)
Jean C. Norris, Lisa K. Dasinger, Robin E. Miller & Richard Speiglman (December 2002)
Two reports from a two-wave, longitudinal panel study that followed a representative sample of adult recipients of CalWORKs cash assistance in San Joaquin County. Respondents were subject to work requirements in when selected into the study in March 2000.
Download report (February 2002) (300 KB)
Download report (December 2002) (766 KB)
Policy Ideas for Community Nutrition and Physical Activity
Center for Civic Partnerships (2002)
From Organizational Practices to Public Polices: Local Strategies to Increase Healthy Eating and Physical Activity
Download report (1.51 MB)
Fresh Ideas for Community Nutrition and Physical Activity
Center for Civic Partnerships (2002)
This guide is the fourth in a series of planning guides produced by PHI's Center for Civic Partnerships, each focusing on an aspect of contempory health or quality of life. This volume gives voice to the impact that community-based nutrition and physical activity promotion programs can have on residents -- adults and youth alike. The guide begins with an overview of the issue, followed by case studies of successful strategies, a reference list for further reading, and resource ideas. Examples and case studies are drawn primarily from the six communities that received multi-year grants from California Healthy Cities and Communities and the California Nutrition Network for Healthy, Active Families. Other initiatives in California and the United States are highlighted as well.
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Alameda County CalWORKs Needs Assessment and Outcomes Study
Reports from a three-wave, longitudinal panel study that followed a representative sample of adult recipients of CalWORKs cash assistance in Alameda County. Respondents were subject to work requirements when selected into the study in 1998.Research Brief. Welfare and Work Status under TANF: Effect of Barriers to Employment and Implications for
Program Planning
Jean C. Norris & Richard Speiglman (2004)
An extension of the study, the brief uses barrier measures from all three waves of survey data, matched
to California state administrative data on welfare and work outcomes. Transportation and childcare
barriers are found to matter most and, the authors argue, must remain adequately funded and focused for
maximum impact of welfare reform.
Download research brief (240 KB)
Policy Brief. Child Care Essential Ingredient for Sustained, Full-Time Work for Welfare Recipients
Richard Speiglman & Jean C. Norris (2004)
Addressing outcomes presented in the Research Brief, the Policy Brief discusses the finding that full-time work
is three to four times more likely when a family has secure child care arrangements. The Policy Brief argues that
child care and other work supports are essential for parent success in the workplace. Accordingly, TANF reauthorization
needs to promote flexible mechanisms for parents to tackle employment barriers, including through access to quality services.
Download policy brief (142 KB)
Reports 1-6
Richard Speiglman, Lisa K. Dasinger, Jean C. Norris, Anne K. Driscoll, Rex S. Green, Lynn Fujiwara,
Shanthi Kappagoda & Robin E. Miller (1999 - 2003)
Download report #6 (428 KB)
Download report #5 (572 KB)
Download report #4 (1.3 MB)
Download report #3 (296 KB)
Download report #2 (740 KB)
Download report #1 (144 KB)
Appendix A (116 KB)
Appendix B (64 KB)
Appendix C (68 KB)
Appendix D (84 KB)
Taking the Fizz out of Soda Contracts: A Guide to Community Action
California Project LEAN Jennifer Robertson, MS, RD (2002)
A guide to help individuals or groups of people trying to combat school district soft drink contracts.
Download document (370 KB)
Cancer in California, 2002
Perkins CI, Kwong SL, Morris CR, Cohen R, Allen M, Wright WE (December 2001)
Facts and statistics on the prevalence of various forms of cancer in the state of California
Download document (852 KB)
Placental Characteristics and Reduced Risk of Maternal Breast Cancer
Barbara A. Cohn, Piera M. Cirillo, Roberta E. Christianson, Barbara J. van den Berg, Pentii K. Siiteri (December 2001)
Women who have preclampsia during pregnancy are at reduced risk of subsequent breast cancer. This study examined whether other markers of reduced placental size or function predict a reduction in maternal breast cancer.
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Prevalence and Specifics of District-wide Beverage Contracts in California's Largest School Districts: Findings and Recommendations
Samuels and Associates (2001)
This Public Health Institute report provides a qualitative analysis of the prevalence and specifics of contracts with soda companies in California's 25 largest school district. The report found that district beverage contracts limit school district control over the types of beverages sold at school, directly affecting student's nutritional choices.
Download document (341 KB)
California Teen Eating, Exercise and Nutrition Survey (CalTEENS)
Susan B. Foerster, MPH (September 2000)
The California Teen Eating, Exercise and Nutrition Survey(CalTEENS), the first comprehensive statewide study to sample the eating, exercise and body weight of California's two million teens, paints a bleak picture of the health of California's adolescents. Survey results showed a sizeable portion of the state's adolescents suffering from physical inactivity, poor nourishment and obesity - behaviors that health experts warn could lead to record rates of adult heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer.
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California Children's Eating and Exercise Practices Survey: Fruits and Vegetables, A Long Way to Go
Public Health Institue (April 2000)
The first California Children's Eating and Exercise Practices Survey (CalCHEEPS) was conducted from April 21 to June 28, 1999. The findings on fruit and vegetable consumption are alarming.
Download document (581 KB)
California High School Fast Food Survey: Findings and Recommendations
Sarah Samuels (February 2000)
In 1999, California Project LEAN (Leaders Encouraging Activity and Nutrition) and the Public Health Institute (PHI) recognized the growing problem of unhealthy foods on California high school campuses. Using funds from The California Endowment, PHI commissioned Samuels & Associates to work with California Project LEAN to research this issue. This research included a survey in which district food service directors were asked about the prevalence of fast foods on California high school campuses. The results of the 2000 California High School Fast Food Survey described the types of fast food sold on California high school campuses, the factors that influenced such sales, and the associated economic and policy issues.
Download 2003 report (428 KB)
Download 2000 report
Playing the Policy Game
Amanda Purcell, MPH; Peggy Agron, MA, RD; Cyndi Guerra-Walter, BA; Sarah Samuels, DrPH; Lisa Craypo, MPH, RD (2000)
This California Project LEAN tool kit highlights nutrition and physical activity policies in the school and community that teens can pursue with adult guidance. The booklet includes a collection of activities and success stories of California teens making nutrition and physical activity policy changes in their communities.
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