PSE Change

We support community-driven changes to policy, systems, or environments that will lead to healthier, more equitable communities for all.

Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) change helps to make healthy choices more accessible and available in the communities in which we live, work, and play. Rather than focusing on changing individual behaviors, PSE change strategies focus on long term sustainable changes that address the root causes of inequities.

Policies change: This can be formal, such as a state law banning smoking in buildings, or informal, such as an organizational policy to provide healthy snacks at meetings. Policy change strategies can include civic engagement, advocacy, education, and power building.

System change: This involves adapting and changing the rules and norms within systems to advance equity and justice. This change takes time, and it is a continual process designed to meet the needs of those impacted by these systems. An example of a system change is a company redesigning an existing project to ensure that community members most impacted have a voice and role in decision making.

Environmental changes: These are changes to the physical, economic, or social environment. Environmental changes increase opportunities for healthy behavior within a community. Examples include building handicap accessible and pedestrian friendly crosswalks or placing fresh fruits and vegetables near the front of local corner stores.