Public Health in the Rockies 2026

Skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the United States, yet prevention efforts continue to focus primarily on individual behavior change, with limited integration of environmental strategies that shape exposure. Public health agencies are increasingly recognizing the need to incorporate structural approaches into prevention programming. This session presents a collaboration between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and an academic partner to integrate built environment interventions, specifically shade infrastructure, into a broader skin cancer prevention framework.

CDPHE identified gaps in addressing environmental exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in public spaces. In response, a multi-phase, mixed-methods shade assessment was conducted across diverse site typologies including parks, schools, and community spaces. Methods combined field-based audits, spatial analysis, and stakeholder engagement to evaluate shade availability, distribution, and equity. Findings revealed consistent disparities in shade access, particularly in high-use areas, and identified priority sites for intervention.

Results from this collaboration informed the development of practical tools, including shade design guidelines and site prioritization strategies, which are now being integrated into CDPHE programming. The session will highlight how research findings were translated into actionable resources and discuss the opportunities and challenges of embedding built environment approaches within existing public health systems.

Presenters will also discuss emerging policy pathways to support implementation, including funding mechanisms, cross-sector partnerships, and regulatory considerations. A 1-hour session is requested to allow both presentation and interactive engagement: the first 30 minutes will present the program and findings, followed by a 15-minute small-group activity applying site prioritization strategies to a sample scenario, and a 10-minute facilitated discussion on implementation barriers and policy adoption.

By situating built environment strategies within a statewide prevention program, this session demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can expand the scope of public health practice and support more equitable, sustainable approaches to cancer prevention.