Promising Practices
The Promising Practices database informs professionals and community members about documented approaches to improving community health and quality of life.
The ultimate goal is to support the systematic adoption, implementation, and evaluation of successful programs, practices, and policy changes. The database provides carefully reviewed, documented, and ranked practices that range from good ideas to evidence-based practices.
Learn more about the ranking methodology.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Baylor Scott & White started TelePsych because many of its hospitals do not have any psychologists or psychiatrists on staff. The Hillcrest hospital in particular has seen an increase in patients needing acute mental health care. Its location next to the highway and the dearth of other trauma centers means that the hospital receives 1-2 patients per day with acute mental health needs. Hillcrest has licensed medical social workers in the Emergency Department but struggled without an actual psychologist or psychiatrist available. Their goal in implementing TelePsych was to move mental health patients through the continuum of care efficiently and with empathy.
The hospital staff at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest has been very impressed with the implementation and ease of use of the TelePsych process and system. Patient satisfaction has increased and staff are able to move patients through the next level of care more efficiently.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Alcohol & Drug Use
The goal of this program is to maximize the impact of anti-tobacco education by combining resources across the campus, church, and community.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Family Planning, Teens, Women, Urban
This program aimed to improve birth and early child outcomes among high-risk pregnant and parenting adolescents.
The Berkeley Charleston Dorchester Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan (Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester, SC)
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Transportation
(1) Children should be able to safely walk and bike to school if they and their parents so choose.
(2) Roadways should equally accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
(3) Bicycling and walking should become a routine part of daily activity in the BCD region.
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Transportation
The goal of this project is to make the streets more pedestrian friendly and supportive of active living.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Health Care Access & Quality, Children, Adults, Older Adults
The goal of the CARES program is to decrease barriers and improve access to dental care.
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Public Safety, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
The mission of the program is to develop cultural understanding and to forge relationships between police officers and citizens of Austin in order to provide better community service.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Children's Health, Children
The goal of The Eyes Have It is to provide free vision screening, examinations and free or discounted eyeglasses to children in Baton Rouge and New Orleans schools.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Children, Adults, Families, Urban
To achieve an improved physical environment, sense of community, and quality of life for members, residents and patrons of the Fenway Cultural District in Boston, Massachusetts.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Urban
The goal of the Green Cart Initiative is to improve healthy food options for residents of New York.