Review of Education-Focused Health Impact Assessments Conducted in the United States.

Background: Health impact assessment (HIA) provides a structured process for examining the potential health impacts of proposed policies, plans, programs, and projects. This study systematically reviewed HIAs conducted in the United States on prekindergarten, primary, and secondary education-focused decisions.

Methods: Relevant HIA reports were identified from web sources in late 2015.

Use of research evidence in state policymaking for childhood obesity prevention in Minnesota.

Objectives: We describe how scientific evidence about obesity has been used in Minnesota legislative materials to understand how research evidence might more effectively be translated into policymaking.

Methods: We selected 13 obesity-related bills introduced from 2007 to 2011 in Minnesota. Using state archives, we collected all legislative committee meeting materials and floor testimony related to each bill.

Uses of research evidence in the state legislative process to promote active environments in Minnesota.

Purpose: To describe how research evidence and non-research-based information are used in testimony and other legislative documents used in arguments for and against physical activity-related bills in Minnesota.

Design: Content analysis.

Setting: Documents and oral testimony archived by the Minnesota State Legislature from 2007 to 2011.

The land of 10,000 tobacco products: how Minnesota led the way in regulating tobacco products.

As state and local governments increase restrictions on cigarette smoking, tobacco manufacturers have shifted to marketing alternative tobacco products. Tobacco control laws need to be updated to reflect this shifting marketplace. With the 2010 enactment of the Tobacco Modernization and Compliance Act, Minnesota addressed regulatory gaps and created a model law for other states.

Influencing Taft-Hartley Funds to provide tobacco cessation benefits.

Background: Taft-Hartley Health and Welfare Funds ("funds") administer health insurance plans that cover approximately nine million U.S. adults.

An evaluation of health benefit modification in Taft-Hartley health and welfare funds: implications for encouraging tobacco-cessation coverage.

Background: An estimated one fifth of all U.S. adult smokers receive health benefits through insurance plans administered by Taft-Hartley Health and Welfare Funds.

The role of labor organizations in tobacco control: what do unionized workers think?

Purpose: Examine unionized workers' knowledge and attitudes about workplace tobacco use, their exposure to secondhand smoke, and the role of labor unions in addressing smoking and cessation coverage policies.

Design: Random-digit dial telephone survey.

Subjects: Unionized workers in Minnesota (N = 508).