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 Effective Practice, Environmental Health / Air
-Increase the use of coal fly ash in concrete by 43 percent, from 14 million metric tons per year in 2001 to 20 million metric tons by 2010.
-Reduce greenhouse gas emissions from concrete production by approximately 6 million metric tons by 2010.
Filed under Good Idea, Environmental Health / Energy & Sustainability
To promote social change and environmental responsibility, reduce carbon output and enable local schools and centers to develop and maintain effective composting and vermiculture systems.
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 Effective Practice, Health / Health Care Access & Quality
The mission of the Greene Community Health Foundation is to 1. help assist underserved GCCHD clients with funding for medical needs, 2. find avenues of funding for clients, 3. develop partnerships with providers for reduced charges for clients, 4. develop community partnerships to strengthen programs and projects at GCCHD, and 5. develop state and national partnerships to strengthen the programs and projects at GCCHD.
Filed under Effective Practice, Education / Childcare & Early Childhood Education, Children, Families
The program aims to promote social, emotional, and academic competence and to prevent children from developing conduct problems.
The Incredible Years series has been shown to increase positive parenting practices and family communication while reducing children's conduct problems.
Filed under Good Idea, Environmental Health / Energy & Sustainability, Urban
The mission of the Interfaith Coalition on Energy (ICE) is to inspire congregations to reduce the costs of operating their facilities in order to create money for community service while practicing environmental stewardship.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Governance, Families
The Memphis Enviromental Court was designed to serve as the chief vehicle for enforcing a wide range of laws relating to the health and quality of life of its residents, and to give new meaning to the term "expedient justice" by its ability to respond in a quick and consistent manner. In 1991 the Tennessee State Legislature created the Shelby County Environmental Court, and expanded the new court's powers to include the "injunctive authority" to mandate that defendants comply with the environmental codes.
Filed under Good Idea, Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants, Urban
The goal of this project is to provide compost outreach and education to New York City residents and businesses.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Older Adults, Older Adults
The primary caregivers of terminally ill patients often have regular jobs, require additional assistance, or just need some respite from their demanding schedule. Senior Companions provide much-needed assistance that allows patients to remain at home while giving primary caregivers a break.
Filed under Effective Practice, Economy / Housing & Homes
The mission of this organization is to provide services for eligible citizens that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty, promote upward mobility, and enrich the quality of life.