ABSTRACT
One of the most important aspects of the health lens can be the way it brings people together. Health can be a common interest that links people who have very different views on other matters—just about everyone is interested in health. Some people may have a very specific view of how healthy places are created-for example, focusing on providing health care. There can also be rivalries between professionals within disciplines who feel that they have specific expertise-public health and medicine, engineering and planning, environmental management and education. Often, within governments, key actors will come from different levels-planning at the city level and health at the county or state level, for example. The reason for identifying alliances and opportunities for engagement is to have a broader base of individuals and organizations interested in health, which can bring more time, money, and knowledge to the process.
