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, Education / Educational Attainment
Goal: The goal of this program is to recognize and reward outstanding public service, academic excellence, and community service.
Filed under Effective Practice, Health / Mental Health & Mental Disorders
Goal: The end goal of The Living Room is to reduce recidivism to the hospital and pair those in need with the right resources to help them be able to handle their mental health crises and move away from using The Living Room. Additionally, a main goal of The Living Room is matching those in need with a particular peer specialist to create a lasting connection.
Impact: Connects individuals experiencing mental health illness or crises to peer specialists which help reduce recidivism to the emergency room or hospital, help manage future crises, and provide a connection to continued non-clinical support and resources.
Filed under Effective Practice, Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants
Goal: TLD's mission is to increase the supply and use of affordable building materials for housing and community improvement by redirecting landfill-bound, reusable materials into productive use.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Alternative Medicine
Goal: The goal of the PanAfrican Acupuncture Project is to train locals in acupuncture techniques so that they can use this alternative healing method in their communities to treat symptoms of HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB.
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Transportation
Goal: The goal of the Coalition is to give citizens a real choice regarding the mode of transportation they elect for traveling to work, school, or recreaton as well as to encourage healthier lifestyles and a cleaner environment.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Children, Teens, Adults, Women, Men, Older Adults, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities, Urban
Goal: To make Nashville a healthier community by improving access to fresh fruits and vegetables in food desert neighborhoods while supporting local farmers and empowering and educating youth.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Adolescent Health, Teens, Urban
Goal: The goal of this program is to educate high-risk youth in San Bernardino about issues such as gangs, violence, and substance abuse. The program encourages participation by appealing to the low rider bike subculture, which neighborhood teens readily relate to.
Filed under Good Idea, Community / Transportation, Adults, Families
Goal: TransForm aims to create world-class public transportation and walkable communities in the Bay Area and beyond.
Filed under Effective Practice, Community / Transportation, Adults, Urban
Goal: Toronto’s “Turn it Off” initiative sought to encourage motorists to avoid idling their cars when picking up or dropping off at school or at public transportation terminals, which in turn would improve air quality and help reduce urban contribution to climate change.
Filed under Good Idea, Health / Physical Activity, Children, Teens, Adults, Older Adults, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities, Urban
Goal: City Slicker Farms offers a range of educational programs through its Urban Farming Education initiative to enable individuals and communities to grow their own food.