Panel presentation abstract: The Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses evaluation to inform and support public health efforts by building practice- based evidence. CDC recently launched the Sodium Reduction in Communities Program in response to the fact that roughly 90% of Americans eat more sodium than is recommended for a healthy diet. As part of this program, communities are working within multiple settings such as government agencies, hospitals, schools and restaurants to reduce sodium consumption by increasing the availability of lower sodium products. Presenters will highlight how evaluation is being used to expand what is known about public health policy, systems, and environmental change related to sodium reduction interventions. This presentation will describe how evaluation occurs in complex environments and how evaluators play important roles in building healthier communities.#2012Conference #HealthEvaluation