2012 AEA presentation Presentation Abstract: In emerging public health fields, responsive evaluation is the cornerstone of building practice-based evidence. This presentation explores the use of a case study approach to capture the complexities of community environments related to sodium reduction efforts. Sodium reduction was identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an important public health goal due to the relationship between high sodium intake and high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Communities are implementing sodium reduction strategies in schools, worksites, restaurants, grocery stores, and hospitals. The intersection of emerging efforts in these community settings with political and environmental factors shaped an evaluation approach where stakeholder relationships are nurtured and maintained and findings are regularly communicated. Using this approach, the Division for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention can identify relevant evidence that can inform public health policy and practice in this emerging field.#2012Conference #HealthEvaluation