Assessment Guides
Assessment Toolkit: AssessNow is a web-based learning resources and information clearinghouse for public health staff working in community health assessment in Washington State.
Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health: The framework guides public health professionals in their use of program evaluation. It is a practical, nonprescriptive tool, designed to summarize and organize essential elements of program evaluation. The framework comprises steps in program evaluation practice and standards for effective program evaluation. Understanding and applying the elements of this framework can be a driving force for planning effective public health strategies, improving existing programs, and demonstrating the results of resource investments.
Healthy People 2010 Toolkit: The Toolkit provides guidance, technical tools, and resources to help state, territories and tribes develop and promote state-specific Healthy People 2010 plans. The web version has links to Healthy People 2010 web pages, up-to-date listings of Healthy People contacts at the federal, and state levels.
State Healthy People 2010 Tool Library: An online peer resource center that has materials on how states are using HP2010 toolkit.
Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP): MAPP is a community-wide strategic planning tool for improving community health developed by National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) in partnership with CDC. It builds on information learned from Assessment Protocol for Excellence in Public Health (APEXPH), a internal organizational assessment tool for local health departments.
Maryland School Improvement Project: An excellent resource for school assessment and community planners. It includes a 10-step process developed by the Maryland School Department of Education.
North Carolina Community Assessment 2000 Guidebook: A 300-page resource document in 'pdf format' for county health departments and community organizations that provides guidelines on determining health status of residents, establishing priorities for improving health, developing effective interventions, and evaluating the impact of public health programs and policies.
Planned Approach to Community Health (PATCH): Developed in the mid-1980s by CDC with community partners, it specifies that health promotion is the process of enabling people to increase control over their health, and to improve their health. To plan effective strategies, each community must go through its own process of assessing needs, setting priorities, formulating solutions and owning programs. A key strategy is to encourage linkages within the community and between organizations that can provide data, resources and consultation.
PreventionDSS: A resource developed by Center for Substance Abuse and Prevention (CSAP) applies the Logic Model to assist state and communities use effective scientific methods and programs for substance abuse provention. Has web-based project management tools, tutorials and leads users through steps in program planning and management.
Putting the Pieces Together:Comprehensive School-Linked Strategies for Children and Families: This site and guidebook provides practical information on conducting assessments as well as building and maintaining collaborations, developing resources, and planning and implemented programs. Though its focus is on school-based strategies, the information may be adapted to community environments.