Recorded presentation

Alex Charleston, Assessment Initiative Project, CDC, 4770 Buford Highway, MS K-74, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-8384, aac4@cdc.gov

The economics of today’s public health environment mandate that health officials effectively use their budgets to maximize the impact on priority health issues in their community. The core public health function of assessment includes collection, analysis, and dissemination of information so that agencies are better able to define health priorities and focus on the most efficient options to address them.

The Assessment Initiative is a cooperative program between the CDC and state health departments that supports the development of innovative systems and methods to improve the way data is used to inform public health decisions and policy. Now in its third 5-year funding cycle, the Assessment Initiative serves as a “test-bed” for the development or modification of practical assessment resources and approaches, taking into consideration the unique organizational structures and needs of different states.

Community health assessment practice is one of three Assessment Initiative focus areas supporting work in four states. Supported by the Assessment Initiative, New York has strengthened its assessment capability through a series of innovative trainings on key competencies for assessment and continues to develop a web-based clearinghouse of resources. Florida is working toward statewide implementation and evaluation of the Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) approach. New Mexico’s uniquely diverse population led to their emphasis on building assessment capacity among tribal communities, and Washington has begun to identify and analyze factors that contribute to successful community health assessment, irrespective of the tools used by local health jurisdictions.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, a participant will be

• Familiar with the CDC's Assessment Initiative program, and
• Learn about the innovative ways states participating in the Assessment Iniative have supported community health assessments.

Keywords: Assessments, Community Health Assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation