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Consider framing the public health problem in your priority population from a disparity/equity perspective. Numbers speak volumes (but be careful not to sensationalize the problem using emotionally charged language);
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While you are not required to include primary data in reviewing the literature/establishing the need for a program, if you have access to them (e.g., an agency’s records), feel free to add them. An effective needs assessment often includes both primary/secondary data on both the distribution and determinants of a health problem in a population;
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Please remember that you are not proposing an actual program at this point. The purpose of this assignment/exercise is to illustrate to your reader that there is an actual need/rationale to address a health problem in a community—your purpose statement should sum this up nicely;
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A major concern among decision-makers (particularly grant-makers) is the duplication of services. Thus, you should consider the existing community health programming prioritizing both your public health problem and population/community. In essence, your eventual proposed program should address unmet need in a unique way (to avoid duplication of services). This will bolster the rationale in your eventual grant proposal and make your program unique both in terms of addressing gaps in services/programming and community need, and how you propose to address these needs
Clearly includes national, state, city, and local data relevant to the health status/public health problem (illustrating the distribution of the health problem).
Describes the priority population with key demographic statistics from appropriate sources (e.g., community characteristics that are relevant and connected to the public health problem).
Appropriate assessment of the priority population performed (identifying secondary data on the most important and most changeable determinants from a community health perspective) ; gives unbiased description of the population’s actual needs; needs can be likely address using community health approaches. Socially just approaches are used in the exploration and explanation of the data.
Rubric
Clearly describes existing community services and service gaps for health issue. Clearly highlights at least 3 relevant programming studies that relate to the topic and/or potential populations.
Includes a purpose statement which is the final sentence (or two) of the needs assessment. The statement provides clear and logical parameters regarding whom and what a potential program might address (but does not give specific details about programming). The purpose statement exhibits cultural responsiveness.
references current (no earlier than 2019).