Assessment Tools
Assessment is the process of collecting and analyzing data and information about your community. It is an essential first step in planning your work, and it should also be an ongoing process. From an assessment, you will have a better understanding of the strengths, needs and resources present in your community. Assessments can take many forms and can vary in complexity and cost, but it is important to remember that all groups can and should do some form of assessment.
Assessment resources developed by the RCHC:
- A List of Health Indicators: This document has a list of indicators, or things that can be measured that help paint a picture of the health of your community. Download it by clicking here.
- Websites with Publicly Available Data Sources: This document provides weblinks and brief descriptions of free, publically available data sources, such as Census data, health data, and educational achievement data. It was originally developed by the Institute for Community Health, and it was adapted and added to by the Regional Center. Download it by clicking here.
- A Phased Approach to Community Assessment provides on basic approach to communtiy health assessment. This process should be adapted and strengthened to suit your local interests. Download it by clicking here.
Assessment resources available in our library:
- From needs assessment to action: transforming needs into solution strategies, 2000 (Book)
- Training needs assessment : models, tools, and techniques, 2006 (Book)
Assessment resources on the web:
- The National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute has many resources, including a free downloadable primer on assessment. See: http://www.coalitioninstitute.org/SPF_Elements/Assessment/AssessmentHome.asp
- The Association for Community Health Improvement (ACHI) has a Community Health Assessment Toolkit on its website (membership required). See: www.assesstoolkit.org
- The Kansas University Community Tool Box (ctb.ku.edu) has many free resources and guides for community organizing. See their assessment resources at: http://ctb.ku.edu/en/tablecontents/chapter_1003.htm
- RAND's guide, Getting to Outcomes, has a chapter devoted to assessment. To download the free guide, see: http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR101/
- The Metropolitan Area Planning Council's Metrofuture Summary is a great plan informed by a community assessment.