MAPP Handbook - The National Association of County and City ...

Forces of Change Assessment:
During this assessment, participants answer the following questions: “What is occurring
or might occur that affects the health of our community or the local public health system?”
and “What specific threats or opportunities are generated by these occurrences?” The
Forces of Change assessment results in a comprehensive, but focused, list that
identifies key forces and describes their impacts.
The Core Planning Team performed the Forces of Change Assessment during its
meeting on June 25, 2002. To complete the assessment, a professional facilitator led the
team in a brainstorming session that resulted in a matrix of “Forces” that affect the
community. The “Forces” were listed as either: Events, Factors, or Trends. In addition,
the Core Planning Team identified opportunities and threats for each of the “Forces”
identified. The matrix of “Forces” can be viewed online at
www.sanantonio.gov/health/mapp/Forces%20of%20Change%20Assessment.xls
Local Public Health System Assessment (LPHSA):
This assessment answers the questions, “What are the components, activities,
competencies, and capacities of our local public health system?” and “How are essential public
health services being provided to our community?” It focuses on the local public health
system- all organizations and entities within the community that contribute to the
public’s health.
The Core Planning Team chose to use the National Public Health Performance
Standards Survey (NPHPSS) to complete the LPHSA. This extensive questionnaire was
developed by the Public Health Practice Program Office of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. Beginning in July 2002, 30 “key informants” from various local
health agencies were asked to assist in completing the survey. The Core Planning team
organized a series of work-sessions to complete each section of the NPHPSS, and
invited key informants to participate in the work sessions as appropriate. Once the
survey was completed it was submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention for analysis. The report can be viewed online at
www.sanantonio.gov/health/mapp/Local%20PH%20System%20Assessment%20Analysis%
20from%20CDC.pdf
Community Themes and Strength Assessment:
This assessment answers the questions: “What health and health-related issues are
important to our community?”, “How is the quality of life perceived in our community?”, and
“What assets do we have that can be used to improve community health?” During this
phase, community thoughts, opinions, and concerns are gathered, providing insight into
the issues of importance to the community. Feedback about quality of life in the
community and community assets is also gathered. This information leads to a portrait
of the community as seen through the eyes of the residents.
The MAPP tool provides two short surveys for this assessment. One focuses on
community health and the other solicits input on quality of life. These were combined
into a brief (28 question) survey that was distributed throughout the community.
Responses were obtained from residents who attended community meetings, health
fairs and similar venues. Also, the survey was mailed to contact persons of
neighborhood associations.
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