What are examples of factors that contribute to an effective community health assessment?
New York State recently embarked on work in this area that will occur during the next three years; however, preliminary work conducted in the state of Washington identified the following characteristics that are critical in making community health assessment practice an effective ingredient in achieving the goal of the local health jurisdiction: • Leadership and vision are essential. • LHJ directors should have an expansive vision of public health and the role of the community in achieving it. • Directors need to view assessment as a core function. • The health officer must be engaged in the assessment function. • The board of health makes a key contribution. • The community is a powerful partner in achieving health goals. • A community-based stakeholder group should be present and active. These groups are invested in public health concerns and bring an additional and separate voice to local public health problems. The size, structure, and composition of these groups vary – the key is
