A community health assessment is the foundation for improving and promoting the health of community members. The role of a community assessment is to identify factors that affect the health of a population and determine the availability of resources within the community to adequately address these factors. Through collaborative efforts forged among community leaders, public health agencies, businesses, hospitals, private practitioners, and academic centers (to name a few), the community can begin to answer key questions such as (a) “What are the strengths in our community?” (b) “What health concerns do community members have?” and (c) “What resources are available and what do we need in the community to address these concerns?”

A community health assessment is a process by which community members gain an understanding of the health, concerns, and health care systems of the community by identifying, collecting, analyzing, and disseminating information on community assets, strengths, resources, and needs. A community health assessment usually culminates in a report or presentation that includes information about the health of the community as it is today and about the community’s capacity to improve the lives of residents. The assessment can provide the basis for discussion and action.