Rural Project Examples: Needs assessment methods and resources

HealthStreet Cognitive Screening Project

Updated/reviewed March 2026

• Need: Because early identification can impact the health and well-being outcomes of those with memory conditions, Florida's rural populations would benefit from access to screening followed by specialty referral for Alzheimer's Disease and other dementia types.
• Intervention: A state university used a state health department grant to develop a cognitive impairment screening program in rural Florida areas that was administered by Community Health Workers. An additional grant provided rural primary care clinicians with a free online continuing education module covering cognitive impairment and dementia.
• Results: At project completion, Community Health Workers had engaged nearly 600 participants to participate in health screenings and cognitive assessments, making about 1,300 referrals to community social and medical services.