Module 1: Creating a Program: Where to Begin
Building a rural community health program begins with collecting information about the community’s needs and challenges, and the factors that affect the population’s health.
A needs assessment can help to identify the most important issue(s) to the community, such as preventing childhood obesity or treating substance abuse. Many organizations may be involved in this process. This information can be used to develop goals and set priorities, and identify the types of resources that will be needed to create a program.
This module describes each of these steps and offers information that can help rural communities to create a program.