Background: The City of Fort Worth Public Health Department conducted a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) survey in 1998. The CNA provided otherwise unavailable health information on the citizens of Fort Worth and increased the visibility of the Health Department as a community resource. In the summer of 1999, the pastor of a largely Hispanic community requested Health Department services to assess the health status of his medically underserved congregation. Methods: A brief, bilingual health survey was administered to the congregation and analyzed by the Health Department Epidemiology Section. The results indicated that approximately 23 percent of households reported having at least one diabetic family member, and approximately 47 percent of households reported having no health insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare. Consequently, the Health Department Outreach Team provided health education and a health fair for the community. These included health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, child well checks, dental services, HIV, bone marrow and child bicycle safety programs. Results: The health services were very well received by the community. Approximately 100 people received diabetes screening and education, and physician referrals and follow-ups were provided. Approximately 83 people received blood pressure screening. Preliminary evaluation of the health fair shows that approximately 91 percent of participants felt that their health questions were answered. Conclusions: Community needs assessments are excellent tools for assessing health needs and identifying underserved communities. However, assessments are only effective when they give rise to action, whereby services are provided to disenfranchised populations in order to eliminate health disparities.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the benefits of a community needs assessment as it relates to helping individuals and organizations identify available resources. 2. Discuss the relationship between assessment data, identification of disenfranchised populations, and services planning in order to address health needs and disparities. 3. Recognize the need for action in order to reinforce the usefulness and benefit of a community needs assessment
Keywords: Assessments, Community Outreach
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: City of Fort Worth Public Health Department
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment